Pakistani fashion designer Akif’s collection was inspired by the rich culture and traditions found specifically in the costumes and jewellery of Kalash, also known as Kafiristan.
Next on the Karachi runway was the Lahore based emerging designer Akif Mahmood with his womenswear Prêt-à-porter collection for Fashion Week entitled “Kolors of Kafiristan”. His collection was inspired by the rich culture and traditions found specifically in the costumes and jewellery of Kalash, also known as Kafiristan. The collection consisted of simple cuts accentuated by flares and volumes. The pieces boasted multicolored elaborate embroideries and a diversity of materials such as pom poms and ribbons. When asked about his collection the designer said, “Whatever I design has to have a touch of our own culture and traditions, no matter how western the collection is or how modern the cuts are, it should have some elements of our culture, because I believe this is how we can create something different from the rest of the world.”
Akif Mahmood graduated in Fashion Design from the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) in July 2010 and after his work was viewed by Mrs. Saigol, Chairperson of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week, Akif Mahmood was one of the emerging designers selected to show his own collection in the first Fashion Week, under his own label, ‘Akif’. Akif received the Best Collection Award for his collection at the PIFD graduation show this year. His signature style is reflected by the use of colors and elements from our local cultures combined with contemporary cuts, to create modern yet traditional designs.
