Catwalk Cares: Pakistan’s First Ever Virtual Fashion Show

Pakistan fashion industry united to go digital. Under the umbrella of Catwalk Event Management and Production Pakistan’s first ever virtual fashion show was organized where all the big names of our fashion industry joined hands to showcase their latest collections.

Frieha Altaf CEO of Catwalk Event Management and Productions came up with the idea of organizing a 3day virtual fashion show which was dedicated to the front liners and the volunteers who are working day and night to fight COVID-19. It was streamed on 5-7 June on Harpal Geo and Catwalk’s official YouTube and Facebook pages. Various top designers from the fashion world launched their collections but this time the runways were either the designer’s/models’ homes or studios. Catwalk collaborated with Studio by TCS to deliver all the necessary equipment and props whereas Nabila was the official styling partner.

In this 3day online event, models were shown doing their own makeup under the guidance of Nabila who was guiding them about the hairstyles and looks via video call. Many designers managed to feature their latest collections whereas some showcased their prior collections due to the current situation and the limited resources and time. Fariha Altaf opened the show by showing her gratitude for the front liners and shared some stats about how many front liners have suffered and lost their lives while protecting ours.

First day designer line up included Khaadi, Maheen Karim, Huma Adnan. Nida Azwer, Amir Adnan and Shameel Ansari. Models who showcased these designer collections included Robina Khan, Rahhima Ali, Subhan Awan, Abeer Rizvi and Fahmeen Ansari. This show ended with the tribute to all the people and especially model Zara Abid who died in the tragic plane crash in Karachi.

Second day designer line up included Ali Xeeshan, Elan, Asim Jofa, Generation, Husnain Rehar, Sania Maskatiya and Ismail Farid. Model Mehreen Syed, Alicia Khan, Mushk Kaleem, Husnain Lehri, Rabiya Chaudry, Neha Rajput and Fatima Hasan walked on the ramp wearing the amazing outfits designed by these designers.

Third day designer line up included Nomi Ansari, Faraz Manan, Shehla Chatoor, Sana Safinaz, and Sonya Battla. Models who walked the ramp included Fouzia Aman, Maha Taharani, Sarwat Gilani, Walid Siddiqui, Kiran Malik and Mushk Kaleem. This day ended with the tribute to all the front liners. All the designers, models and actors involved saluted them and dresses were gifted to them as a payback for their efforts.

Amid this pandemic, our fashion industry is facing huge losses and designers are confused regarding their next step and how would they be able to cope up with the situation. They have almost completely shifted to digital platforms to remain in the business. This virtual fashion show was also an effort for the local designers and the retail stores to remain afloat. Let’s, hope things get better soon, and our fashion industry manages to stand back on its feet when this pandemic would be over.