LAHORE: The annual windows into the world of glitz and glamour featuring latest bridal fashion trends swung open on Friday to the audience for the most sought-after bridal extravaganza, the three-day Hum Bridal Couture Week.

The first day of the 20th edition of the fashion week, being held at a local hotel, featured a star-studded line-up of celebrities as show-stoppers for various brands and designers. Over the three days of the event 26 designers would be showcasing their bridal best on the runway.

‘Show One’ of the bridal extravaganza kicked off with Fahad Hussayn’s spring/summer 2023 collection, ‘Ghar, Gharasti, Gehnay’, in collaboration with Wahab Shah Dance Company. The showcase was a revolutionary bridal interpretation with the brand’s signature artistry, intricate detailing and the label’s signature finishing under an exquisite design of novelty couture portraying decadence and opulence. This was followed by Haris Shakeel’s ‘XYZ’ in romantic hues for the charismatic classic bride.

Next up was designer duo Deepak & Fahad’s ‘Jashn-i-Zindagi’, which encompassed the experimental and innovative approach that the brand is known for, followed by Shoaib Ismail’s ‘Shehar Bano’ inspired by the magnificence of a royal family and paying homage to the grace and charm of Shehar Bano, the daughter of Ali Adil Shah. Designer Ali Haider was next with his modern collection ‘Bazgha’ -- a true exploration of the rich culture and craftsmanship unique to Pakistan.

‘Show Two’ of the first day commenced with Kanwal Malik’s ‘Mehrunisa’, a collection crafted with luxurious materials and embellishment techniques that were a perfect blend of skillful artistry and workmanship.

Next, designer Munib Nawaz showcased his collection ‘Untitled’, a tribute to everything unfinished, undone, yet perfect. ReemaAhsan was next to showcase her collection ‘Ishq’, embodying the concept of “love” with the collection’s enchanting silhouettes.

The first day of the fashion week drew to an end with Zonia Anwaar’s ‘Maysa’, featuring traditional bridal couture along with a newly launched menswear segment. Colours and silhouettes were fresh, youthful, vibrant, and perfect for any occasion during the wedding festivities.

The show featured an amazing line-up of celebrities show-stopping for the showcasing designers --Saboor Aly, Ali Grehen, Risham Faiz Bhutta, singers Hassan and Rahim and Wahab Shah for Fahad Hussayn. Minal Khan walked for Haris Shakeel, while Hareem Farooq and singer Sehar Gul graced the ramp for Shoaib Ismail. Designer Ali Haider brought Sadaf Kanwal and Saad Qureshi as his show-stoppers whereas actress Ayeza Khan walked the ramp for Kanwal Malik. Kubra Khan added allure to Reema Ahsan’s collection whereas singer QB and supermodel Mehreen Syed walked the ramp for Zonia Anwaar.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2022