Calling All Brides-to-Be: Pantene HUM Bridal Couture Week 2017 Has All the Inspiration You Need

Day 1

LAHORE: Pakistan fashion industry is emerging with the speed of light and the country’s numero uno general entertainment network, HUM Network Ltd. has been playing an important role in pushing fashion forward in Pakistan. HUM Network presented the 15th Edition of Pantene Bridal Couture Week, providing a platform for bringing the established and emerging couture designers of the country by rolling out the glamorous red carpet and runway.  The country’s biggest and most sought after three-day bridal fashion extravaganza, Pantene HUM Bridal Couture Week 2017 commenced here in the Mughal City of Gardens on December 8, 2017, presenting the latest and the best of Pakistani bridal trends by leading and burgeoning fashion designers on the catwalk. This year, the bridal extravaganza is styled by the renowned stylist Nabila and is choreographed by Vaneeza Ahmed Ali.

Show one of the bridal extravaganza kicked off with the classic collection of Fahad Hussayn’s ARTH Novelty Couture 17/18, followed by Mifrah’s collection inspired by the rich traditions, essence, cultures and heritage. Humayun Alamgir was the third to present his collection Poshak on the runway which was followed by Je Suis Belle by Reema Ahsan. Show one concluded with Aisha Imran’s Jahan Ara. Show 2 of PHBCW started with Faris by Ziggi Menswear, which was followed by MNR Design Studio’s Gulab Sandesh. Designer duo Deepak N Fahad were next to present their collection Shahtaabi on the Catwalk. Day 1 of three-day bridal extravaganza concluded with a bang in a special segment Classic 15, where the country’s top 15 couturiers presented a specially designed outfit each, including HSY, Karma, Elan, Saniya Maskatiya, House of Amir Adnan, Nida Azwer, Rana Noman, The House of Kamiar Rokni, Mahgul, Shamsha Hashwani, Nilofer Shahid, Farah Talib Aziz, Mehdi, Republic by Omar Farooq and Honey Waqar.

PHBCW, famous for adding allure to the runway with an illustrious list of showstoppers, had a star-studded line-up and power-packed performances on the first day; film star Shaan Shahid, Uzma Hassan and Mohib Mirza opened the show for Fahad Hussayn while Bilal Abbas walked the ramp for Humayun Alamgir with a special performance by Wali Hamid Khan. The charming Ahmed Ali and Mahen ur Hader show-stopped for Aisha Imran, whereas the stunning Sajal Aly and Aima Baig added allure to MNR’s collection. Dance maestro Wahab Shah added an extra flavour to the bridal drama with his impeccable Pantene segment performance, where the singing sensation Zoe Viccaji raised the entertainment quotient of the show with her upbeat performance. Last but not the least, the rising singer and actor Haroon Shahid performed in the Classic 15 segment.

Pantene HUM Bridal Couture Week 2017 is choreographed by Vaneeza Ahmed Ali, with backstage management by Muneera & Aamir of Production 021. Make up and styling is by N-Pro and N-Gents. All public relations operations and media liaison is carried out by the in-house PR team of HUM Network Limited along with show production and execution by the special projects and events team at HUM Network Limited. Jewellery partner for PHBCW is Hamna Aamir.

Sultana Siddiqui – President HUM Network Limited

My dream in life has been that in Pakistan our positive things in culture and arts should be highlighted in the world. Keeping this in mind HUM Network Ltd. is doing so many things including fashion shows. Our fashion industry with its exquisite stitch work and rich designs should be introduced around the globe and we have been successful in doing so through our channels which are seen in 65 countries. We have introduced our designers and models through our fashion shows that are conducted aesthetically. Media plays a very important role in projecting the images of a country and our purpose is to highlight the soft image of this wonderful nation which has so much potential and talent. Today in our 15^th edition of Pantene HUM Bridal Couture Week we are proud to continue this vision along with our recent addition of pret shows.

SPONSORS’ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The 15^th edition of the country’s biggest bridal extravaganza is presented by Pantene and brought to you by Master MoltyFoam. The show is refreshed by Aquafina and savoury partner is Lays. FM106.2 is the official radio partner whereas snack partner is TUC; Nestle Nido is associate partner and Pizza Hut the food partner.

DESIGNERS’ INSPIRATIONS

Fahad Hussayn Couture: Fahad Hussayn’s latest bridal collection ARTH Novelty Couture 17/18 is a tribute to the classical Indian movie Arth, and supports Pakistani cinema by collaborating with the Pakistani remake of the movie. The complete collection features exquisite couture creations, a wide range of signature bespoke menswear, shoes, belts and bridal clutches. The collection revolves around the old-world charms combined with modern aesthetics. 

The complete collection is completed with intricate silk thread embroideries, interlaced with delicate handwork of exquisite craftsmanship on custom nets, organza, tissue, chiffon and other exclusive surfaces, along with the design house hand painted and vintage revival prints. 

The collection features exclusive one-off cuts, hues and are designed with majestic detailing, combining the best elements from the world of art, architecture, and avant-garde.

Mifrah: Mifrah has made a mark amongst the fashion fraternity as a designer since her arrival on the fashion scene in 2001. Her designs are inspired by the rich traditions, essence, cultures and heritage, and are expertly transformed on rich fabrics. Her PHBCW collection is a fusion of soft hues, rich embellishments, sequins and pearls, maintaining a balance between traditional work and modern cuts.

Humayun Alamgir: Humayun Alamgir’s PHBCW collection Poshak is a combination of velvet and Banarasi barcode, and boasts a series of sophisticated and elegant designs that become the ultimate attire for a man. The sherwanis are trendy yet traditional and the exquisite suits give an aura of elegance and strong personality. Poshak serves the modern-day men who want to stay connected with their roots while maintaining contemporary trends, making their special moments magical.

Reema Ahsan: Je Suis Belle by Reema Ahsan reflects the true essence of the beauty of a bride. The collection comprises rich and unique hand-weaved fabrics harmoniously balanced with classic intricate motifs, simultaneously reflecting our cultural heritage and the defining moment of a young girl’s dream. Rich fabrics like velvet, tissue and brocades with hints of dabqa and gota are used to give an ethnic yet modern touch to the winter bride. The collection defines finesse and glamour with its combination of deep palettes and plush fabrics. JeSuis Belle is where tradition meets contemporary, where grace and elegance pay homage to fine craftsmanship with impeccable embroideries and silhouettes.

Aisha Imran: Jahan Ara is a celebration of contemporary textiles crafted into bridal and couture wedding ensembles for a modern-day woman. While the architecture of the Mughal era has inspired this collection, the style ethos reflects the sartorial choices of a woman who seeks a blend of fantasy, drama and functionality in bridal wear. 

Taking design inspirations from the vibrant heritage, old world luxury and reminiscent of the Mughal era, “Jahan Ara” is a mix of modern mystic matched with timeless tradition. The collection has been made using rich fabrics like raw silks with resham work, zardozi, tilla and kora dabka. 

The colour palette shuffles between soft neutrals to vibrant jewel tones adding a touch of old world luxury. “Jahan Ara” features a bold fusion of a wide range of contemporary bridal couture inspired by the Mughal world of art and architecture fused with modern design aesthetics.

Ziggi Menswear: Faris is a collection of rich suede, velvets, cottons and jerseys. The collection takes its inspiration from heroic patriotism, with special dedication to those who sacrifice their lives for their country. The name Faris means ‘A valiant knight’, and the collection takes a deep influence from military attire from the 16th century to the modern-day uniform. Looking at both eastern and western military dress code, the palette used in this collection is royal blue, deep maroon, olive and bottle green.  The embellishments and accessories are made to work seamlessly as part of a look that is fitted and well-structured with a contrast of flow to the fabric giving space to each garment that is carefully crafted.

MNR Design Studio: Mohsin Naveed Ranjha is a leading Pakistani fashion designer who has contributed to the fashion industry. His PHBCW collection Gulab Sandesh is a must-have all brides-to-be this season. Gulab Sandesh is inspired by wedding festivities, happiness and love between husband and wife.  This collection highlights the feel of the Mughal era. The perfect blend of colours, intricate designs and Mughal art work make this collection extraordinarily beautiful.  Motifs used in the collection are all inspired by flora and fauna with shades of aquadist green, metallic grey and blushing peach blended seamlessly with the patterns. Use of sucha gotta, zanjeera, vasli and dogh makes this collection one of its kind. Old traditional hand embellished techniques are also used to give the collection a royal feel. Keeping A/W 18 forecast in mind, cut lines are contemporary to give brides the feel of `maharani of today’.

Deepak N Fahad: Amidst the glamorous strewn skyscape of fashion comes the splendour of Shahtaabi. Imbued within the traditional imprint of the Turko-Persio-Indo folklore, the collection carries with it the marvellous shades of festivity, emanating the intense aura of aesthetic creativity that bewitches and ensnares every sense of human existence that can appreciate the regally royal elegant modes, shades and cuts of a festive attire. Shahtaabi brightens the festive sky of glamour through its presentations.