Are you a member of the Jane Austen Society of Pakistan?
Do you prefer books to clutches—or do your clutches resemble books?
Have you run out of shelves for your beautifully bound classics and dog-eared fan fiction with heroes named Darcy?
Is your Kindle filled with downloads of Charlotte Bronte and Georgette Heyer?
Does your smartphone feature a screensaver of Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark?
Have your lost count of how many times you’ve binge-watched Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey?
If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then direct your romantic sensibilities to the runway!
It appears that wedding couturiers in Pakistan are embracing silhouettes from some of our favourite bygone eras, and creating beautiful works of art in the process.
If this doesn’t entice you to get married—or dress up to rival a bride—then nothing will!
Here are photo collages I created from the recent Fashion Pakistan Week 2016, juxtaposed with their historic/film counterparts…
Shehla Chatoor
This sumptuous Shehla Chatoor bride is swathed in layers that evoke courtly Georgian glamour. Bonus: an off-shoulder Victorian neckline.
Binge on: Poldark (BBC, 2015) and Outlander (Starz, 2015) for Georgian;
Victoria, (ITV, 2016) and North and South (BBC, 2004) for Victorian.
Classics to devour: Aristocrats (BBC, 1999) and The Duchess (Saul Bibb, 2008) for Georgian;
Bel Ami (Declan Donnellan; 2012) and The Importance Of Being Earnest (Oliver Parker, 2002) for Victorian.
Fashion favourites to covet: Marie Antoinette (Sofia Coppola; 2006) for Georgian;
Anna Karenina (Joe Wright; 2011) for Victorian.
Deepak Perwani
This dashing Deepak Perwani bride has a sophisticated high-waisted look (a few inches more and it’d have been a bonafide Empire waist) with a similar effect as a Regency pelisse worn over a gown. Glorious!
Binge on: Pride and Prejudice (Joe Wright; 2005); Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (Burr Steers, 2016).
Classics to devour: Pride and Prejudice (BBC, 1995); Emma (1996).
Fashion favourites to covet: War and Peace (BBC, 2016); Vanity Fair (Mira Nair, 2004).
Republic Womenswear
This ravishing Republic bride screams Edwardian elegance in her exquisitely belted and layered ensemble. Très chic!
Binge on: Early seasons of Downton Abbey (ITV, 2010); The Paradise (BBC, 2012).
Classics to devour: Room With A View (1985); Titanic (1997).
Fashion favourites to covet: Chéri (Stephen Frears, 2009); Daniel Deronda (BBC, 2002).
For more on Jane Austen, Pakistan and fashion, and to purchase H! Pakistan’s November 2016 issue online click here: https://bit.ly/2eTVov8