Lahore-based designer Saira Rizwan is seldom seen on the runways but the label is growing to become a popular choice within Lahore’s social circuit. The designer first emerged on the fashion landscape in 2007, when she was working from the confines of a studio space but she eventually expanded to a standalone store in 2012. And like many business-savvy designers, Rizwan soon tapped into the lucrative lawn market.
Lawn Review # 10
Lahore-based designer Saira Rizwan is seldom seen on the runways but the label is growing to become a popular choice within Lahore’s social circuit. The designer first emerged on the fashion landscape in 2007, when she was working from the confines of a studio space but she eventually expanded to a standalone store in 2012. And like many business-savvy designers, Rizwan soon tapped into the lucrative lawn market. This year’s collection, her third after launching in 2014, was particularly attention grabbing because of its muse – Bollywood actress Amy Jackson. Instep gives its verdict on whether the product lived up to the glossy billboards and attractive marketing.
Quality
In a rut of ‘low-quality’ designer lawns (which is most of them), Saira Rizwan manages to hold her own and outshine despite being relatively unknown to the masses. The fabric is soft and breathable, organic yet with a hint of sheen that lends it some much-welcome designer value and the best part is it doesn’t stick to your body – a godsend amidst the ongoing heat wave. The silk dupattas are weighty. Some of the styles have embroidered necklines, but they are delicate enough to maintain the breeziness of the fabric.
Design Innovation
The collection doesn’t follow a set theme and is more a mixed bag of popular motifs and patterns from across the globe. From florals to baroque designs and checkers to damask patterns, you’ll find just about everything under the sun among the prints, which takes away from its uniqueness. They are fun and feminine but far from innovative. That said, Rizwan scores full points on colour theory. The colour combinations are fresh and interesting. From subtle yellows to charcoal grays and deep purples, the contrasts are as impressive as the colours on the canvas of a stunning painting. The embroideries, too, gel in well with the prints instead of being an unnecessary, stark addition to an outfit just for the sake of embellishment.
Value for Money
The lawn is priced at PKR 6350 and PKR 6550, which is steep considering Saira Rizwan hasn’t quite made a name that is big enough, yet. She needs to innovate before she can claim to be amongst the coveted few, value added designers.
Wow Factor
This is where Saira Rizwan lawn loses out the most. Even though the designer signed in on a celebrity face from across the border, the label has a long way to go before it triggers the kind of reaction that the likes of Elan and Sana Safinaz are known for. Perhaps, a little retail presence in cities outside of Lahore and a showcase on a more credible runway than Bridal Couture Week may help in establishing that connection. Till then, it doesn’t really win big on desirability.
– 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!
