LAHORE: With six ‘successful’ pret shows so far (nine if you count the bridal shows held in October every year), the Pakistan Fashion Design Council is doing great so far.

The four-day 7th PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week got under way at the Expo Centre on Thursday evening, with textile shows and high-street fashion wear and a short press moot held by the Council office-bearers Sehyr Saigol and Saad Ali to reflect on their past successes and plans ahead.

Back to the show, Mohsin Ali opened Act One of Day One with a collection that was white and wacky.

Frilly, lace-y with varied cuts gave an edge to the outfits paraded on the ramp by the gorgeous models some of whom were draped in yolk yellow as well. Some shock value added to the overall appeal of the designer’s wares which remained true and loyal to his name and trademark fashion aesthetics.

Another council favourite, designer duo Nickie Nina showed Kacha Tanka, earth tones fused with more basic colours and polished off with minimal embellishments but mostly prints in silk, chiffon and other fine fabrics. Lace is also in as it has been over the duration of quite a few shows over the years and from the looks of things, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

Doodle prints, ethnic impressions, sequins, a more rustic weave besides silk defined Sania Maskatiya’s fabulous collection in experimental cuts titled Kuamka: Awakening about the spirit of Africa.

But what made stylist sit up and take notice was her menswear that bears her strong signature and held its own against her more successful women’s wear. To say the designer has finally arrived in menswear would be an understatement.

The last segment of Day One scheduled after an extended break featured the Bank Alfalah Rising Talent Show comprising five emerging designers, Arsalan Iqbal and Ali Xeeshan Theatre Studio.

The PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2014 is being styled by Nabila’s and N-Gents, show production by HSY Events and media and PR management by Lotus.

Day Two will showcase the works of designers Beech Tree, Arooj Ahmed, Kayseria Pret, Shehla Chatoor, Teena by Hina Butt, Deepak Perwani, Muse and Elan.

Day Three will feature Generation, Roodaba Omar, Bareeze Man, Gul Ahmed, Fahad Hussayn, Republic by Omar Farooq, Body Focus Museum, Maria B., Nida Azwer and Karma Pink.

Day Four has Five Star Textile Limited, Warda Prints, Nimsay by Nimra Textiles, Lakhany Silk Mills, Rizwan Beyg, Zara Shahjehan, Saira Shakira, Khaadi Khaas, Akif Mahmood and finally HSY.