The fashion show held at Ensembles recently was the brainchild of Zeba Hussain (the ladybehind Carnivale de Couture) and Farieshte Aslam of Unilever. It was a classy event that saw a large number of fashionistas under one roof; it was an excellent platform provided to the designers who stock at Ensembles (a fashion store which showcases almost all top designers of Pakistan as well as few from across the border).
Ensembles is emerging as a strong fashion platform for fashion designers with a unique global theme. It’s a novel idea of providing space to young and talented designers of the country who cannot afford an outlet of their own and prefer working from their own kaarkhanas. 
The show unveiled the spring/summer collection of Faiza Samee, Nilofer Shahid, Sadaf Malaterre, Shawn @ Patina Arts, Kamiar Rokni and Umer Sayeed. The models walked down the ramp in brilliant attire crafted by these fashion gurus in an ambience absolutely apt for the fashion savvy audience. The show was choreographed by Farieha Altaf; the who’s who of the fashion industry attended this show as is evident in the photographs we have printed in our roving eye segment. Hair and make-up of the models was brilliantly done by Mubashir Khan. 
A good show definitely; we can be sure of seeing more such shows at Ensembles.

Faiza Samee

It is difficult to separate Faiza Samee from New Age Pakistani fashion, because in many ways she symbolises it. She is a member of the original brigade who kick started the fashion industry in Pakistan in the 80s. After showing on various global platforms Faiza became and still is one of Pakistan Fashion’s unofficial ambassador internationally. A master of heavy embellishments and known for her bright colour palette, Faiza tried to give new direction to couture by showcasing pure pret at the Ensembles show. The collection which was her interpretation of eastern pret featured myriad moods and offered uber luxury on a classic and feminine note. The colour palette ranged from brights to subdued. Faiza Samee’s had done a good job of designing pret. But in my opinion, Faiza is a couturier at heart, a bride’s dream weaver because when it comes to bright hues and luxurious fabric nobody can beat Faiza who is undoubtedly the Queen of Colours.

Kamiar Rokni

A vast spectrum of colour and variety of silhouettes were the highlight of Kamiar Rokni’s collection for the Ensemble show. Planned a bit haphazardly, Kamiar’s collection was a mix of pret-cum-formal-cum-bridal. It seems that instead of following the theme of the show, the designer was out there to prove his versatility on the subject of fashion. The line which was again dominated by black and white had a few fun pieces like a flared skirt highlighted with black patchwork, teamed with a halter neck dull gold top, and a few classically feminine formal outfits like the heavily embroidered black one with bell sleeves with a hint of red and turquoise applique and edging. 

 

Nilofer Shahid

Nilofer Shahid’s pret line was disappointing. The line which was mainly dominated by black and white had something majorly missing. Was it the silhouettes or the detailing (something Nilofer is known for) or merely the choice of colour palettes. Known for her master craftsmanship Nilofer Shahid is the name associated with rich traditional wear. Her collection has always spelt glamour and grandeur which was somehow missing in her attempt at designing pret. 

Sadaf Malaterre

A model-turned-designer Sadaf has been designing for her private clientele for quite some time. But she showed on the ramp for the first time at Ensembles. Sadaf Malaterre’s collection for the show catered to the specific needs of the young and modern Pakistani women who has taken on quite a few roles in present times. The cool, hip and fun collection by Sadaf has explored the versatility inherent in a variety of fabrics that have been tailored into stylish outfits. Western in its approach, Sadaf’s collection had a perfect amalgamation of femininity and flattering silhouettes. Her colour palettes started with liquid turquoise, classic black and sun burnt orange. 

 

Shawn @ Patina Arts:

Known for its classic chikankari and thread work Patina Art is one label which stays true to its eastern roots. Patina Art sent down the runway their collection of embroidered saree, churidar, kurta and a few lenghas. This collection was particularly designed for the woman who is shy to make a statement; she is uber modern and cosmopolitan, yet, eastern at heart.


Umer Sayeed

The star of the evening Umer Sayeed was responsible for the finale; he wasthe obvious choice for the segment as it was his first show and the anticipation was high keeping his calibre and talent in mind. Umer sure didn’t disappoint his fans and clientele who are rich fashionistas who wear Umer’s creations on weddings or exclusive balls.
The only planned collection of the evening was Umer Sayeed’s spring/summer collection at Ensembles. Dedicated to the stylish modern woman, the collection was a lovely interplay of silhouettes that were glamourous and chic. Based on the colour palettes of Ebony and Ivory with a creative mix of fuchsia, Umer’s collection spelt romance be it fun, flirtatious or mature love. Staying true to his signature, embellishments of intricate needles and thread work, Umer experimented with a variety of silhouettes and sent down the ramp a collection which was truly magnificent, flawless and breathtaking.