South Asia: Pakistan

The Indus Valley civilization (today’s Pakistan), is one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years. During the second millennium B.C., there was significant migration of Indo-Aryan people into the area. The region underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries; the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with West and East sections). The population is 193,238,868 with 96.4% Muslims. There are various ethnic groups living on the territory of Pakistan with predominantly Punjabi background.

Traditional dress

As there is a number of ethnic groups and cultures co-exist in Pakistan the traditional dress varies naturally. Dress in each regional culture reflect weather conditions, way of living and distinctive style which gives it a unique identity among all cultures. Pakistani dressing has similarities with Indian dressing because of pre-partition culture which was shared by these nations for thousand years, but the religious factor was always there which makes a difference. Traditional Pakistani dressing also shares similarities between the ethnic groups of central Asia (i.e. Uzbeks, Turkmens) and of the Iranian plateau (i.e. Tajiks, Khorasani Persians and Pashtuns).

The Shalwar Kameez is the national dress of Pakistan and is worn by men and women in all four provinces Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and FATA in the country and in Azad Kashmir. Each province has its own style of wearing the Shalwar Kameez. It ranges from colors and designs to the type of fabric (silk, chiffon, cotton, etc.). Shalwar are loose pajama-like trousers. The legs are wide at the top, and narrow at the ankle. The kameez is a collarless long shirt or tunic. The side seams left open below the waist-line, give the wearer greater freedom of movement.

Evolution of fashion
With the passage of time Pakistanis had been adapting modern dress and cultural clothing. Pakistani fashion designers are very creative and they are able to fuse traditional elements with modern cuts and designs. They have deep insight of Pakistani and international fashion. Pakistani designers are well-known all over the world and won many international awards. The country offers soo many talented designers and it is really difficult to feature most of them here. I have only chosen to show the three that appealed to me the most. This Mag Media News lists most of the well-known Pakistani designers. 

Ms Zainab Chottani (formely Zainab Sajid)

Zainab started out her career as mainly a bridal designer however over the years she has rediscovered herself and broadened her horizons to include fusion pret and Haute Couture. She has showcased her bridal couture locally as well as globally in London, USA, and Dubai. This is the area where Zainab Chottani has received recognition. She started under the name of Zainab Sajid in 1999. She works with traditional colors and uses embroidery along with different cuts to form new designs. The designs contain influences from the Moghul Era where Royal women adorned heavily decorated dresses to look more attractive. Zainab Chottani has added to her portfolio by introducing the brands Aqua and Mera Pakistan. Aqua is a fashion label which features ready to wear clothes for women. Launched in 2012, the brand makes clothes to be worn in the summer season by featuring bright colors and baggy shirts. Later it launched the Mera Pakistan collection in March 2012 which aimed to convert Pakistan’s cultural symbols into fashion.

Aqua Casual Eid Wear Collection 2012

Aqua Casual Eid Wear Collection 2012

Aqua Casual Eid Wear Collection 2012

Mera Pakistan Collection

Bridal Collection 2012

Ms Maheen Khan
Ms Khan is a Pakistani fashion and costume designer. She owns fashion labels The Embroidery House, Maheen and Gulabo. Ms Khan has done many fashion events and shows nationally and internationally. She is well known for her embroidery work for the film Snow White and the Huntsman and television series The Jewel in the Crown. Despite being in fashion since 1972 he style has evolved and she continues to surprise with her innovative style. Ms Khan's clothing is fashionable and stylish. She offers comfortable trendy every day wear and unique Haute Couture. Ms Khan's creations have ethnic flavour that is appreciated at home and abroad.  I really like the fact that she is so versatile and was able to re-invent herself over the years in so many ways. 

Phulkari collection 2013

Phulkari collection 2013

Gulabo by Ms Maheen Khan

Gulabo by Ms Maheen Khan

Ms Khan in Milan in 2010

Maria B
Ms Maria Bilal is one of the best Pakistan's designers. She graduated from Pakistan School of Fashion Design and launched her label ‘Maria B’ in Lahore back in March 1999.  During her four years at the Fashion School, Maria learnt to make patterns, drape and stitching by hand. Maria B has a large clientele outside of Pakistan in the US and Europe. She has done fashion shows in New York, Paris and Milan. Ms Bilal established first design house in Pakistan to hire professionally trained fashion designers, textile workers and production managers. Her lines include Casuals, lawn, Evening-Wear, Westerns to Bridals. Maria's vision is to design for the modern and trendy woman - the brands focus on fusion of eastern and western elements.  .

Maria B Lawn 2013-2014 Summer collection, it is full of colour and silk

Maria B Linen 2013-2014 Winter collection

Maria B - Bridal (previous season collections)
Ms Bilal's bridal styles are quite versatile: they range from traditional, Western and combination of both.

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