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Pakistan Fashion Week: London Hilton, Park Lane

Posted on July 5, 2018 by Sinni Kumar

Pakistan Fashion Week by Riwayat kicked off in super style at the London Hilton hotel, Park Lane with a stunning display of spectacular fashion this weekend. The 13^th Pakistan Fashion Week was headlined by model and actress Fouzia Aman and luxury pret shows portraying an impressive 29 designers and an unprecedented number of visitors and guests who attended. Bride Icon have put together some of our favourite highlights of the Grand Finale show and we are sure you will love the exquisite Pakistan designer creations!

Adnan Ansari and Chris East have become renowned for delivering Pakistani fashion to the UK market without packing their suitcase or costly travel abroad. The shows and exhibition draw audiences from all over the UK and provide an opportunity to speak to designers to create bespoke wedding attire.

PFW13 is the main UK exhibitor of the flourishing Pakistani clothing industry, collaborating with designers to make their services available in a one-stop experience. Designers included HSY, Maheen Khan, Fahad Hussayn, Gogi by Hassan Riaz, Moazzam Abbasi, Hamna Amir, and Sadaf Amir.

PFW13 has also seen the launch of Pret a Pak, the exclusive official Riwayat online store listing multiple designers with convenient access from an app.

Adnan Ansari, Co-Founder and Creative Director for Riwayat said, “We are pleased with the feedback of all for our event, and with a 36 meter long ramp to allow so many more to be in the front row. Riwayat is thrilled to be able hold these shows with such a receptive audience, this drives us to deliver our best experience yet!”

Further information about PFW and Riwayat please visit www.riwayat.london

Credits:
Creative Director & Choreography by Adnan Ansari
Produced by a Chris East
Official Photography by Shahid Malik @iamshahidmalik
Styled by Nabila
Model coordination by Muneer Muhammad
Hair and Makeup by Saima Kiran
Media partners ARY
PR Enigme Internationale

Aashni + Co Brings 2018 Wedding Show To Somerset House, London

Posted on December 29, 2017December 29, 2017 by Sinni Kumar

Following its continued success year on year and an ever increasing demand for tickets, the UK’s leading, South Asian high fashion extravaganza, Aashni + Co Wedding Show 2018 will return bigger and better than ever before, taking place at the iconic Somerset House, London on 21^st January 2018. After three successful residencies at The Dorchester, Mayfair and continuing to surpass itself each year, Aashni + Co Wedding Show 2018 will transform one of the UK’s leading cultural venues, Somerset House, into a wonderland for discerning brides and fashionistas alike, setting a landmark precedent in the South Asian fashion and bridal sector in the UK. Some of India and Pakistan’s most celebrated designers will once again descend on the Capital to present their latest bridal and couture collections on one high-end platform, from established, A-list fashion houses to the most sought after new-gen talents. Showcasing alongside them will be the leading names in fine jewellery, accessories and wedding/occasion services, with visitors having the opportunity of meeting their favourite and wish list designers and suppliers in person, accessibility being key to the show.

The full line-up of participating brands to exhibit in the Department of Clothing will be: Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Gaurav Gupta, Rimple & Harpreet Narula, Astha Narang, Bageecha, Elan, Gaurang, Mishru, Samant Chauhan, Shantanu & Nikhil, Shehla Chatoor, Shyamal & Bhumika and Varun & Nidhika. Exhibiting brands in the Department of Fine Jewellery will be: Amrapali, Araaya, Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers, Jaipur Gems, Jewels by Queenie, Khanna Jewellers, Moksh, Rose Diamonds and Sunita Shekhawat.

Participating names in the Department for Jewellery and Accessories will be: Aamir Naveed, Ahujasons, Ambreen Ahmed, Amishi London, Chakra, Isharya, Outhouse, Paraphernalia, Rani Pink, Rusaru, RWS, Shaan Mu and The Wedding House.

Style council will also be provided during the day through a series of intimate masterclasses with some of the most internationally respected names in styling, makeup artistry, wedding planning and the fashion and beauty blogosphere.

January being the seasonal buying and browsing period for Summer brides and grooms, Aashni + Co Wedding Show 2018 will curate the latest bridal, occasion wear and couture collections from the top tier of the South Asian design spectrum, alongside the leading brand names in jewellery, accessories and wedding services. The grandiose of Somerset House will be further transformed through floral styling by Zita Elze, an award-winning artist, designer, teacher, creator of the Living Embroidery Bridal collection and design consultant.

Aashni + Co Wedding Show at Somerset House, Strand, London
WC2R 1LA on 21^st January 2018, 10.30am – 6.30pm

Standard Tickets: £25

Additional Masterclass Tickets to be announced shortly.

Ticket purchase via: Website: www.wslondon.com or
Email: weddingshow@aashniandco.com

Join the Conversation:
#AashniWeddingShow @AashniandCo @AashniUK @AashniandCo

Pakistan Fashion Week 12 in London, UK

Posted on November 30, 2017February 10, 2018 by Sinni Kumar

Riwayat has delivered its best show to date in the heart of London, Pakistan Fashion Week 12 (#PFW12) was held at Hilton Hotel on Park Lane over this weekend. Headlined by model and actress Eshal Fayyaz, the luxury pret show displayed an impressive 26 designers and an unprecedented footfall of 3,500 attendees.

Adnan Ansari choreographed the event, a return to his core passion, and first after 12 years, a vibrant display of trends, textiles and styling. The access for many Londoners and others who travelled across the UK to see the shows is invaluable, allowing access to Pakistani designers without leaving the country.

Fahad Hussayn

PFW12 has become the main UK exhibitor of the flourishing Pakistani clothing industry, collaborating with designers to make their services available in a one-stop experience. Designers included Maheen Khan, Agha Noor, ZUNN, Moazzam Abbasi, Hamna Amir, Rani Emaan, Rana Noman and Rangoli. The show used 26 models with an inclusive and diverse approach.

Chris East, Co-Founder and Producer for Riwayat said, “We are pleased with the feedback and turnout, our custom made ramp was 32 meters to allow so many more to be in the front row and more of our audience to see the show with full views. Riwayat is thrilled to be able hold these shows with such a receptive audience, this drives us to deliver our best experience yet!”.

Rana Noman

Credits:

Produced and directed by Riwayat

Patron sponsor Hashmi

Official Photographer and pictures courtesy of: Shahid Malik @iamshahidmalik

Styled by Nabila

Hair and Makeup by Saima Kiran

PR by Enigme Internationale

Pakistan Fashion Week, London 2017

Posted on May 27, 2017February 19, 2018 by Sinni Kumar

Pakistan Fashion week took place in London’s historic Lancaster House this week, which witnessed the first Pakistani celebration of fashion in its two hundred year history. The eleventh season of Pakistan Fashion featured over 40 of Pakistan’s leading and emerging designers presenting their latest collections. With leading Pakistani models Fouzia Aman, Fia khan and Eshal Fayyaz walking the ramp, Bride Icon have selected some of our favourite looks from Asaaaleh, Aisha Imran, Uzma Babar and Lajwanti.

Asaaleh

The production was designed by event directors Riwayat and led by the accomplished Creative Director Adnan Ansari, which incorporated the 70th anniversary celebrations of Pakistan’s independence. Organised in partnership with the High Commission of Pakistan, London, the event was one of a series of events planned by His Excellency Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UK.

Over two thousand people registered for the event which saw a catwalk run through the three grand halls of the Royal Palace. Ambassadors from a large number of London based embassies joined the celebrations, which included a nine room exhibition allowing the guests to talk with the designers and buy from their collections.

Fashion is one of Pakistan’s leading export industries and runs to a multi-billion pound industry and growing. Events profiling the leading names of that industry serve to challenge the West’s perceptions of Pakistan and increase the trading links between our two nations.

Adnan Ansari, Creative Director at Riwayat said “It was a privilege to work so closely with the High Commission to deliver this hugely successful event. Their commitment to deliver a truly inspiring event matched with Riwayat’s expertise and ability to deliver was a powerful force. We are so proud of our Pakistan and so proud to present it’s best face on a huge platform in London.”

Event Directed by Riwayat
Commissioned by Pakistan High Commission, London
Head Stylist Nabila
Consultant Advisor Maheen Khan
Hair and Make up Saima Kiran
Choreographer Hajira Ahmad of EBH
Official Photographer Shahid Malik
PR Enigme Internationale

Glam Wedding Cakes by Sugar Artz

Posted on March 1, 2017February 19, 2018 by Sinni Kumar

If you are looking for something that oozes in creativity – then have a look at these luxurious wedding cakes by Sugar Artz. Zahir Rathod, the Founder and Cake Designer of Sugar Artz, specialises in creating stunning and delicious wedding and novelty cakes.

A member of the British Sugarcraft Guild, Zahir’s creative flair and attention to detail has won him several awards for designing outstanding cakes – including being the current winner of the “Best in Show” award at the Cakes and Bakes Show.

Sugar Artz are based in London and stands by their motto of “If you can dream it, we can create it”. Looking at some of these stunning wedding cakes we can see why!

From intricate Peony sugar flowers, a delectable fruit and fresh flower sensation or a flowing macaroon colour burst – can you pick a favourite? We certainly cannot!

For more details and a selection of wedding and novelty cakes see their website: www.sugarartz.co.uk

Pictures courtesy of Sugar Artz

Nilofer Shahid @ Fashion Parade Bride, London

Posted on February 10, 2017March 18, 2018 by Sinni Kumar

Fashion Parade Bride, London held in One Marylebone this week featured an array of diverse fashion designers from Pakistan all under one roof. The invite-only event meticulously organised by Sadia Siddiqui, CEO of Mustang Productions provided a prestigious platform of admired and leading Pakistani designers – including one of the most celebrated and distinctive designers of Pakistani couture Nilofer Shahid.

This revolutionary designer has contributed immensely to the world of art, fashion and culture. In 2013 she became the first Pakistani fashion designer to be awarded the knighthood Le Grades De Chevalier by the French Government for her work in the development of art, culture and fashion design.

Nilofer Shahid who was very thrilled to be in London, applauded all the designers who had made a tremendous effort for the Fashion Parade Bride show. She described how this collection of couture designs were very much fusions to connect and relate to the Western audience. Every Nilofer Shahid collection is carefully researched and never random. As Nilofer Shahid says herself behind every dress there lies a story, and behind every collection a profound message has been revealed.

Thus, last but not least on the runway, the anticipation was high to see what Nilofer Shahid had brought across the waters. As the music echoed against the architecture of the Grand Hall, it was clear the audience had become mesmerised, and the sparkling true essence of Pakistani fusion couture became inevitable.

Nilofer Shahid is a very proud Pakistani who’s philosophy of bringing and promoting culture forward in fashion has prompted a knighthood. The couture itself depicts a flow of intricacy and flair, amalgamated with a deep rooted love for tradition, culture and beauty.

We asked who would Nilofer Shahid like to have the opportunity to create a special design for – given it was so hard to particularly pin point one person out of so many icons in the world – Nilofer said Angelina Jolie would be ideal. We think so too!

A very special thanks to Nilofer Shahid for talking to Bride Icon.

©BRIDE ICON

Headgear by Velvet Eccentrics http://www.velvet-eccentric.co.uk/vet

Fashion Parade Bride & Luxury Pret: Monday, 6th Feb 2017 @ One Marylebone, London

Posted on January 18, 2017February 19, 2018 by Sinni Kumar

Mustang Productions will celebrate Pakistan’s 70 years of Independence on Monday 6^th February 2017 with the inaugural Fashion Parade Bride & Luxury Prêt, powered by Studio by TCS, at London’s historic former church, One Marylebone. The exclusive event will showcase Pakistani bridal and luxury prêt collections, to an audience of London and South Asia’s elite, from the industries of fashion, media, business and finance.

Some of Pakistan’s leading designers will feature collections on the catwalk, including Nilofer Shahid, Nomi Ansari, HSY, Shamaeel Ansari, Maria B, Faiza Samee, Saira Rizwan, Rani Emaan, Seher Tareen, Tena Durrani and Sherezad Jewellery. Hair and makeup by the dynamic duo, Aamir and Ambreen will complete each bridal look with a flawless finish.

For the first time in the history of Fashion Parade, consumers can purchase the showcasing designers collections via Studio by TCS, the headline sponsor of Fashion Parade Bride, and an exciting new fashion portal.

Fashion Parade (FP) is the brainchild of entrepreneur Sadia Siddiqui, who launched her first fashion event five years ago, presenting luxury South Asian couture to a British audience. Fashion Parade Bride is the newest addition to the FP platform. “I created FP four years ago with the view of promoting Asian designers on a quality platform targeted to an international audience,” explains Sadia.

“Pakistan’s fashion industry has come a long way in the last 70 years, with Pakistani designers at par with some of the world’s best. The design philosophy and ethics in Pakistan today reflect its culture and heritage, and combining an international appeal. It is an honour and privilege for me to showcase Pakistan’s leading and emerging designers to an international audience on the FP platform, with an aim to get Asian and in particular, Pakistani fashion recognised and appreciated on an international level.”

One Marylebone is a Grade I listed building and one of London’s most historic sites. It was chosen to host the inaugural Fashion Parade Bride in this milestone year to combine English heritage and Pakistani culture, as FP commemorates Pakistan’s Independence.

Mustang Productions has partnered with the British Asian Trust, a charity founded by HRH The Prince of Wales to transform lives in South Asia. The funds raised during Fashion Parade Bride will go towards life-changing programmes in the Trust’s children’s projects.

Pakistan Fashion Week 2016

Posted on December 4, 2016December 4, 2016 by Sinni Kumar

Pakistan Fashion Week London is the brainchild of Team Riwayat which is headed up by directors from across Pakistan, India and the United Kingdom. Riwayat’s journey has been a rich one so far, and the 10th edition of PFW London took place at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane, a five-star Art Deco hotel in the heart of London’s Mayfair on the 26th and 27th of November 2016.
The show featured some 30 top designers from the subcontinent and beyond, with the two-day event focussing on latest trends in Asian designer-wear including contemporary and formal/bridal/ resort selections. Some of Pakistan’s top designers showed their latest collections at the event, including Deepak Perwani, Maheen Khan, Shamaeel Ansari and Agha Noor. The show itself was hosted by the very talented and renowned TV host Hajra Lalljee.

Riwayat were honoured to welcome to the event Pakistan’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Syed Ibne Abbas as well as Ambassador Tehmina Junjua, the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations. Riwayat were also delighted that the cast of the film Dobara Phir Se were present at the grand opening show. This included actors Tooba Siddiqui, Hareem Farooq and Sanam Saeed as well as its renowned director Mehreen Jabbar.

The show was enhanced by some of Pakistani top models including Fouzia Aman, Eshal Fayyaz, Hira Ejaz, Sana Fakhar and the TV star Fia Khan. Sana Khan, the famous film actor, walked the catwalk for designer Moazzam Abbasi alongside some very talented British models. Nabila, the famous stylist from Pakistan, styled the models for the ramp shows.

The fashion shows were followed by an exhibition by the designers, which is an integral part of our event. The exhibitor’s hall that played host to the designers’ collections was packed to capacity on both days, with fashionistas and others flocking in to grab next season’s fashion statements.

Riwayat’s mission is to present the best of Pakistan’s fusion of east-west fashion under a western roof. PFW10 has successfully managed to excite and captivate a global audience with the creative geniuses that are the cream of Pakistan’s fashion designers.

Event Produced by: Riwayat Ltd @riwayatuk
Choreography: Hajira Ahmad @ EBH @eventsbyhajira
Official Photography: Shahid Malik @iamshahidmalik
Head Stylist: Nabila @nabila_salon
Hair and Make-up supported by Saima Kiran @saimakiran
PR by Enigme Internationale @enigme_internationale

Christmas Extravaganza @ Grosvenor House Hotel

Posted on November 24, 2016November 24, 2016 by Sinni Kumar

Ameet Uberoi launches his Christmas Extravaganza at the Albemarle Suite, Grosvenor House Hotel, on Monday 28^th November 2016 from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm showcasing some of the finest exhibitors in luxury, art, fashion and jewellery.

The launch is also in aid of the Be Kind movement whereby the primary purpose is to empower disadvantaged women in the UK and India by promoting kindness and generous acts. www.bekindmovement.co.uk

The showcase will feature elegant and stylish jewellery by admired designers such as Chahat Mon Desir, and Zevar but also the equally exquisite Vashti collection, alongside a luxury range of lingerie by Zumruduanka and art from the Belgravia Gallery.

Chahat Mon Desir are creators of elegant jewellery including luxury pearls from the South Asian seas. The designs are inspired for the confident woman who desires to look different each time she steps out of her home. www.chahatmondesir.com

Zevar celebrates the diversity of India and its multiple cultures. Their jewellery is sourced from selected artisans across the country and promotes the finest traditions of Indian craftsmanship. The jewellery is niche, handmade and with a selection of unique designs add to the individuality of the brand. www.zevar.co.uk

Sought after fashion and lingerie designer Zumrudaunka is a luxury brand whose work has been featured on the front cover of Elle magazine, British Vogue plus many more. The style is sultry and sexy perfect for Christmas or the bride-to-be! www.zumrudaunka.com

Vashti Collections is an online store with a range of exclusive and vibrant designer suits and sarees. @vasticollections

Belgravia Gallery established in 1986 will be featuring the artwork from HRH The Prince of Wales and the late Nelson Mandela. Belgravia Gallery have raised millions for charity and works with many established and emerging artists. www.belgraviagallery.com

By contributory writer – Ateca Akwue,
Creative Director for Lolase Make Up