International or citywide?

International or citywide?
Published in Instep [The News]
Sunday 26th March, 2006

The 2nd International Fashion Festival Awards, were far from being international, but they are a step forward all the same

By Fariha Rashed
As glamorous fashion events have suddenly come into vogue in Pakistan, so have giving out awards to acknowledge the great talent inherent in these fields. Lahore was once again highlighted as a potential international fashion ground, as Kamber Entertainment Group organized the second International Fashion Festival Awards 2006 from March 15th to 18th at the Pearl Continental Hotel. It was last year in April, that two Lahore based designers Salina–Wardah held the first fashion awards, aiming at putting the vibrant city of Lahore on the map of the fashion world. A great deal of hype and excitement had been created prior to the beginning of this festival, with well known fashion labels such as HSY, Karma, Lajwanti, Nabeel Aqeel, Walid Atallah, Amna Malik, Arshad's and many more participating.
Kamber Entertainment's Vice Chairman Syed Rehan Ahmed, who is a Dubai based businessman and designer, rightly pointed out that the Pakistani fashion industry is unfortunately controlled by a few names, that do not appreciate or let budding fashion designers and models come to the forefront, or share the limelight with them. Ahmed says he wants to genuinely help the Pakistani fashion scene flourish at the international level and holding such events is his way of accomplishing just that and at the same time, encouraging upcoming talent. It is pertinent to mention at this point however, that of the 20 international countries that were meant to participate in the festival, only a given few were present.
The International Fashion Festival took place at the spacious yet sophisticated Crystal Hall at Hotel Pearl Continental, Lahore. As people made their way in, they were met with various colorful stalls spread across the sides of the room. A long white ramp at the centre ran, like a slithering snake, from one end of the Crystal Hall to the other. The stalls were abundantly laid out with formal and informal clothes displayed either on mannequins or hung on racks, and accessories such as shoes, bags, belts and other fashion-related items, lying decoratively on tables. Each designer displayed the latest trends and their newest collections. Karma's stall was very well equipped, with three or four representatives for the label available at all times, incase anyone wanted information about Karma designs. There was a multimedia screen in the background running Karma fashion shows constantly. Even Maheen and Kami made an appearance once or twice to check up on things and meet potential buyers. Designer Walid Atallah had his catalogue available for viewing, as well as some beautiful white dresses from his couture line, displayed on mannequins. Chic Wear House, headed by Malaysian educated fashion designer Imran, had its women's and men's wear collection on display. The designer himself was seated very comfortably and rather quietly at his stall throughout the festival. However, strangely enough it was his PR person who gave any necessary information to curious passers by.
Other than fashion designers, cosmetic companies such as Cosmetica and Diana of London had a wide variety of luscious make up items in a number of colors available for purchasing and sampling on the spot. As we all know, beautification is the most important thing for a woman. Therefore, it was no surprise to see, that a bunch of ladies were found, every now and then, huddled all around the cosmetic stalls, testing products and giggling away as they saw themselves transformed when they peeped into mirrors. Also, SAAI Concepts, headed by designer Sahar Atif had displayed among other things, a myriad of beautifully crafted steel decorations such as small chests, in hues of greens and blues. Other items on display by them were scented candles, exotic looking cushion covers, steel coasters beaded jewelry and clothes.
Although excitingly enough, models from Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Hungry, Philippines, Romania, Norway, Dubai, Italy, Australia, Belgium, India, South Africa, Kenya and Bulgaria were expected to catwalk at the show, one only saw a handful of models from a very few of these countries actually on the ramp and that also for a very short period of time. The fashion shows on both the 16 and 17 March were held at 7:30 pm after the exhibition had wrapped up.
Four exclusive models from Ukraine, Lithuania, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also took part in the fashion show on March 16. Pakistani models showing off designer clothes on the ramp included Hina, Aleena, Mehreen Syed, Neha, Sara Gillani, Seemab and Sanam. Male models included Gul Danyal, Emad, Naeem Haq and Meekal, who was appreciated on the first day, but was not seen the next day among the male models. A few unknown models also appeared in Nabeel & Aqeel's segment, which managed to surprise the audience quite a bit.
As always, the awards were the highlight and climax of the whole fashion festival. National Assembly member Riaz Fatyana was the guest of honour. What was a little disturbing was the fact that at the awards ceremony, many people had to stand outside the crystal hall, as passes distributed to the public exceeded the seating capacity. Even inside the hall, several guests had to watch while standing since they had no seats allotted to them. The award categories included best smile, best photogenic face, best model, best designer and best formal and informal dresses. The jurors making all the decisions about who won the many awards included the likes of Yusuf Salahuddin, Wasim Akram, Moammer Rana, Yahsir Waheed, Aaminah Haque, Vaneeza Ahmed and Khanito, Lebanese choreographer and adjudicator.
On the whole and in circumspect, the Second International Fashion Festival went off well. Many of the products were sold out and media coverage was at its height. However, it was a little sad to observe that the turnout of people was a little less than expected, and the response of buyers was minimal. It did not come up to the expectations of many. Compared to the first fashion festival held last year, people seemed less enthusiastic to attend or display their work at this particular fashion forum. Perhaps better organization and marketing of the whole festival will encourage a higher attendance, more sales and better participation by designers next year.