Pakistanis are a very fashion conscious nation. Be it dress, food, or lifestyle, what ever is in vogue is "IN". Fifty percent of Men and ninety-five percent of the Pakistani women wear their National Dress, "Shalwar Kameez", i.e., a knee length shirt (Kameez), loose ankle length trouser (Shalwar) and for the women a stole, which is worn over the shoulders known as "Dupatta".



Usually women are seen with dyed or highlighted hair and latest trendy apparels that are devotedly followed. Not to forget the young men who usually drive inspiration from the singers or actors.

The fashion business is one of the most imaginative and busiest activities in Pakistan. Salons, beauty parlors and clothing outlets are found in every street and corner. When it comes to textile and embroidery, it is one of the industries in which Pakistan excels. Rich embroidery with sequins, glasswork, thread, beads, shells and thin wire depicts the true eastern culture. The seasonal cloth comes out in a variety of patterns and designs, usually worn mix and match, and for those who like to be different solid colors are adorned with block prints, screen-printing or are hand painted to add exclusivity.

Fashion in Pakistan is not only restricted to the upper class but also maidservants and the shopkeepers have an aesthetic fashion sense. Weddings, events, festivals and parties are a display of the hottest trends.

In Pakistan, fashion has evolved over time. As the society is moving close to advancement, more attention is being paid to the manner of dress and lifestyle. Here is a quick glance back in time to see how the nation has grown with its trends.

The Pakistan Fashion Week previewed its garments of several designers including Sonya Battla and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin at the Lakme Fashion Week. The first Pakistan Fashion Week will be in Lahore from November 5th through November 8th at the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club. At the second Pakistan Fashion Week in 2008, Indian designers in collaboration with Lakme Fashion Week will be invited to display their collections.

Sonya and Hassan are stars of Pakistan and known for their stylishly crafted garments which reflect their country's sensibilities blended beautifully with western silhouettes.

It was a show of pomp, glitz and glamour at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) on Sunday when the Pakistan fashion week presented garments of several designers including Sonya Battla and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin.

The first Pakistan fashion week will be organised in Lahore from November five. Indian designers will be invited at the second Pakistan fashion week next year.

Designers Sonya and Hassan are known for their stylishly crafted garments which reflect Pakistan's sensibilities blended beautifully with western silhouettes.

The fabrics were a mix of traditional bandhani and contemporary chiffons, silks, and georgettes along with rustic hand woven cotton.

From the opening long shaded crepe ornate gown, the mood was set for a spectacular line of creations that were a mix of eastern and western glamour.

Men's wear had a few trendy jackets as well as long sherwanis embroidered with peacock motifs, kurtas with traditional embellishments and tunic with beaded tassel work.

Women's wear ranged from long sensuous gowns with beautiful ornate necklines to chiffon halter dresses, stylish bund galas teamed with layered palazzos, glamorous tunics worn with capris, a vibrant poncho and mini skirt, red geometric embroidered jackets with beige chiffon shararas.

The show then moved onto glittering sequined minis, Charleston dresses and even an air of skinny rhinestone splashed denim jeans.

The two saris in the show were elegantly designed with embroidery of the richest kind. The show revealed the beauty of Pakistan, leaving the audience wanting more of the neighboring country's couture creations.