Where else would an event as prestigious as the recent Fashion Parade be held but at the London’s Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge? The occasion was a huge victory for South Asian fashion with the Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror and Hello UK all joining Khush Wedding to cover the event.
Some of Asia’s biggest names were guests of this year’s exclusive event in Kensington, including Bollywood actress Amy Jackson, Olivia Grant, Nancy Dell'Olio, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz and Lizzie Cundy, all seated in the FROW to marvel at the collections.
This year, the event was fashion with a cause, supporting the charity Save The Children.
Main image above from NOMI ANSARI
ALI XEESHAN
With an honours degree from the Pakistan School of Fashion Design, Ali Xeeshan’s bold and beautiful designs captivated the catwalk. Playful silhouettes provided stucture for strong prints and intricate embroidery with neutral white keeping the overall tone fresh and fabulous.
HIRA SHAH
The runway transformed into a glamorous cocktail soirée for London-based designer Hira Shah’s collective in which metallics and pretty lace textures were the focus. Super sleek cuts teamed with feminine fabrics make the looks ideal for an al fresco reception at twilight.
RAISHMA
First London Fashion Week, now Fashion Parade; 2016 has been a winning streak for couture label Raishma. The designer’s collections, now stocked at John?Lewis and House of Fraser, included seriously luxe gowns and cocktail dresses in her signature style. Find more HERE
FAIZA SAMEE
Renowned for their expertise in some of the world’s rarest and intricate hand embroidery, Faiza Samee slayed on the catwalk at this year’s Fashion Parade. Models swathed in stunning creations sashayed by the assembled guests, showcasing the work to great effect.
STUDIOS S
Pakistani couture house Studio S combines artistic flair with innovative design to create dramatic yet wearable avant-garde fashion. Rich plum tones were the primary colourway for Studio S’ capsule collection - teamed with flowing chiffon, it’s ideal for Mehndi magic.
KHUSHBOOS BY CHAND
Pretty pastels and forgiving cuts formed the core of Khushboos by Chand’s Fashion Parade edit. We’re head over heels for the dreamy styles, exquisite beadwork and shimmering silks; it’s the perfect choice for midsummer receptions.
MEHREEN NOORANI
With a collection titled “All laced up with fringe benefits”, it was no surprise to the assembled glitterati that Noorani’s Fashion Parade edit had a distinctly boho vibe. Featuring plenty of lace, fringe detailing and pom pom trims the semi-couture pieces included capelets, light jackets and kimono-esque blazers.
SAIRA RIZWAN
Luxury label Saira Rizwan’s cool contemporary classics exude elegance for the modern bride. The designer showcased her skill in uniting smart silhouettes with traditional craftwork, for a versatile collection perfectfor any special occasion.
NOMI ANSARI
The catwalk was transformed into a kaleidoscope of print and colour when it was Nomi Ansari’s turn to take centre stage. Playful shades and exaggerated details (we’re so in love with the cobalt sleeve cape, above left) secured Ansari’s status as the grooviest Asian couturier in town.
HSY
Bringing together style and substance, there was no fitting end to the event of the season than HSY’s ethereal capsule collection, which uses Eastern influences alongside Western details. It’s the first time the ‘King of Couture’ showed at Fashion Parade, and judging from the reaction, it won’t be his last.
Fashion Parade is the brainchild of Sadia Siddiqui, founder of events and video production firm, Mustang Productions. Since its launch Fashion Parade has become a must-attend event for South Asian fashion to London. Sadia launched the event after finding a lack of high end South Asian fashion here. She says, “I was frustrated with the dearth of luxury Asian designers in Europe. I felt the world needed to witness their talents.”