The Marine Venues, adjacent to The Marina Club in DHA Phase VIII, Karachi, shimmered under the spotlight on Saturday evening, August 16, 2525, as RUNWAY SS’25 brought together Pakistan’s fashion elite, industry veterans, style connoisseurs, and cultural icons for a night of creativity, courage, and couture. Presented by Infini Events and supported by The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, the showcase was an unforgettable intersection of fashion, philanthropy, and performance art.
Fashion with a Cause: Depilex Smileagain Foundation x Zubair Shah
One of the most moving moments of the evening came when Masarrat Misbah of the Depilex Smileagain Foundation, in collaboration with designer Zubair Shah, highlighted the resilience of acid burn survivors. In a profoundly symbolic segment, professional models walked hand-in-hand with survivors, dressed in couture pieces, as the audience gave a standing ovation to their bravery. The segment concluded with Misbah’s heartfelt address and a touching show reel, reminding the audience of fashion’s power as a medium for social impact.
A Poetic Tribute: Sheema Kermani’s Kathak to Faiz
The legendary Sheema Kermani mesmerized audiences with a soulful Kathak performance to Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s Dasht-e-Tanhai, accompanied by the haunting strains of Ustad Vilayat Hussain and Ustad Shafiullah. The act served as an ode to members of the showbiz fraternity lost in the past year, leaving the audience awestruck by the depth of expression and artistry.
Dance, Music & Contemporary Artistry
The NAPA dance group—Naina Khan, Yoshua Hussain, and Shahzore Akhtar—electrified the stage with a contemporary interpretation of Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan’s Khamaj. Their fluidity and grace held the audience spellbound. Meanwhile, singer Syed Hasaan enthralled with soulful renditions of popular numbers, with encores demanded by a captivated crowd.
Fashion Highlights: Couture Meets Innovation
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Mahi’s Couture Collection: A 45-piece spectacle featuring intricate embroidery, gem tones, and a mix of eastern, fusion, and western silhouettes. Actress Zahrah Raza stunned as the showstopper, embodying regal elegance.
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Mahi’s Casual Line: Free-flowing corsets and laidback chic tailored for the smart, youthful, fashion-forward crowd.
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MITE Fashion Students: Bold and experimental designs crafted from organic textures, dried fruit peels, and urban social influences. The segment culminated with trans rights activist Kami Chaudhry walking as the showstopper, earning resounding applause.
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Ramsha Bilal’s Bridal Debut: Under Rose Salon’s artistry, Ramsha unveiled a trousseau collection drenched in luxury and opulence, paired with fresh, flowy bridal styling.
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K. Yousuf’s Heirloom Collection: Exquisite bridal ensembles with semi-precious embellishments and inspirations drawn from Pukhtun culture, rich in vibrancy and tradition.
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Lubna Mudassir: Closing with signature heavy formals in jewel, matte, and metallic tones, balancing experimental cuts with timeless traditional elements.
Backbone of the Show
RUNWAY SS’25 was choreographed by Neera, directed by Aliya Sattar, and supported by a strong lineup of partners: Hum TV (Digital Media), Smokey-Os (Food), Eight Water (Hydration), Rose Salon (Hair & Makeup), Marine Venues (Venue), and Irfanistan (Social Media).
The Verdict
RUNWAY SS’25 wasn’t just a showcase of Pakistan’s finest couture; it was a celebration of resilience, diversity, and artistic excellence. With survivors, activists, classical maestros, and young talent sharing the same stage, the event reaffirmed that fashion is at its most powerful when it reflects society, amplifies voices, and inspires change.
