the asian fashion journal

11th July 2013

Here’s a re-blog of my latest guest blog post for Vogue.In on the recent Pakistan Fashion Week in London…..

Blogger Nina Patel highlights noteworthy designers from a sea of rich velvets and Mughal craftsmanship at a recent showcase of Pakistani fashion

Over here in the U.K. access to Asian designer wear is limited. There are a handful of boutiques in London and some one-off fashion events throughout the year. One summer event that’s become a popular fixture is Riwayat presents Pakistan Fashion Week — a two day shopping and catwalk event in June which brings to London some of the biggest names in Pakistani fashion.

This year the designer line-up was impressive and many were showcasing brand new collections, so I made sure I was there for all the shows.

NAUMAN AFREEN

I loved this peach Pakistani/Western silhouette at Nauman Afreen. Image: Shahid Malik

Me with Nauman Afreen. Image: Shahid Malik

RIZWAN AHMED

Rizwan Ahmed’s collection was another highlight. I talked to Rizwan about his inspirations for this collection.

“My theme and title for this collection is pastels and the inspiration is a woman living here in the U.K. Summer’s here in U.K. and I thought to do something soft but very elegant. It’s flowy, it’s a lot of volume and the colours remain pastel,” says Rizwan.

I asked Rizwan how important it is for him to show in London.

“I’ve been associated with them [Riwayat] since PFW2, then PFW3, I did Alchemy, I did the trunk show and this is the fourth time. I have hopes here, I have fans, I have customers and I have clientele waiting for the new collection to be revealed. I am the only competition to myself,” says the designer.

Below are the highlights of his show.

RANA NOMAN

Rana Noman’s collection was my favourite. There was an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and detailing which I found more refined and striking than some of the other bling-tastic collections.

I asked Rana about his inspiration.

“My collection for PFW4 is Naksh Kari which is inspired by the artisanal work done during the Mughal era, in the architecture, patterns, the textiles prints, the kalamkari, the colours, the fabrics that were used. It’s mixing together the old and making it into something appropriate for nowadays,” he says.

All ramp images courtesy Shahid Malik.

JEWELLED PAKISTANI ORNAMENTS

In between shows I went backstage with my camera to get close-ups of show accessories and embroidery techniques.

I found beautiful ethnic jewellery, hair ornamentation and hats.

Designer Rana Noman helping designer Sara Rohael Asghar dress one of her models.

All backstage images by Nina Patel.

All ramp images courtesy Shahid Malik.

Nina Patel is author of the The Asian Fashion Journal fashion blog, her day job is as a high street womenswear designer in London.

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