For fashion lovers: Taking the ‘high’ way

ISLAMABAD:
As the weather gets warmer, fashion lovers in the capital welcome spring by stocking up on some of the brightest and latest trends straight from retailers in London into their closet. Following a successful exhibition in Lahore this winter, High Street, a London-based brand, run by Saliha Shiraz, has now come to Islamabad, promising the fashion-conscious more choice and variety.
Exhibition facilitator and fashion designer Pashmina Ahmed believes that there is a market for such items. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Ahmed said that High Street decided to focus predominantly on solid block colours for this season to layer with print and basics as the women in Islamabad have become a lot more experimental with their fashion choices.
The two-day exhibition at Latelier brings for the buyers of Islamabad a collection of trendy tops, bright coloured blazers and formal trousers from trendy stores such as Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Primark, Peacocks, New Look and River Island.
Tops
Tops on display ranged from solid colours such as browns and whites to cheetah print tops and floral prints. Amongst them were classic draped tops in caramel, yellow and red. Draped, chiffon knee-length tops in loose fitting were picked by most middle-aged women. “I am picking this up for a dinner, its elegant and trendy at the same time,” said Sarah Khan.
Other tops such as floral silk-chiffon blouses with ruffles in lighter tones such as greys and pinks were picked by younger girls who wanted to experiment with their choice and style. Meanwhile, the slightly older age-bracket was going for sheer blouses and chiffon-lace tops.
Trousers — Pegged pants
A collection of pegged pants was brought to the capital for the first time. These trendy, formal trousers are ideal for spring and summer. These trousers are in loose fit from the top and cuffed and turned up a few inches above the ankle. These pants are to be paired with thin belts, ideally to be worked with tucked-in shirts or even t-shirts. Pegs were available in cotton in checked grey and dark brown fabric.
Accessories
A selection of peep-toe wedges, ankle-high boots, some bright coloured flip-flops and formal strapped heels were at display. Clutch bags in royal blue,tan and corral pink were a hit. These bags can be used as classic purses as each bag came with a leather strap.
Blazers
Among all other items, slim fit blazers with pin-striped lining, were the most popular with customers. “I loved the blazers. The fit is really good and the bright colours are in fashion,” said Bisma Kayani. The blazers were available in peach, royal blue, orange, brown, yellow, light pink, deep red and classic black.
Local vs foreign brands
CEO of Latelier store, Zahra Raza believes that such exhibitions always attract a large number of people in Islamabad especially young girls. Raza said that although there are new stores that have opened up in Islamabad, but there is always a demand and market for foreign brands because of their fitting. “Sizing is an issue with local brands. I believe that only international brands understand the fit really well,” said Raza. Meanwhile, Pashmina Ahmed said that after the success in Islamabad they will be conducting more exhibitions every few months to keep the ladies up-to-date with the latest looks.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2012.