On the jubilant occasion of The House of Kamiar Rokni’s 20 years in the fashion business, the ace fashion designer celebrated with a very exclusive guest list of friends, family and fashionistas and showcased an immersive fashion presentation in Lahore. Titled ‘The Optimist’, the collection is very relevant in today’s time, as the name hints at the ever-changing new world of evolution and upheaval. It chronicles Kamiar Rokni’s artistic oeuvre over the last two decades, chronicling his past, present, and future.    

“When you think about the people that have helped you, you think about the women; it’s always the women who make everything nice and beautiful and put all the joie de vivre in everything out there. It’s always the ladies, so thank you to all the women who have worn my clothes, who have taught me how to make clothes, who have taught me about elegance and style, individuality.” – Kamiar Rokni, as he took a bow.

  The Optimist comes as the third chapter in what can now be called The Trilogy, which began with The Orientalist and continued with The Modernist. The collection was reminiscent of all that the world has gone through in the last few years because the beautiful fusion of fashion, art, culture and imagination is the heart of The House of Kamiar Rokni. Rokni is a colourist whose inspiration is steeped in history, music, his lineage and a perspective of memory that is deeply visual. Speaking on the vision behind this celebration, Kamiar Rokni commented: “I was thinking about past and the present and the future as a concept to commemorate 20 years of design. The more I looked back on my own work, the more I felt that The Optimist would be a completion of a trilogy that starting with The Orientalist and went to The Modernist. When I looked to the future, I thought of what encapsulated my design best and I believe it is the optimism inherent in all that I craft.”  

Signature Kamira Rokni

The designer’s signature style is a fusion of traditional aesthetics with an urban silhouette. What remained constant throughout the collection was a kaleidoscope of bright hues carefully juxtaposed with sublime silhouettes. Intricate embroideries and artistic patterns ruled the ramp, as the designs explored several cultural influences from Russia to China, extending to the Subcontinent.          

The Modern Woman

Kamiar also played with the diversity within feminine. The designs were modern yet classic and cast a sheer magic.              

Jackets and Capes

Jackets and capes were one of the highlights of the show. They featured rich embroidery over a beautiful colour palette.          

Sari Galore

A few key pieces included saris in ethereal hues with a touch of urban motifs.        

Ethnic Inspirations

The Optimist featured rich velvets, organzas, jacquards, chiffons with handwoven silk trims, detailed silk and tissue nets. Some of the designs also introduced multiple rich textiles within one outfit making the traditional wear more rooted.              

Silk Drapes

The silk gowns in the collection were colour blocked in jewel tones.           Photography Credits: Faisal Farooqui and his team at DragonFly