INAUGURATION: Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, President Redco Mills Pvt Ltd, cutting the ribbon to open the show. Fashion diva Maria B., fourth from right, and DFL CEO Sana Salman, right, are also seen.
The Fashion Fiesta 2014 was a sight for sore eyes in its breathtaking ardor. In keeping with its promise to present Doha with the collections of the crème de la crème of the Pakistani fashion industry in a rich milieu, it also brought together Indian and Middle Eastern designers with an accent on cultural diversity.
Concluding with an exhibition of the said collections at the Crowne Plaza over the weekend, the Fiesta was set up on a night of eclectic show last Thursday, giving the floor to a bevy of beautiful models, who carried the designs with aplomb on the ramp against the backdrop of foot-tapping music and shimmering lights.
Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, President Redco Mills Pvt Ltd, inaugurated the Fiesta. Also present on the occasion were Qaiser Malik, General Manager Ezdan Malls; Ahmed Hussain, President of Pakistan Qatar Business Forum; fashion diva Maria B. with her husband Tariq, and designer Adnan Pardesy as well as editors of fashion and society magazines and a large number of enthusiasts.
House of Ittehad and Nazish Kalani made their presence felt.
However, the highlight of the show was the arrival on the ramp of Maria B., Pakistan’s internationally famed fashion designer, who created a flutter with her stunning new collection titled Mbroidered, showcased by models from different countries.
The designs had a wow factor that could be felt across the hall, and their appeal could be gauged by the fact that all the models carried themselves as if to the manner born!
Flush with success, Sana Salman, the CEO of Designer Fashion Lounge, which organised the show in collaboration with Zarri, Dubai, said she was grateful that the Fiesta lived up to its billing after a promising start last year.
“The expectations this time were obviously bigger, and with a recent surge in fashion shows in Doha, we felt the challenge was greater. It was our chance to showcase the best of the east, and I’m really happy that we pulled it off. Trust me, it wasn’t easy. Because of the amount of interest the Fiesta generated, we had to cancel the initial dates planned for April,” Sana said.
Sana, who has been on the circuit for a few years now, and is credited with the fastest growing Pakistani fashion label in Doha, said she was fortunate to have the likes of Maria B. and Adnan Pardesy personally come to Doha, and make a pitch at the Fiesta.
“That a multicultural throng got the value for their money not only on the opening night, but also the hundreds of enthusiasts who came to see and buy designer wear over the weekend was immensely satisfying,” she said smiling.
Sana thanked Hair & Beauty partner Diva lounge Spa; modeling agency Trinity Talent; silver sponsors Bombay Silk Centre; direct marketing sponsors Estart Direct Marketing; online media partners The Dubai events; marketing and media partners Qatar Happening and Abode magazines; and Hotel Crowne Plaza Director of Events Alex; and last but not least, Safvun and Javed, Managing Director Apex events, for providing DFL the platform to put together one of the most hip events of this year.
The Sonar shine
One of the highlights of the Fiesta was the designer jewelry on display by Hamna Amir, Pakistan’s premier jewelry designer and entrepreneur. Hamna carries the brand name Sonar, whose pieces have won her acclaim in the US, UK and UAE.
Ranging from the heavier bridal sets to sophisticated everyday jewelry, including rings and bracelets that speak for their creative craft, she made the Doha event count yet again after first making her presence felt last year.
The headpieces of this creative Islamabad designer are known for its signature style with stones in 24K gold plating.
BELOW:
1) SHOW-STOPPERS: Models showcasing Maria B.’s gorgeous collection.