The fashion industry of Pakistan is full of glitz and glamour that one sees on the surface, in reality, it is a high-pressure job and a cutthroat industry where it is important to work hard and smart to carve a niche for yourself. One such designer is Parishae Adnan on a mission to break stereotypes to reach greater heights of success like her parents Aamir and Huma Adnan. Parishae Adnan recently showcased her Spring/Summer 2023 collection ‘Ahankara – Evolution of Ego’ with a couture show at the seaside.
‘Ahankara’ refers to the evolution of ego used to depict the veil between reality and perceived reality as it relates to womanhood and femininity in society. The collection was a celebration of fashion and sustainability that has evolved over the years and continues to do so with the changing times. It aims to break the perception of oneself that society instills, an ego death must be achieved: La Petite Mort. It is then that the core self can evolve into anything it wishes to be. This collection reimagines pieces, adding value along the way and tearing them apart to create entirely new pieces that are true to the brands design philosophy: to construct well-tailored garments that last a lifetime.
‘Ahankara’ is a sustainable collection and the designer uses fabrication that comes from upcycled shawls and garments, representing divinity within femininity. It is embellished with recycled plastic, PVC, metal, mirrors, and glass to juxtapose the movement and delicacy in the textiles with structure. Consisting of 25 beautiful looks, Adnan makes use of recycled steel for the blouse whereas the Saris are an amalgamation of print and paint, a hint of gold splattered across the fabric.
Parishae has dedicated ‘Ahankara’ to her mother as she has been an inspiration and the force behind her strong aesthetics making her the person she is today. Talking about the collection, Parishae said, “There is a difference between rules and tradition, one must be extremely well versed in the rules before attempting to break or bend them. Fashion today is rigid and a little biased. The goal is to be able to push past the boundaries of the society while maintaining the tradition.”
Parishae Adnan’s ‘Ahankara – Evolution of Ego’ Spring/Summer 2023 collection is certainly an inspiration for the fashion industry.
