Pakistan Fashion Week 2009 - Pictures

Despite Pakistan being locked in an offensive against TTP terrorists bordering Afghanistan, which US officials call the most dangerous region in the world- fashioners in Karachi, shrug off security fears and celebrated Pakistani Fashion Week 2009. Karachi the southern city of 14 million people, known for its glitzy malls and thriving cafe culture is known for its love for fashion. The event showcased 32 local designers over the four-day event. So we bring pictures from this show , courtesy Associated Press and Dawn.

Pakistan Brides

A casual observation at any Pakistani wedding leaves any curious observer impressed at how well the bride appears in her wedding dress. If anyone has been wondering about the secret behind such elegance on their wedding day, they should consider what bridal gown options the Pakistani bride has.

The Features of a Pakistani Wedding dress
Although appearing simple, the dress is normally laden with customary symbols of the Pakistani way of life. Many of these features could be so minute yet they have tones of cultural relevance. Some people insist on a red wedding lahenga more so on the third day of the wedding although the bride is at liberty to choose other colors. The material normally varies from jamawar to chiffon or silk which could be used either purely or in addition to other materials such as katan and in differing proportions. The gown is embroidered using different designs such as kora, dabka, resham and gotta. Behind Pakistani wedding dresses are great professional designers, karigers. The dress will also have additional features such as neckline sleeves, sequins and beaded flowers.

New Trends for Spring Brides

A look at bridal fashion reveals that spring brides will be more romantic than ever. Get ready for a season of dresses that are light, airy, feminine and truly a breath of fresh spring air! Here are the major bridal trends we spotted on the runways for spring 2006.

Lace: Lace has been popular on the runways for the last few seasons, but this year, the trend shifted from alençon to Chantilly lace — which has a very light and airy feel compared to its heavier cousin. When paired with lighter fabrics like organza and chiffon, Chantilly lace is especially beautiful. It will feel light as air walking down the aisle — great for spring and summer weddings.

Flower Appliqués: Flower details were everywhere this season. Monique Lhuillier used large flowers as finishing details at the waist and a sash around the neck instead of jewelry and attached to the gown at the shoulder. Embellished bodices and hemlines were also truly stunning. Alvina Valenta and Jenny Lee used flowers made in the same fabric as the dress to add a little romance.

V-necklines: Good news for brides who loathe strapless gowns! This season, designers veered away from the traditional strapless dresses by offering many different necklines, including portrait, halter, and the V. More options exist than ever before, so you are all but guaranteed to find one that you love. V-necklines look particularly flattering on women with larger busts, as long as they aren't cut too low. (You don't want to give Grandpa a heart attack on your wedding day!)

Balloon hems: It looks like the balloon hem is back and here to stay. Expanding on a trend that we began to see in past collections, designers made use of a bubble, or balloon, hem. Such a hemline creates a dress that is not only sophisticated, but playful and fresh as well. This look is particularly suited for tall brides who can handle a little volume in their skirts.

Draped, Wrapped and Ruched Bodices: Many designers used excess fabric on bodices, which gave their dresses texture and elegant details. The result is a clean and simple look that is incredibly stunning and also very flattering to the figure. This style of bodice hides a heavier middle, a lack of curves or a smaller chest.

Sweater Style

The general populace has become unabashed about wearing sweaters and jackets worn through the elbows. Around here, we call it Outside Elbow. And while some people try to blame it on more-abrasive-than-average desks or the fact that we're all "writers," everyone knows it's the economy that's bored through our wool, poly, and cotton. At other companies, they no doubt call it something like AIG Elbow or GM Elbow. (Though there's probably no Goldman Elbow.) "People are getting into mending who've never been interested in it before," says Lorraine Schuchart, a spokeswoman for Jo-Ann Fabric, who says the company has noticed a "dramatic increase" in the sales of iron-on patches. Wearing a patched sweater used to mean you smoked pot, but now it means you're the sensible, pragmatic type that girls' mothers love. So at least for this year, America, wear patches with pride. Endure the harsh winter of cold elbows with confidence that the Age of the Disposable Wardrobe will rise again. Because it will. And the Season of the Ulna will be forgotten—at least until hipsters and college students bring it back again.

2010 Fashion Jewelry Trends

Budgets are tight these days, but that does not mean that you need to stop being fashion conscious. Jewelry is one of the best ways that you can stay current with today's trends without having to spend all of the money that you have in your savings account. To really get the most bang for your buck it is important that you know what the top trends and styles are going to be so that you can choose quality pieces that will update your style.

Statement jewelry is actually one of the largest trends right now. Pieces like this may not be the most expensive pieces in your wardrobe, but they will pack a lot of punch for the amount of money that you have spent on them. You will want to choose pieces that are a bit more outrageous than your every day jewelry. Explore fun shapes, rich colors, and lots of sparkle. The key to making this type of look work for yourself is to keep your statement down to one piece per outfit. You do not want to have a large statement ring paired with a chunky armful of bangles, and some chandelier earrings. Instead, choose to simply work either a large statement ring or some dangly earrings.

Speaking of earrings, chandelier earrings are back in the spotlight this year. They bring with them an instantly feminine and glamorous look to any outfit that you add them to. Typically, chandelier earrings have some sort of sparkle to them, and this makes them the perfect addition to any going out look. However, do not think that you can only wear chandelier earrings in the evening. They are actually really beautiful when paired with simple jeans, heels, and a T-shirt. They will give you a bit of glamour to add into your everyday life.

Colors are really important this year. The fashion focus with this year's colors are actually warm and rich shades. Jewel tones are very popular as long as they are rich and lush. Additionally, warm tones are very in style this year. That means that yellows, oranges, and reds are very popular. Additionally, yellow gold is also making a comeback. It did fall out of fashion a while ago, but now yellow gold is emerging as a new favorite this year. It looks especially great when paired with rich chocolate browns and denim.

Don't forget to incorporate the colors into your choice of sparkle as well. You can choose to incorporate gemstones into you collection that are very rich in hue. These do not need to be the most expensive stones either. You can choose amethysts or citrines to give your accessories that glitz and glam that you are looking for. Additionally, you might want to explore pieces that have multiple stones in multiple hues to add to your collection.

Your jewelry is a great way to help enhance your wardrobe as well as to integrate the top fashion trends into your wardrobe. With a little bit of effort and attention to detail you will find that you are turning heads in no time!