Indo-Pak designers exhibit their craft at Shaan-e-Pakistan

New Delhi: A confluence of myriad colours, fabrics, hand-made embroidery and exquisite designs from across the border marked the second day of the 'Shaan-e-Pakistan', a three day fashion and cultural extravaganza in the capital which aims to the bring India and Pakistan closer through fashion, food and music.

The event's curator Huma Nassr says the aim of 'Shaan-e-Pakistan' is to forge newer ties between the two nations with fashion and culture.

"We aim to bridge the gap between the two nations with this event. We have come here with a lot of expectations and are happy with the reception which we have received thus far. It's a display of talent and workmanship. We are bartering food, aesthetics and crafts through this initiative," Nassr told IANS.

Held at Hotel Grand, Vasant Kunj here, the second day of the cultural extravaganza on Friday saw Indian and Pakistani designers exhibiting their work for visitors.

Pakistani designer and actress Sanam Agha exhibited an intriguing mix of traditional and western wear through her designs. 

"My collection is a fusion of east and west. I use pure fabrics for my designs. They are mostly made of chiffon and pashmina. I had launched the first western wear collection in Pakistan during 2009," Agha told IANS about her exhibition. 

While Agha's designs were quirky, modern and highlighted a sense of fusion, Sahar Atif exhibited a beautiful bridal collection made of exquisite hand-made and nourished embroidery. 

"Embroidery is slowly becoming a dying art. Many designers are turning from artists to entrepreneurs. But I believe in the essence of art being art. So, I am keeping the tradition of embroidery alive," Atif told IANS. 

Atif also said that due to the nature of the work, which is purely hand-made and doesn't involve machine-work, it takes "one year to make a bridal collection". 

"I use chiffon and printing on polyester fabric for printing designs. It is highly experimental," Atif said. 

Among the Indian designers, Raakesh Aggarwal displayed quirky, modern-themed bridal wear, which will be a part of the fashion event on the final day of the three-day fashion gala.

"This is for the first time I am foraying into bridal wear. My collections have been mostly couture and exquisite party wear. But now I am displaying a new bridal collection," Aggarwal told IANS. 

Aggarwal's work was centered on Indo-western designs, with heavy embellishments to give it a chic, modern feel while still highlighting the essence of modern bridal wear. 

The three-day fashion gala will come to a close on Saturday with a fashion show by all participating designers.