Zahra Saeed

A couple of  days back, I blogged about Pakistani designers who get western wear wrong. Well, I am not going to go back on what I said, but feel it's fair to give credit where it's due.
Whilst surfing the net, I stumbled upon designer Zahra Saeed's website. Zahra is of Pakistani origin and based in America. This is very evident in her designs. Combine the two and the result is fab, sophisticated shapes topped off with traditional embroidery. Here are a few I want to get my hands on:

Memo to Ammar Belal and HSY, this is what you call getting it right!!

Sana Safinaz

Check out the autumn /winter collection from Sana Safinaz, I know we are soon heading into spring/summer, but I couldn't resist.There is something so effortlessly glamorous about these dresses. Even with the most simple of make up and hair, I think anyone could easily look so special in these. Amazing, love it!!

Trend Alert or Red Alert

Flicking through the society pages of several Pakistani mags, I was inspired to create a " Trend Alert or a Red Alert" section. So many fashion faux pas! Ok, to be fair there are some fashion leaders, but definitely they are the minority. Take this socialite below, labelled a trend setter. I am puzzled, I didn't know a monstrosity could be hidden a la a Jimmy Choo bag. Wake up Pakistan,this is not trendy!!! The lady is dressed  head to toe in denim. The kameez, or is it a jacket?! has flowers plastered all over it! Under no circumstances should you try this  at home, this is definitely Red Alert.

When East shouldn't be West

I am all for championing Pakistani designers and their creations. One of the reasons why I created this blog.
As far as Pakistani clothes go they are fantastic, but, when they venture into western design, to say many fail to deliver is an understatement. In fact 99.9% of the designs are so awful, they would look right at home in  those dodgy retail outlets in run down high streets.

Look below,  Ammar Belal latest shoot from Daily Times Sunday Magazine.

What the hell is up with those trousers (first two pictures)? Its so hideous, cobwebs, hearts ,swirly patterns all in one space.  My god, just looking at the pants makes me dizzy.
The white embroidered top worn with jeans, maybe wouldn't be so bad, but with those pants, err no!!!

HSY, the king of couture, well when it goes to western clothes definitetly "flopture". See below:

What is so special and cutting edge about the above? The skirt has little alien heads on it!!! I don't understand how these designs are catwalk worthy.

All I want to say is, we don't need another Galliano or  another Valentino. I know fashion is about new and different, but, if that's what you are going to show, save it, stick to the traditional designs.

Trend Alert or Red Alert

           Vinny at the launch of L'Oreal Paris, Karachi

Red Alert: Vinny just did not get it right here. At a red carpet function, a tee and jeans just don't cut it. This is definitely a day time casual look rather than one to be worn at a formal function. The oversized bag is once again more day appropriate and well the hair extensions, really need to go.

Damas

Check out the new collection by Damas, the Middle Eastern Jewellery retailer. Worn with a dress, Abaya or Shalwar Kameez, it is simply exquisite. The Emerald piece is so regal, such a style statement. It could easily be vintage. Another must for my wish list. Damas maybe Middle Eastern but its available internationally- US, London, Dubai, Lahore.

The above shoot was featured in Sunday Times magazine.

Sculpted Abaya

                                                          

New Abaya trends for SS10? No! This is in fact a photoshoot from 1969 taken from YSL's fall collection.

Amazingly, on first glance this to me could easily pass of as a spread taken from a  Khaleeji (Gulf) fashion magazine.

The gold bodice  in the dresses were designed by French artist, Claude Lalanne. On close inspection you will see they are moulds of a woman's contours. The black one is definitely my favourite and very inspirational. Abaya's teamed with bodices, maybe a new trend for next year?? I know its not very commercial but editorially I think it could work.

Let me know your thoughts!!