Beyond boundaries

THE backstage at the cultural hall was abuzz with chaotic activity before the start of the Pakistani Women’s Association’s (PWA) signature fashion show, Riwaaj.

Choreographer par excellence, Imran Kureishi, who travelled last week from Pakistan to co-ordinate the show, was giving final directions to the music team, Johnny from Johnny and Co was arranging orchids in some of the models’ hair and MAC and Dessange make-up teams were putting final touches to the models’ and dancers’ makeup.

The two Pakistan-based designers, Umar Sayeed and Shamaeel were arranging accessories and clothes as models rushed out of the dressing rooms in their first change of outfits and lined up back stage for the curtain to rise. The cultural hall was packed with ambassadors’ wives and a multicultural mix of women, some of who had travelled from across Saudi Arabia to see the show.

The event was patronised by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad who attended the event with other members of the Royal Family. Riwaaj – which means traditions in Urdu – was an expression of fashion traditions and commenced with an elegantly choreographed dance which was a mix of traditional classical, contemporary and hip hop.

But there was an appreciative hush in the audience as the fashion show got underway with the opening segment of Shamaeel’s collection. Models, all of whom were volunteers, posed in three large frames set out on the stage amidst large urns and candelabras that rendered a dramatic yet romantic look to the entire set.

They sashayed in heavily embellished sarees and long coats and worked jeans worn with high boots, long flowing silk dresses encrusted with stones and contemporary silk trousers with detailed coats. Shamaeel’s high end prêt-a-porter collection was a mix of sophisticated sensuality and contemporary allure in muted palettes. “Fashion is not about restricting oneself to ethnic limits.

My collection transcends boundaries and is for women from any corner of the world. My philosophy is bold femininity and to have fun with fashion. Simplicity is beautiful,” said Shamaeel, the Czarina of style whose trademark are her eclectic and bold designs.

Umar Sayeed celebrates 20 years in the Pakistan fashion industry this year and his collection was a testament of his unique creativity and design wizardry. Models stepped out of the large picture frames one after the other dressed in beautifully embroidered coats worn with jeans and high boots.

A heavily worked collection in black and magenta followed where models showed off long kurtas, strappy voluminous dresses each outfit more breathtaking than the last. Umar’s collection had a modern twist to the traditional incorporating antiquity into a timeless yet contemporary chic.

The splendid finale with Umar’s bridal wear collection was a befitting end to the evening where models wearing majestic ghararas (skirts) with heavily embellished dupattas (scarves) and tops walked regally onstage. “This is my first show abroad and when I heard that it was for charity I immediately agreed to do it.

I have met such hard working women in the PWA and everyone is working with the spirit of making this show a success. I’m excited to present my collection in front of the Royal Family and am thankful to PWA for presenting me the opportunity to do so,” said Umar before the start of the extravaganza. The show was well received by the audience and, relieved that all had proceeded smoothly, Imran said, as the curtain fell: “PWA put so much faith in me and I wanted to make them proud and showcase Pakistan’s talents in the best way possible.” Proceeds from Riwaaj will go to various Bahraini charities which the PWA supports and to the women and children of Gaza.