KARACHI: Day two of the 4th International Textile and Leather exhibition (TEXPO) fashion show organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) kicked off at the Expo Centre in Karachi on Saturday afternoon.

The second day offered collections by designers and design houses such as Shamaeel Ansari, Meme, Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture (IVS), Almirah, The Pink Tree Company, Sanam Chaudhri, Parishae Adnan, Diners, Textile Institute of Pakistan (TIP), Spartan Athletics and Ali Xeeshan.

Shamaeel Ansari opened the show with ‘Western Elegance: The Fusion of Cultures’, a world of elegance and sophistication embodied in elegant silhouettes and intricate embroideries. The oriental-inspired motifs and embroideries were in a class of their own, and denoted intricate and detailed needlework and an even more sophisticated thought-process that went into creating the spectacular collection that fused different cultures of the world.

Shamaeel’s presentation was followed by Meme’s fashion retail concept ‘Streets of Barcelona’ that seemed like an experiment in an attempt to connect the brand with independent, young men and women.

Several designers and design houses showcase their collections at second day of TEXPO fashion show

Students of the IVS explored various patterns of sustainability, ranging from zero waste pattern to denim deconstruction, and then all the way to reviving cultural surface treatments. The cuts and silhouettes spoke of minimum waste and accentuated sustainability.

Almirah’s ‘Boho Chic’ was a harmonious fusion of boho and modern sensibilities in menswear and very safe for the average male seeking to wear his style on his sleeve, and to flaunt it with flair.

The Pink Tree Company showed children’s sketches and doodles in vibrant neon prints and western cuts with understated bling in a monochrome embroidered collection denoting flora and flora.

Sanam Chaudhri presented ‘Resort 23’ which the designer described as ‘a love letter to her student self’; when she was introduced to the techniques of clamp and resist dyeing, a process that has held its charm for its rustic purity. She showed campy jumpsuits, side slits on structured tunics, slit long skirts with short tops in classic resort hues in classic earth tones.

Parishae Adnan’s ‘Anatomy of Power’ was inspired by a 1983 study on the dynamics of social power by John Kenneth Galbraith. It showcased extreme styling and a collection seeped in muted earthy tones that bordered on somewhat sensible eccentricities. Overall, beautifully conceived and flawlessly executed. A sari worn by the showstopper in green mesh fabric stood out notably.

Diners showcased a very wearable and safe menswear collection that had its limited moments of brilliance, such as a tea pink jacket worn by model Hasnain Lehri.

TIP showcased its western collection ‘Ethnic Subcontinent’ based on the history of clothing that can be traced all the way back to the Indus Valley civilisation. Highly experimental with too many misses than hits.

Spartan Athletics presented knitwear sports apparel and gym wear for both sexes with neon quilted jackets, hoodies and tank tops with cricketer Shoaib Malik as the showstopper.

Ali Xeeshan closed day two of the TEXPO fashion show with a sustainable high street collection featuring recycled materials and cotton fabric titled ‘Redefining Fashion in Pakistan’. Appliqué silver stars and hearts outlined in bling, and gold mesh borders defined his signature style aesthetics. Monochrome prints also weaved their way into the presentation besides figurine prints and select bridal wear.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2023