The UK welcomed a first of its kind entry on the fashion calendar on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 May at Mayfair Hotel, London W1, when Faisana: Fashion Weekend curated for the first time together on one international platform three of India and three of Pakistan’s most celebrated designers – Anita Dongre, Rina Dhaka and Bhairavi Jaikishan (India); and Umar Sayeed, Nida Azwer and Sania Maskatiya (Pakistan).

The two-day event, hosted by South Asian fashion influencers, Radhika Hasan and Aamna & Aisha, launched with an exclusive Champagne, Canapés and Couture evening on 2 May in Mayfair Hotel’s Crystal Room, where influencers, VIP’s and celebrities such as singing sensation Kanika Kapoor; former Bollywood actress Madhoo; actress, comedian, writer and singer Meera Syal MBE; and one of India’s original supermodels, host and VJ Nina Manuel were privy to a runway show featuring the latest collections from all participating designers, presented by the designers themselves. The evening also featured a classical dance performance by celebrated Kathak dancer Fasih ur Rahman of the Akademi institute. A free to attend, open exhibition, The Grand Trunk Show, took place on 3 May, showcasing a wide range of the designers’ pret and couture collections for the general public.

Speaking at the event, co-host and organiser Radhika Hasan said, “On behalf of the RHL (Radhika Hasan Ltd) team, I would like to thank all who attended Faisana Fashion Weekend to make it such an enormous success. For the first time in the UK, Faisana brought together the best of Indian and Pakistani fashion on one platform, showcasing their latest collections. The response from media and buyers has been overwhelming, proving the point that the UK holds a tremendous opportunity for South Asian fashion.”

Co-host and organiser Aisha Tabani Chowdhry said, “We are thrilled that the UK audience has responded so incredibly to our Faisana concept. We had hoped to deliver something new and exciting and I think we managed to achieve that. Our six brilliant designers produced an amazing array of the best India and Pakistan have to offer - it was fashion heaven!”

Co-host and organiser Aamna Lakhany said, “Faisana Fashion Weekend proved to be a dream come true. It has been such an exciting and amazing experience and we are entirely overwhelmed by the huge amount of support we have received.”

Faisana: Fashion Weekend marked the first event to combine Indian and Pakistani fashion from the respective countries’ most lauded fashion houses, showcasing the high end of South Asian fashion. The participating designers are fashion icons in India and Pakistan respectively. Their unique designs transcend the contemporary, the young and hip, hence a perfect fit for the London and wider UK market.

Gallery: Faisana: Fashion Weekend

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