Painting a story of harmony, peace and friendship between Indian and Pakistan, as many as 14 designers from both the countries along with showstoppers like Pakistan actress and supermodel Nadia Hussain and Bollywood star Evelyn Sharma unfolded a new chapter of fashion here on the final day of exhibition 'Shaan-e-Pakistan'.
The three-day fashion and cultural extravaganza, which started on Thursday with an aim to bring India and Pakistan closer through fashion, food and music, came to a close with a dose of glitz and glamour on Saturday at the Hotel Grand in Vasant Kunj.
The stage was recreated to give a feel of the Wagah border post with flags of both the countries and a huge gate which transported the guests to the other side of the border as it opened with an audio-visual, which ended with the lines "Ek shaam dosti ke naam", mouthed by Huma Nassr, the brainchild behind the event.
Talking about the idea behind the gala, Nassr, a Pakistani designer, told IANS: "I have been coming (to India) for the last of couple of years for work and I thought why not associate other designers from my country, to get them on board (with Indian designers) and make an aesthetic event."
The designer went on to add that she would "like to take Indian designers to Pakistan and do a Shaan-e-Hindustan there".
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The participating designers were Umer Sayeed, Raakesh Agarvwal, Samina Shanjani, Sanam Agha, Asifa and Nabeel, Rinku Sobti, Zainab Chottani, Ali Xeeshan, Poonam Bhagat, Sahar Atif, Jyoti Sachdev Iyer, Ritu Seksariya, Rajneeral Babutta and Huma Nassr.
With hues of gold, salmon pink, red, black, blue, white, orange and green, the style gurus showcased an array of ensembles varying from saris, lehengas, churidaars, shararas, long and short dresses, sherwanis and bandhgalas -- symbolising an amalgamation of style statements from both the nations.
Pakistani designer Sanam Agha, who showcased her latest collection titled Sunset, said her line runs high on versatility and comfort.
"We have used a lot of chiffon for the flowy effect and a lot of browns because its a rage this season. This is my fall collection and the clothes are very versatile," Agha told IANS.
Agha also noted that her ensemble is in demand in India and a "few people have already approached me to stock them at stores here".
"There are a lot of people who want our styles because they don't get them over here (India) and they want the hand embroidery and they also like the fabrics. There have been some talks (for stocking purposes) as well," Agha said.
Indian designer Rinku Sobti, who showcased around 12 black and white checkered outfits with a dash of red, blue, pink and purple, with the high point of a suit-sari, said the range was made by a "developed" fabric called silk net, which was weaved in Varanasi.
"We have adopted a village in Varanasi...so we are getting the fabric weaved from there and they are pretty good," Sobti said.
Another Indian designer, Jyoti Sachdev Iyer presented her collection "Audacieux", made with fabrics like chanderi and georgettes in pastel shades, with actress Evelyn Sharma as her showstopper.
Iyer stressed that Indian designers should also "be given a chance to exhibit their talent in the neighbouring country just like Pakistani designers ho have come to India to showcase their talent".
Fashion was not the only talking point of the gala. The tunes and rhythms of songs like "Aao huzoor tumko", "Chalte chalte yun hi koi mil gaya tha", "Sone di tavitri" and "Cheti bori ve tabiba" created a mystical aura.
The front row at the event saw faces like Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh and Manzoor Memon, the minister (press) of the Pakistan high commission in India.