On the Catwalk, On a Celebrity: Aamna Sheikh in Beautiful Elan

I'm a big fan of Pakistani model and actress Aamna Sheikh, she looks lovely in most thing and dresses very well - usually something chic and simply cut, rather than something dripping in stones or being too heavy. I'm also a fan of label Elan, which designs quite stylish Western clothes as well as some stunning dresses and kameezes for wedding wear (not to mention some beautiful bridal collections!)

On the catwalk
I like how sleek this dress looks on the model, although it does look more like a jumpsuit than a maxi dress in this picture. I've seen the colour combination of yellow and black before, and this dress has a slightly Oriental influence to it, which I think works well together and looks quite stylish. I also like how modest and hijab-friendly this dress it - it has full sleeves and covers up quite well, and would look great on those who wear hijab as well as those who don't.

Image from Style on Paper

On the celeb
Aamina Sheikh wore this same design by Elan recently at a premiere for her latest film Lamha, and I think it looked fabulous on her. Her hair looks really lovely in an up-do, and the slick of red lipstick really sets the outfit off. I also prefer the dress on Aamina because it looks a bit more simpler on her, the splash of yellow on the sash and the sides of the dress look great, and the dress itself is very flattering on the figure. While the outfit looked nice on the model, it also looked a bit loose on her, and on Aamina it looks a bit more realistically fitted without being too tight or inappropriate.

My verdict, she looks great, the dress is amazing and I'd love to have one like this in my wardrobe too!

Images from here

BRIDE COUTURE: A Luxurious Affair

Sometimes the over-laden luxurious look may not work for everyone...although it helps if you're a model. Another beautiful, traditional outfit from designer Bunto Kazmi, as modelled by the beautiful Aamina Sheikh - I do like the use of colour here, like the rich orange and purple peeping out at the bottom!

 Image Source

Bunto Kazmi at Fashion Pakistan Week 2012

It's always nice to see some Bunto Kazmi designs on the catwalk, especially as her designs are hardly ever showcased, and I've only ever seen her bridal wear on real brides. Here's the latest collection as showcased in Fashion Pakistan Week which took place only last week, showing some beautifully rich designs, rich work and intricate work. I like the fact that these outfits don't look too bridal and are a little more wearable for the average (although wealthy!) buyer who would like something luxurious to wear as part of their formal wardrobe.  I like how each of these designs have that signature 'Bunto' feel to them, yet also have a good range of colour and design, my personal favourite would probably be either the long red dress in the middle, or the peachy design at the end, cos of how sparkly it looks!

 I'll be sure to post other designers from Fashion Pakistan Week which have caught my eye, although if you have any that you like, let me know so I can look out for them!

 

 

Images from here

Aamina Sheikh and Ayyan Ali model for L'Oreal Photoshoot

I came across this photoshoot done for the make-up brand L'Oreal, by prominent Pakistani models Aamina Sheikh and Ayyan Ali recently, and thought it was an interesting shoot in terms of trying out various colours and looks on the models. Although not all the looks were practical (such as the luminous and glittery eyeshadowed look!), it's still an interesting way to use colour and make-up, and both models look beautiful.

Image Source

I'm not sure all of these looks appeal to me, simply because some of them are a little dramatic or unpractical to use in everyday make up. I do like the use of jewellery and accessory though, and the use of colour in these images are certainly something which are well put together. I love the fact that well-known brands such as L'Oreal are using models from Pakistan to promote their brand, and certainly I am seeing more and more ambassadors from the East in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh being used more often to promote brands like this. In this case, I think Aamna Sheikh and Ayyan Ali both look beautiful and elegant - while I wouldn't exactly copy their looks, I still think it's an interesting range of looks and certainly quite dramatic. What did you think of this photoshoot?

DESIGNER MODE: Bunto Kazmi

I've waited a while to write this post as I wanted to do justice to one of my all time favourite designers: Pakistani couture designer Bunto Kazmi, and as far as the elite goes, Bunto is right at the top. Bunto Kazmi is famed for her regal, traditional styles, and although she designs formal dresses and partywear, it is consistently her bridal wear which she has become famous for (thus coining the phrase 'Bunto Brides' to signify those rich - and lucky - enough to have their wedding dress made by her). What is also special about this designer is that you will only find out about her through word of mouth - and it's mainly brides and fashion critics lauding her beautiful designs - she has no website or printed adverts, and rarely shows her work on the ramps. The last time her work was on exhibited was her formal wear collection in 2008, some of which are below:

 

Image Source

There are extensive disscussions and images of Bunto Kazmi's work, most notably on Pakistani forum GupShup which has plenty of images of real brides wearing her work, which I will leave you to peruse at your own leisure (as I think it would be unfair to post pictures of brides that I don't have permission to post!) What stands out most from this designer is the sheer high quality of her wok, and the beautiful intricate designs that go into each dress. For me it is easy to spot a Bunto design because of the similarity in designs, regal traditional styles and rich work, as you can see below. Recent updates show that the designer is now booked until mid 2012 before she takes any more orders, showing just how popular she is.

Image Source

Please do look through the forum to see Bunto's beautiful work, her signature work at the moment appears to be long, heavily decorated kameez tops with lengha skirts, and beautifully done, heavy dupatta work. I know this sounds like every other asian wedding dress, but have a look at her work and you will see how traditional and stunning her work is. Admittedly Bunto's designs are not cheap - at current they are said to be around six or seven lakhs (around £5000-6000) which is an astounding amount to spend on a dress, and yet this has only made her designs something to covet - many girls have said they are simply going to save up more in order to get a prestigious Bunto design, Indeed her dresses have been described as heirlooms, timeless and valuable which can be passed down from generation to generation. You can tell I'm a fan, and certainly, for me these dresses are the stuff of (desi) fairytales, and I think they carry a certain charm that no other designer can measure up to. I doubt I would be able to afford to buy one of her outfits, but it's doesn't make the appeal of her designs any less alluring. What do you think of her designs?