Humza Meer

Keeping a healthy relationship between traditional and contemporary designs has always been a hard struggle for Pakistani designers. Balancing both concepts even harder. Some designers shamelessly play it safe and stick to their strengths because for them marketability and retail presence comes first. While others take risks that often cause collision of the two concepts. Then there are some designers that somehow master the game and manage to hit the right note. A good designer, at least for me, is someone that revives tradition in the contemporary context. Below are some trends from Fashion Pakistan Week, 2015 Winter/Festive season that exemplify this proposition. 

1) Women’s Sherwani: For someone who doesn’t believe in binaries, it was a moment of joy to see Zaheer Abbas embrace androgyny in the shape of women’s sherwani. Now women’s sherwani isn’t a new concept, but I always give a nod of approval to anyone that dares to blur gender lines. It has always been a wish of mine that more Pakistani designers explore androgynous fashion. Hopefully, this trend emerges as a strong one!

2) Velvet Pants: It has already been established that velvet is Pakistani designers’ favorite winter fabric. I mean it’s everywhere; from lehengas, sherwanis to shawls. But what caught my eye were these gorgeous velvet pants by Sana Safinaz. I can also see them being good separates for eastern silhouettes as well!

3) Belts: This is not a new trend and almost every designer at FPW had belted outfits in their collections. However, it is Faraz Manan that shows us just how diverse they can be when it comes to eastern and bridal wear. The really standout ones were belts over baggy or flared tunics. 

4) Culottes: one of my favorite trend for western wear because they are comfortable and chic, dressy yet casual and they can be rocked with traditional and modern outfits.

5) Cape Crop Top/Jackets: I gotta admit, capes are not my favorite and nor are crop tops. These are two trends that eastern and western designers just can’t seem to let go. However, I am all for the combination of these two trends!

6) Harem Pants/Dhoti Shalwar: Dress them up, dress them down; harem pants are versatile and comfy. Granted they may not be for everyone but they do add an edge to an outfit. And contrary to popular belief, harem pant is very much an eastern silhouette that fits perfectly in traditional styles.

7) Color of the season: I have been noticing dark purple pop up here and there this season in a lot of fall/winter collections and it has also emerged strong at FPW. It makes sense, it’s a cozy color that does make you feel warm and fuzzy inside!