Showcasing the best of Pakistani fashion

SWITZERLAND might be known for its neutrality but there was nothing middle-of-the-road about the recent fashion show held there showcasing the best of Pakistani fashion.

Flamboyant designs set the runway alight at the Lifestyle Geneva event held in partnership with the Swiss Pakistan Society and the Pakistan Embassy.

From funky, chic western inspired denim outfits to the floaty, chiffony, more extravagant eastern designs we are used to, there was something for everything proving that fashion means business and can no longer be sidelined.

Established designers like Sara Shahid showed off their new lines; her Sublime range burst onto the ramp like a blazing orange sun while the clean flowing lines added drama without fuss.

Moazzam Abbasi covered all bases; there were frothy pastel pinks with frills aplenty created an almost Cinderella look, romantic and ultra feminine, but he also ramped up the drama with his classic bold red and black outfits.

Bushra Wahid introduced some daring summery looks with her raw silk cream capri style trousers. We have been seeing shorter hems for a while and she took them up even higher with her pedal pusher style pants.

Hajra Lalljee was also showcasing some fun and flirty dresses, very European, while Wajahat & Shahroz kept things more traditional with a beautiful embellished twist- their maroon outfit was embroidered extensively and featured images of mosques.

But it was Rabia Ben Barka who stole the show with her colourful Azyaa Karima Collection. The outfits were a blaze of colour as models stormed the runway in bright greens, blues, red and oranges.

Organisers Adnan Ansari and Chris East said they had delivered another spectacular event full of fashion and cultural performances featuring local Swiss folk dancers.

Mr Ansari said: “There were over twenty nationalities in what was a hugely multicultural audience. Riwayat are renowned for delivering high quality, well managed events and this show didn’t fail to deliver. The audience included ambassadors from countries like Saudi Arabia with a strong representation from United Nations staff. Local host Nighat Syed and Sohail Mirza pulled together the local coordination that made the event such a great success.

“It was a pleasure to be able to deliver this event in Geneva where our partners never fail to attract such an international crowd hungry to see what the Asian world has to offer.”