Aspiring student-models walk runway in dazzling fashion show in Karachi

KARACHI: The country witnessed a flurry of fashion weeks and style galas over the past couple of months and the razzmatazz is still far from fading away.

Students of Bahria University on Saturday night organised a fashion show, complete with different designers’ collections and aspiring models walking the ramp. The event, which was the result of numerous young undergraduates’ days-long hard work, turned out to be a commendable effort and impressed many.

Famed model Abbas Jafri also attended the fashion parade as the chief guest. Praising the students’ endeavour, he expressed his delight at the fact that Pakistan’s youth is opening up to more career options, including fashion and styling.

“There’s always room for learning. I believe that they need a little more grooming – but that’s okay for now since they’re students – and better stage setup,” Jafri, who was garbed in a chocolate brown evening jacket and sporting his signature rugged look, told Geo.tv.

The two-time Lux ‘Model of the Year’ Award winner, however, noted that since professional models move swiftly and rapidly on the catwalk, any would-be newcomer should invest more time in rehearsals and practice leg movement and posture.

Speaking to Geo.tv, event choreographer Rabeel Soleman, on the other hand, said, “It was an amazing experience and the models’ performance was above what one can expect from university students.”

According to Soleman, who has worked with big names such as Humayun Alamgir, Imran Rajput, and Levi’s in the past, fashion is not a suitable career choice. “It’s more of a hobby because it doesn’t pay well nor is it a consistent gig,” he said.

Yet, Jafri is of the opinion that the fashion industry faces a dearth of new faces.

“It’s a huge industry and we need more models. Many of the hopefuls hesitate due to the rumours that surround modelling – and their fear is justified – but it’s just gossip. I’d advise them to go and check out if a designer calls them, just like I did when I was younger, and look where I am now,” he said.

Of the models we spoke to, most seemed quite eager to start a professional modelling career.

“We’d definitely go for more of such experiences if given the chance. We hope someone from the industry sees us and offers us the opportunities to work on a bigger level,” one of the 20-something models said.

Izbah George, one of the team members behind the fashion event, commented, “The girls were very confident on the ramp, their dresses were quite trendy, and our practice bore fruit."

Ghazna Rizwan Farooqui – a female model who showcased bridal wear – mentioned parents’ support as a major motivating factor. “My mother is quite encouraging; she’s even here in the audience. I think her encouragement has made me realise that it’s important to have your parents on your side,” she said.

There were many rules and dress codes that caused hindrances, Soleman highlighted, before adding, “You can’t have all your wishes granted.”

But Jafri had an apt response to that. “One just needs to have a little more faith in themselves, in their strength, because all these young people are unique in their own ways,” he stated.

Nevertheless, it’s quite heartwarming to see new talent all geared up to start modelling as a profession. Plus, Soleman jokingly said, “They say Lahore introduces fashion trends. But Karachi is the most fashionable city,” and we cannot agree more!