‘Indian, Pakistani fashion markets draw upon many similarities’

Many associate bold cuts, colours and patterns with Indian fashion whereas Pakistani designs are said to ooze with smart detailing and craftsmanship. However, both the markets are unique and different in their own way, says Saad Ali, CEO of Pakistan Fashion Design Council, the only fashion council in the country that was conceived with the aim to felicitate Pakistani designers.

Be it the Aalishan Pakistan exhibition that showcased the best of Pakistan designs in India or PFDC The Boulevard store in South Extension in New Delhi or Indian multi-designer fashion house Karmik’s first store here, the exchange of fashion between the two countries has always grabbed attention amongst the fashionistas around the globe.

Asking Ali what similarities and differences he has noticed between Indian and Pakistan fashion markets, he told IANS: “The Indian and Pakistani fashion markets draw upon many similarities, particularly with respect to aesthetics and inspiration. Additionally, the consumption patterns of the average Pakistani and Indian are also comparable.”

The differences are noticeable too.

“The differences are in the infrastructure facilitated by the public sector and the development of the retail fashion market. Furthermore, the political and socio-economic environment also plays a huge role in the growth and development of each nation’s fashion industries. Both markets show a visible passion and desire to attain and maintain excellence in fashion and have many common pockets of interest in developing their fashion industry,” said Ali.

Established in September 2006, PFDC has been representing and promoting Pakistani designers at all levels, both domestically and internationally.

Thanks to the body, it helped Pakistan in getting represented at the prestigious Federation Françoise du Prêt a Porter Feminin in Paris in September 2011 where eight Pakistani designers were invited to hold an exclusive fashion show along with an exhibition in a pavilion at The Atmosphère (where designers can show their collections only on invitation).

“International clients bring in exposure, a different set of standards, and a different criterion for design aesthetics – all these keep design fresh and innovative. Designers (in Pakistan) are merging their own experience and aesthetics with what is demanded at an international scale to create collections and clothing that can hold its ground both locally and internationally.

“For these international audiences, you often find Pakistani designers incorporating sub continental craft within their work but cut within a modern interpretation,” he said on the sidelines of the ongoing eighth edition of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2015, held here.

What about the choices of an average Pakistani woman?

“Women from all tiers of society want to wear clothes which are in line with the latest fashion trends and are currently on trend, both locally and in the international fashion circuit. The modern working woman wants clothing that is aesthetically unique yet practical and is suitable for the average Pakistani lifestyle, and is in line with the latest trends, colour palettes, and silhouettes,” said Ali.

He also credits the “fashion design community” for constantly innovating with silhouettes, beauty and style.

“We are proud of having given Pakistan fashion design a platform based on which trends are conceived, created and projected for the entire nation to follow,” said the proud representative of the fashion industry.