Wearing latest designer dresses is a global trend. Running behind branded clothes is commonly practiced by everyone and it has become a norm and trend nowadays to follow sales promotions and launch events. The trend is changing every year and the garments industries are shaping the thoughts of people by different campaigns. In spite of all such rush of brands, Pakistani traditional fashion still stands firm and even inspire popular brands to infuse their creative lines with rich cultural designs.
Here are some of the never out of style fashion from different Pakistani provinces and regions:
Ajrak
Mesmerizing & mystic art work from interior Sindh never fails to disappoint. This cultural attire is made of handmade thappa work with geometrical accuracy. Red with mix of black & white considered to be the standard color of ajrak but now with more fusion & evolution it can be found in other color variations too. Ajrak can be used as shawl, kurtis & shirts, compliments well with plain black, white trousers or with denim leggings.
Kalashi Beetle Embroidered Art Work
When it comes to the way the Kalash people dress, it is usually the female clothing that grabs everyone’s attention. The Indo-Aryan origin fashion with handmade beetle patchwork with heavy neckline and cap, creates the timeless and matchless fashion. They are the Amish of Pakistan. Their fashion and culture is the most preserved one and is not influenced by glamorous media. Kalash women still wear cheos, baggy black cotton dresses brilliantly embroidered at the collars, cuffs and hems. Kalashi beetle work is regarded as an ancient handicraft that has passed from one generation of women to the other.
Balochi Embroidery
Balochi culture is kind of underappreciated fashion regime. Less main stream media coverage makes balochi art a kind of mystic & untouched fashion. Historically Balochi’s have been famous for their unique dressing style that features handmade outfits. Phulkari work consisting of all over embroidery work on shirt which goes well with plain loose fit open matching trousers and handmade all over long scarf. Balochi hand embroidery runs from hand cuffs to full length shirt and Kinari work on Dupatta to bottom opening of trousers. Undoubtedly, the province lacks well established garments industries. However, demanding online trend of female dresses have influences the economy in some advance regions of the province like Quetta, Chaman & Gawadar etc.
Nomadic Ghakra
Nomadic or khanabadoshi fashion is one of a kind and tells its own story. Inspired from all their travels and mixing fashion patches of all regions their fashion takes the best out of every trend. It is a fusion of Sindhi, Balochi, and Southern Punjab & KPK trends.
Punjabi Shlawar Kameez
The fashion of majority of Pakistan which has evolved from generation to generation. From pre-partition loose fit gharara to slim fit shirts and flappers, all forms telling their own version of generation mind set. Heavily adapted with long run hot weather and made of light weight printed fabrics. Industrialization of garments manufacturing gave more modern solutions with option of digital prints. Shirt and Kurti designs vary further in upper, middle and southern Punjab. Upper and middle Punjab influenced by industrialization and online trends. On the other hand, Southern Punjab is a bit conserved one, not so commercialized fashion and still depending on home based industry at large
KPK Patchwork
The vogue heavily inspired by central Asian culture include frocks, long shirts with handmade contrast embroidery and glass work. Also presence of Afghan refugees amalgamated trends from both countries. Strong presence of sub continental residents in Gulf & Europe has inspired many event organizers to host cultural exhibitions for their locals mixing the trends of both regions.