The PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal Fashion Week took place from the 10th of October until the 12th and is our first introduction to the world of Pakistani fashion. This grand event was organized by the Pakistan Fashion Design Council, an organization based in Lahore. The council represents and promotes Pakistani designers, domestically and internationally. PFDC also organize PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week, which is one of Pakistan’s national fashion weeks.
You can understand my excitement when I received around 750 runway images from this three day fashion event; a chance to broaden my horizons! Pakistan is India’s neighboring country, but their relations have been strained by historical and political issues. The styles of clothing in India and Pakistan are similar, but definitely not the same. One defining factor is religion. The majority of Pakistan is Muslim. Clothing styles are therefore more modest and conservative than Indian clothing styles. Their style of dress is also influenced by other other ethnic clothing styles. Irani/Persian influences can also be seen. The Shalwar Kameez is the national dress for men and women in Pakistan. The kameez is a long tunic/shirt and the shalwar are loose pajama-like trousers. There are many different versions of this ensemble.
What I adore about the Pakistani bridal designs is that they are modest and ‘heavy’. It is not just a dress combined with a dupatta (scarf), but it looks like there are more layers of fabric involved and the heavy embroidery and deep colors that are used make the gowns look very ‘heavy’ and regal. In comparison to Indian styles, most Pakistani designers opt for calm and deep colors instead of bright neons. My favorite design of this bridal week is by Sonia Azhar. A navy blue gown combined with orange/red and heavily embroidered details. I am completely blown away by this ensemble, I am already dreaming about wearing this to my own wedding! (will need to find a husband first).
Other favorites from the runway are Asifa & Nabeel’s designs and the collections of Sana Safinaz, Zara Shahjahan, Deena Rahman and HSY. Without further ado, I want to show you some of my top picks from The PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal Fashion Week. Let us know which design or designer you like best.
ALL IMAGES BY: FAISAL FAROOQUI AND TEAM DRAGONFLY