Style
Fashion fraternity unites to make Runway SS’25 a big success
By Naeem Ahmed •
Published on August 18, 2025
Masarrat Misbah of the Depilex Smileagain Foundation (DSF) that works for the rehabilitation of acid burn survivors participated in harmonious synergy with unisex fashion designer Zubair Shah. The segment witnessed models accompanying acid burn survivors through among the aisles wearing designer clothes. It was a dream come true for the survivors who smiled and waved at the audience, who gave them a standing ovation for their bravery and steadfastness in the face of trial and adversity.
The segment concluded with Masarrat Misbah and designer Zubair Shah coming front stage with the models and survivors where Misbah shed light on the subject at length followed by a touching and heartfelt show reel.
Legendary Kathak exponent and classical performer Sheema Kermani paid rich tributes to those who have passed away from among the showbiz fraternity over the past year by performing to a recording of celebrated poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s Dasht-i-Tanhai, by Ustad Vilayat Hussain with Ustad Shafiullah on the harmonium.
The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi dance group comprising Naina Khan, Yoshua Hussain and Shahzore Akhtar performed a contemporary dance number to the popular Khamaj (starring Shaan and Zara Sheikh) by Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan. The dancers’ hand and body movements held the audience transfixed, involved and thoroughly engrossed. The solo act by singer Syed Hasaan performed cover of popular numbers and celebrated singers which captivated the audience, who demanded more of his soulful lyrics which kept him coming back more for an encore.
Mahi’s Couture collection boasted a 45-piece collection with intricate embroideries, gemstone hues and classically eastern, fusion and western cuts on tall and statuesque models in a blaze of sparkling sequins, luxe fabrics, flowy, cascading duppattas and skirts, with intricate detailed hand embroideries, structured cuts and fitting silhouettes. Actress Zahrah Raza was the showstopper in the segment. For Mahi’s casual collection, the design house put on the tall and statuesque ramp models attired in corsets and casual, free-flowing outfits that perfectly complimented the aesthetic sensibilities of the smart, young hip crowd, while introducing fashion-forward approach to casual-wear.
The fashion thesis students from the Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MITE) showed intricately crafted costumes structured from dried-out fruit skin peels, textured elements found freely in nature, social influences and issues facing urban communities, all woven into the costumes to create an impactful and resounding social statement. The segment saw transgender rights activist Kami Chaudhry walk for the MITE students in a showstopper creation, drawing a rave round of applause.
Ramsha Bilal of Rose Salon made her debut as a bridal couturier at Runway SS’25 with highly innovative bridal looks specially curated for the segment by the official hair and make-up artists. The trousseau collection wove a rich tale of splendour and exquisite taste in terms of both textures, embellishments, colour tones and luxe fabrics, accentuated by fresh bridal make-up and coiffant hairstyles that elicited a hearty response from the cultured audience.
Bridal couturier K. Yousuf displayed intricately crafted heirloom pieces on the models, immersed in expensive bridal-wear that boasted semi-precious stones embellishments, traditional and cultural design elements and influences from Pakhtun culture and a medley of vibrant colours to a stunning effect.
Designer Lubna Mudassir showcased her trademark heavy formals with jewel tones, matte and skin tones laced with metallic embellishments in traditional and experimental cuts.