It’s been said before and we have no qualms in repeating that Sana and Safinaz are the undisputed queens of lawn. We’ll reflect over the ‘undisputed’ bit later but the duo has been a powerhouse of innovation despite producing the fabric for 19 years now.
LAWN REVIEW # 7
It’s been said before and we have no qualms in repeating that Sana and Safinaz are the undisputed queens of lawn. We’ll reflect over the ‘undisputed’ bit later but the duo has been a powerhouse of innovation despite producing the fabric for 19 years now. Each year, the Sana Safinaz collection offers a new set of trends – from chikankari lawn to kantha-embroidered one. The brand has gone above and beyond to lend lawn designer status and it can be safely said that Sana Safinaz has pushed lawn into occasion wear category. This year’s collection features a total of 16 designs, each different from the other, and offering limitless opportunities to style them in unique ways. Here’s a lowdown on how it fared on our lawn-o-meter.
Quality
Even though the design house has been known for its quality over the years, one cannot deny that the quality of fabric had started suffering. Several designs in last year’s lawn featured fabric that was too bulky. But it seems the team has taken note of it as this year’s collection is light, breezy and breathable. Whether fully embroidered or with the quintessential broshia texture, the fabric is almost feather-like and has a velvety feel to it. That said, some of the chikankari pieces are too translucent for our liking and require a slip to be worn underneath. Given the country has already been warned of another heat wave, women may not be so keen on wearing layers.
Design Innovation
Innovation is Sana Safinaz’s key strength and the brand stands at the top,
despite strong competition from others. While most others seem to be stuck in a whirlpool of floral and tribal prints, the team at Sana Safinaz has introduced newer techniques of
adding value to lawn. This year’s breakthrough is the Kantha-inspired design. Kantha embroidery, originating in Bangladesh (and mostly done on silks) has been replicated on lawn in vibrant colour combinations and has been a top-seller. In addition to this, there is chikankari on lawn in bright yellows and soft pinks and a new burnout fabric; the burnout technique is mostly used in velvets but leave it to Sana Safinaz for taking lawn out of the box.
Value for Money
Priced at PKR 5950 and PKR 6750, Sana Safinaz lawn doesn’t come cheap but then there is a plethora of valuable add-ons that make it worth the investment. The brand isn’t aiming at selling daily wear. It’s best defined as affordable occasion wear and the heavy, intricate embroideries, silk borders, luxe dupattas and zari-adorned laces make them just that.
Wow Factor
There is no denying that Sana Safinaz lawn is one of the most coveted in this burgeoning industry and still evokes the same frenzy as it did when it exhibited at the Expo Centre years ago; women still line up outside stores at 9 in the morning and are still caught fighting over designs. That said, with the likes of Elan and Zara Shahjahan picking up pace and introducing fresh, contemporary designs, Sana Safinaz are facing tough competition. The duo is still lawn royalty but is no longer undisputed.
-By Nida Ameen
* Avoid at all cost, even if free
** Don't Buy
*** Buy if you need to stock up
**** Buy because you simply love it!
***** Must Buy! You'd be crazy not to!
