The First Ever Pakistan Fashion Week Defies Politics
JoAnn Neuhauser — November 9, 2009 — Social Good
References: news.yahoo & worldnews.about
While most fashions shows by top designers are just business as usual, one has emerged this week that is big news. Held in a country where the news spotlight is usually on terrorist violence, Pakistan has just held their first ever fashion week.
Top designers used the 2009 Pakistan Fashion Week to deal their own symbolic blow to the Taliban. Sexy and racy designs were showcased that bared alot of skin and even tatoos. Some traditional head coverings were represented, but with shoulders, legs or navels exposed. What a refreshing contrast in an area where the normal women’s garb is baggy clothing covering the entire body!
The four day event was postponed twice due to security concerns, but organizers were not about to shelve Pakistan Fashion Week. They were adamant about showing the world there is more to their country than violence, plus advertising an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people.
Top designers used the 2009 Pakistan Fashion Week to deal their own symbolic blow to the Taliban. Sexy and racy designs were showcased that bared alot of skin and even tatoos. Some traditional head coverings were represented, but with shoulders, legs or navels exposed. What a refreshing contrast in an area where the normal women’s garb is baggy clothing covering the entire body!
The four day event was postponed twice due to security concerns, but organizers were not about to shelve Pakistan Fashion Week. They were adamant about showing the world there is more to their country than violence, plus advertising an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people.
Trend Themes
1. Fashion Industry Embracing Politics - Designers are using fashion shows to express opinions on political issues, creating opportunities to disrupt traditional fashion industry norms.
2. Alternative Fashion Shows - Diverse fashion shows, such as those held in countries undergoing turmoil or unrest, are gaining popularity and disrupting the traditional concept of fashion design shows.
3. Gender Empowerment in Fashion - Fashion is being used as an empowering tool to challenge rigid gender constructs, providing opportunities to disrupt the traditional gender dynamics in the fashion industry.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The traditional fashion industry may benefit from incorporating political and social issues to appeal to younger and more socially conscious audiences.
2. Tourism Industry - The rise of alternative fashion shows in countries undergoing unrest create unique tourism opportunities, shifting focus from violence to cultural expressions.
3. Fine Arts Industry - The merging of fashion and politics creates opportunities for artists to explore creative expressions through garments, challenging the traditional notions of fashion design as a mere aesthetic industry.
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