The most opulent and highest-profile bridal event in Pakistan ‘Pantene HUM Bridal Couture Week 2021 (PHBCW)’ kicked off in style in the City of Gardens on Friday. One can’t deny the fact PHBCW has been a force to reckon with. Over the years, the event has played a vital role in strategically repositioning Pakistani bridal fashion in the global fashion economy. It’s a perfect platform for top designers in Pakistan, couture lovers, influential individuals, buyers, celebrities and socialites to establish their brands. The bridal couture week give us a vision and help us decide what to wear on our big day or choose the best looks for the shaadi season.
We at Fashion Times Magazine bring you coverage of the three-day event. You can scroll at our Instagram for all the live and glamorous updates. Now it’s time to give you a rundown of what happened on Day 1. The 19th edition of the Bridal Couture Week 2021 extravaganza showcased a deluge of 10 designers, celebrity showstoppers and songs on the catwalk. Let’s check out which designer collection worked for us and which didn’t.
Saira Rizwan
Day 1 began with Saira Rizwan’s ย Illiana Fall Couture 2021 inspired by impressionist observations. The collection embodied Rizwan’s vision of nature’s unspoken imperatives of taste and conscience through silhouettes. The diverse color palette comprised of eye-catching pastels. There was plenty of bling, color, brands signature embroidery, beadwork, and embellishments. The formal dresses and gowns were decked with silver threads, beads and gold. We were truly smitten by Illiana Fall Couture 2021. We must say Sonya Hussyn pretty looks were enhanced in her turn as showstopper for Saira Rizwan.
Diners – Bridal Couture Week 2021
The glamorous luxury collection by Diners was perfect for a hip wedding groom. The shawls, turbans with rich jamawar, rawsilk and embroidered fabrics added a dash of style without being OTT. More than anything else, Diner’s rich color palettes caught our attention: verses as embellishments to adorn classic eastern wear with a smattering of smart sherwanis, waistcoats and short jackets. The brand has a strong client base and with this collection, we feel Diners will only strengthen it further.
Haris Shakeel
Speaking of beautiful clothes, the one name that pops in our mind is an act by Haris Shakeel. His collection ‘Ghazal’ ran the gamut of multicolors with techniques such as gota work laid out in pretty patterns. It took us to the old-world charm and represented the festivities of our culture. Some of the designs did go into an overdose of heavy embroidery. Having said that, the customers still prefer heavy-duty wedding wear, even if we don’t. Nimra Khan looked bewitching as the show stopper.
Uniworth
Uniworth has been defining fashion rules for five decades. Their collection ‘The Gentleman’s League’ featured menswear that was laudably neat and stylish. It paid tribute to the modern-day self-made men with a more sophisticated taste. Catching our eyes were the formal and ethnic statement pieces that are bound to boost the confidence of the wearer. The brand choose its show stopper well. Singer Bilal Khan and veteran actor Saleem Sheikh can always get the crowd cheering.
Alishba & Nabeel
Alishba and Nabeel’s ‘Lavyana’ failed to make a lasting impression. The color palettes may have impressed their customers but not the ramp. The collection would have fared better if it would have offered some variety than just the floor-length outfits. The ensemble worn by the show stoppers were the saving grace. Also, Junaid Khan and Mansha Pasha made a beautiful show-stopping pair.
Rici Melion East
The collection ‘Bachpan Ka Khawab’ was a pretty ode to childhood memories. It honored the brand’s quintessential craftsmanship and local artisan as it depicted the rich presentation of artisanship through pattern and color. The brand moved towards an unconventional territory of old-age craftsmanship with striking colors and intricate detailing. We strongly feel that a simpler design makes an outfit beautiful. Too many layers of textures can make it overbearing. Actress Noor Zafar Khan walked out as showstopper very charmingly.
FAS Design Studio
FAS Design Studio’s Manzil-e-shauq represented the modern-day bride and groom who are sure of what to wear on their big day. It offered a variety like bridal lehnga choli, maxi, groom sherwani and waistcoats. Perhaps the embroidery could have been more innovative. Neater cuts could have helped. The outfit worn by Mehreen Syedโs ensemble caught our attention amongst the many multicolored clothes. Minal Khan dazzled as the showstopper. Singer Ehtesham entertained the crowd with his soulful voice.
Almirah
Almirah has a restrained take on bold and ornamental motifs, modern cuts, hues, and distinctive patterns to break the monotony. The collection was a combination of 16 diverse pieces representing the design movements of East and West. The Baroque art movement of Europe and Mughal Art of the subcontinent came across as organic at the ramp. The fabrics used were sheer, lightweight, and textured to bring airiness into the pieces and break away from the stiffness of the structure. Right from kurtas, waistcoats, prince coats to sherwanis, the Almirah collection was a welcoming change. Bilal Abbas Khan as the showstopper looked dapper and flashed a handsome smile.
Abeera Usman
The magical collection Mirha was undeniably immaculate. The best of the evening for us. Long floral shirts with golden and silver hues whirled neatly over the outfits. The detailed exquisite handwork, flourish fabrics and ornament motifs were eye-catching. The appealing colors made this collection unique. Worn by celebrity show stopper Ramsha Khan, this silver dress reeks of pure class.
House of Arsalan Iqbal
The festive collection ‘Tahayyur-e-Ishq’ by the House of Arsalan embodied the essence of wonderment in love and ordinary and simple things turning into the fantastical elements of allure. The brand signature embroidery was widely used on voluminous skirts with peplum styled blouse, light weight dupattas, shawls and slim fitted sherwanis. It was quite shocking to see the peplum resurfacing. We thought this trend had died down but sadly didnโt. On the whole the collection was quite apt.
Stay tuned to Fashion Times Magazine for the detailed review of Day 2.
