Asian Fashion on a Ramp-age

LONDON: It's time, once again, for the city of the Big Ben to witness the diversity of Asian designs and fabrics. We're talking about the Fashion Parade that will be organized at London’s Saatchi Gallery on June 11 to showcase silhouettes from India, Pakistan and the UK.
Launched in 2013, Fashion Parade -- a brainchild of London-based model Sadia Siddiqui -- strives to provide a platform to the most popular and promising designers from South Asia.Ammara Hikmat, co-organizer of the show, says, "The idea is to present the best of both -- emerging brands as well as well-known names in the fashion world. And, unlike fashion shows that are crowded, week-long affairs, Fashion Parade believes in being a short-and-sweet show with single-row seating." The highlight of the show this year will be five-year-old Laila Naim, better known as the first Pakistani to model for 159-year-old British luxury powerhouse brand, Burberry.
Setting the ball rolling will be India’s fashion brand Anamika Khanna. Looking forward to her participation in Fashion Parade, Indian designer Jyoti Chandhok says her collection “celebrates India's rich architectural heritage and its magnificent parks. It’s a coming together of fabrics and embroideries of the East with silhouettes and cuts of the West”. Pakistani designer Areeba Asif’s fusion collection -- in tones of lilacs, pastels and mint greens -- highlights techniques like mirror work. “A blend of Pakistani craftsmanship with international lines will be seen in jumpsuits, dresses, long jackets, high-waist flared pants, etc," says Asif. A combination of delicacy and substance will be on display by India’s Isha and Namrata Rajpal. The collection, they say, is infused with modern elegance and energy in colours and fabrics that are reminiscent of the Victorian era.
Also part of the Fashion Parade will be Pakistan’s ace designer Rema Qureshi who offers luxury segments for both women and men. In fact, hers is the first local brand to launch high-end handbags adorned with personal photographs that are a hit with the celeb circuit in Pakistan. Qureshi’s collection will use semi-precious stones, leather detailing, etc besides showcasing edgy neck pieces, earrings, rings and leather handbags of course.
Syeda Amera's line, Fringe Gone Wild, will give a “serious ’70s vibe" to the Fashion Parade catwalk. Outfits in bohemian colours, mini-dresses, evening gowns and skirts with beaded and thread fringes and Russian braids will be displayed. ‘Affascinante’, an Italian word for fascinating and glamorous, is what UK-based designer and model Hira Shah promises through her collection that is a celebration of Pakistani craftsmanship and Scandinavian pastels. “I’d say it’s a coming together of two cities -- Stockholm and London,” she says. Finally, ace Pakistani designer Ali Xeeshan who has created waves on the fashion scene with his unorthodox designs is all set to present his collection that is all about bold floral prints and black-and-white fabrics – “to add a touch of British royalty” – on the Fashion Parade ramp.