In association with BMW, the sixth edition of "Pond's presents The Lustrous Runway", was held on Friday, 21 August 2015 at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel Dhaka. Providing a platform for up and coming local designers to showcase their collections alongside international counterparts, the show has carved a niche for itself as one of the finest promoters of cross-national fashion in Bangladesh.

The fashion show, organised by Infinity Event Management, began promptly amidst an audience-packed ballroom with a jewellery collection by Sasha Exclusive. Offset against one-tone black saris, handcrafted silver jewellery embellished by gemstones displayed the prowess of our local silversmiths and their ability to mould intricate designs that befit South Asian jewellery palettes.

This was aptly followed by an evoking collection by Indian designer JyotsnaTiwari, paying homage to the feminine expression of love and romance. Dreamy and poetic, the designer used soft pastels and bold red to define a powerful sense of emotion, using a variation of full-length gowns and pre-draped saris.

Diva, by Nisha Ali, was next on stage, with a tribute to Bengal's heirloom fabrics, muslin and jamdani. Through a range of anarkalis and saris, the collection showcased white-on-white ensembles as well as striking contrasts accentuated by elaborate embroidery and zari work. 

Her line paved the way for Pakistani designer Shamsha Hashwani, and her novelty designs specialising in highlighting the inherent beauty and uniqueness in every woman. The versatile collection was initiated with fusion numbers pairing white fitted pants with embellished tops.

Hashwani's line then steered into South Asian territory, with a striking blue and pink lehenga and a bright selection of kameezes, ending with an assortment of men's panjabis complemented by heavy dupattas.

Halfway through the show, the audience was welcomed to a short culinary interval for finger food and refreshments before returning to their seats to watch the second jewellery participant, Gitanjali Lifestyle take the ramp.

The something-for-everyone collection included stunning sets in kundan and polki and was testament to the versatility of designs that are currently en vogue, including chokers, collar sets and layered neck pieces. In keeping with the bejewelled theme, Nova Genuine Swarovski, was next in tow, with abstract designs infusing zardosi work with Swarovski crystals in comfortable cuts and flowing chiffons. Pastel shades in lightweight fabrics were dotted with crystal encrusted neck and hemlines, emphasising the unique balance between glamour and subtlety.   

The penultimate segment of the event saw Indian designer Jyoti Sachdev Iyer present her designs at a fashion show in Bangladesh for the first time. The audience was treated to a feast of colours with her collection experimenting with bleeding reds, midnight blues and pale peaches all in one breath. 

Teamed with poncho-inspired tops, ankle length skirts and flattering kameezes, versatility was at the heart of the line in terms of cuts as well.

Perhaps the most anticipated collection of the evening, designer duo Komal and Ratul Sood took to the ramp next with their vibrant and sophisticated line of women's wear and their equally elegant selection for men. Meticulously worked panjabis were interspersed with chic, funky suits, tailored to silhouettes and in a burst of exciting colours. 

The final collection on show was perhaps the most memorable, especially in terms of choreography and background score. Fashion house Rubize's Waheeda Hussain's collection, Nostalgia, was as emotive as its title suggests.

Opening with a recreated scene of with models playing cards, it was reminiscent of lazy summer afternoons spent playing board games. Fun, frilly and flirtatious, the underlying theme across all designs included board game motifs, from Ludo printed aanchals to deck of cards inspired skirts and tops.

The choreography too defied conventional moulds with models routinely breaking into dance to the likes of Spice Girls' 'If You Wanna Be My Lover' and the popular 'Mambo Number 5'. 

To close the event, the highlight of the evening and of the show itself, celebrity showstopper Dia Mirza graced the stage, ever delicate and ever beautiful. The beauty pageant winner turned actor turned social worker walked the ramp in a custom-made Rubize outfit and Gitanjali jewellery.

Mirza spoke briefly about the very personal form of expression that fashion provides and commended organisers Karishma Khan and Ali Faiyaz Shuomo of 

Infinity Event Management for their efforts to provide local and international designers a shared platform to showcase their work. 

Despite the swiftly growing number of fashion houses and fashion shows in Bangladesh, very few can lay claim to consistent and inherent quality. Pond's presents 'The Lustrous Runway' is truly an exception to this norm. 

Media partners for the event were Bangla Vision and The Daily Star and the show was co-sponsored by Citybank Amex, Gitanjali Lifestyle, Kryolan and Oriental Group with Prive Spa & Salon, The Olives and Elite Force as partners.  

By Subhi Shama
Photo: Quamrul Abedin/
Pond's Presents The Lustrous Runway 2015