Pakistan embodies a very rich heritage. Inhibiting a variety of cultures, languages, and landscapes, Pakistani fashion gets to play with a range of colors, cuts, and textures in its designs. Modern fashion takes great inspiration from conventional looks. This inspiration can be seen in the luxury pret lines of many popular Pakistani brands. Let’s take a deeper dive into the evolution of Pakistani fashion, and where it is expected to go from here.
Historical Overview
Traditional fashion from Pakistan emerged as a centralcriptor of national historic traditions. The style emerged during the Mughal empire and received influence from neighboring nations India and Afghanistan as well as British colonial rule. A woman’s traditional Pakistani ensemble consists of three pieces: a kameez together with a shalwar and wrapped by a dupatta. When it comes to traditional male attire the ensemble consists of a kameez and shalwar while women wear a kameez along with a shalwar and dupatta. Men hold the freedom to wear waistcoats when they want to. Pakistani fashion designs are made for comfort since they represent authentic Pakistani cultural values.
Traditinal Pakistani garments present fineries through beadwork in addition to embroidery and mirrorwork details. Zardozi, tilla work and kashida represent the language’s name for common decorative techniques. Regular traditional jewelry serves as female accessories while men choose between traditional khusa or kheiri footwear for their outfits.
Commonly, Pakistani clothes inclined towards cotton and silk. The Maria.B. new collection is also quite popular in Pakistani fashion. Cotton is more for daily wear, while silk and chiffon are saved for special events.
Evolution of Pakistani Fashion
Looking back, Pakistani fashion has noticeably evolved from traditional to modern styles. It was in the 1980s that Pakistani fashion began to juggle with Western style. The younger generations were greatly inspired by Western looks, infusing them into their traditional wardrobes. Today almost all popular Pakistani brands and designers offer both, traditional and Western, styles of fashion. Moreover, designers are innovating by incorporating Western designs into traditional clothes, or vice versa. For example, a co-ord set made of ajrak fabric. A fun take on East meets West through fashion.
Another prominent change was the introduction of ready-to-wear collections. Before, Pakistani fashion was majorly custom-made. However, ready-to-wear collections just made fashion easier and accessible for so many people. Targeting a mass audience, the Pakistani audience was beginning to experience fast fashion.
Today, Pakistani fashion is an amalgamation of Western and Eastern trends. It allows consumers to express themselves through their choice of clothing. This freedom of expression helps Pakistanis to feel liberated in their sense of self.
Pakistan Fashion Events
Events related to fashion have noticeably picked pace over the years. Presently, they are prominent contributors to Pakistan’s economy. Made up of multiple fashion weeks, couture events, and fashion shows, the fashion industry is up and booming. These shows are screened to a global audience. Not only does this attract worldwide media, but also brings in international buyers and fashion enthusiasts.
International Stage
Furthermore, Pakistani designers also go on to showcase their work on international platforms. Milan Fashion Week and London Fashion Week are also on the list. Global display of Pakistani fashion has helped it seep into regions like the Middle East, Europe, and North America. However, some designers tend to take inspiration from certain cultures and heritage without giving due credit. Cultural appropriation through fashion exploitation needs to be taken seriously.
Future of Pakistani Fashion
Pakistani fashion continues to evolve. The industry is highly diverse, providing a platform to all young, old, new, and aspiring talent. Being a free space, the Pakistani fashion industry is a great place to explore and experiment with styles and looks. Many new-generation designers are taking on this opportunity and pushing through the invisible boundary of traditional Pakistani fashion.
Pakistani fashion obtains growing international reach alongside worldwide acknowledgment. To become winners in global markets Pakistani brands and designers must develop sustainable methods for their manufacturing operations. Sustained business achievement depends on ethical operational standards.
Global recognition of Pakistani fashion stands alongside obstacles which impede its growth. Pakistani designers should advance their experimental design philosophy while implementing sustainable as well as ethical business operations.
