Vogue India Guest Blog Post: Pakistan Fashion Week in London

11th July 2013

Here’s a re-blog of my latest guest blog post for Vogue.In on the recent Pakistan Fashion Week in London…..

Blogger Nina Patel highlights noteworthy designers from a sea of rich velvets and Mughal craftsmanship at a recent showcase of Pakistani fashion

1 July

Over here in the U.K. access to Asian designer wear is limited. There are a handful of boutiques in London and some one-off fashion events throughout the year. One summer event that’s become a popular fixture is Riwayat presents Pakistan Fashion Week — a two day shopping and catwalk event in June which brings to London some of the biggest names in Pakistani fashion.

This year the designer line-up was impressive and many were showcasing brand new collections, so I made sure I was there for all the shows.


2 July

I loved this peach Pakistani/Western silhouette at Nauman Afreen. Image: Shahid Malik

3 JulyMe with Nauman Afreen. Image: Shahid Malik

4 July


Rizwan Ahmed’s collection was another highlight. I talked to Rizwan about his inspirations for this collection.

“My theme and title for this collection is pastels and the inspiration is a woman living here in the U.K. Summer’s here in U.K. and I thought to do something soft but very elegant. It’s flowy, it’s a lot of volume and the colours remain pastel,” says Rizwan.

I asked Rizwan how important it is for him to show in London.

“I’ve been associated with them [Riwayat] since PFW2, then PFW3, I did Alchemy, I did the trunk show and this is the fourth time. I have hopes here, I have fans, I have customers and I have clientele waiting for the new collection to be revealed. I am the only competition to myself,” says the designer.

Below are the highlights of his show.

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7 July


Rana Noman’s collection was my favourite. There was an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and detailing which I found more refined and striking than some of the other bling-tastic collections.

I asked Rana about his inspiration.

“My collection for PFW4 is Naksh Kari which is inspired by the artisanal work done during the Mughal era, in the architecture, patterns, the textiles prints, the kalamkari, the colours, the fabrics that were used. It’s mixing together the old and making it into something appropriate for nowadays,” he says.

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All ramp images courtesy Shahid Malik.


In between shows I went backstage with my camera to get close-ups of show accessories and embroidery techniques.

I found beautiful ethnic jewellery, hair ornamentation and hats.

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16 July

Designer Rana Noman helping designer Sara Rohael Asghar dress one of her models.

17 July

18 July

All backstage images by Nina Patel.

All ramp images courtesy Shahid Malik.


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4 thoughts on “Vogue India Guest Blog Post: Pakistan Fashion Week in London

  1. Good post on Pakistan fashion week in London. Loved all the designs.


  2. sadaf raheel says:

    It is superb simply outstanding fashion show. I really appreciate their work.
    Good job!

  3. Meesha says:

    Great Designs, thumbs up for their hard and creative work. I love all the ethnic jewelry, hair ornamentation and hats.


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