The fashion world has seen Maria B. grow exponentially over the years. From being just an occasion wear designer, stocking at a small standalone store in Park Towers Karachi, the Lahore-based fashioner has branched out to develop more lines under the label including pret wear, children’s wear, western wear, accessories, unstitched chiffon embroidered fabric, and of course lawn. The brand has flagship stores as well as mall presence all over the country.
Lawn Review # 12
The fashion world has seen Maria B. grow exponentially over the years. From being just an occasion wear designer, stocking at a small standalone store in Park Towers Karachi, the Lahore-based fashioner has branched out to develop more lines under the label including pret wear, children’s wear, western wear, accessories, unstitched chiffon embroidered fabric, and of course lawn. The brand has flagship stores as well as mall presence all over the country.
Maria B. was among the early bloomers of designer lawn and has been a consistent part of the industry for over seven years now. The campaigns have only gotten stronger, frequently featuring celebrity faces – from last year’s Urwa Hocane to this year’s current television sensation, Maya Ali. However, is that enough to make for a successful lawn collection? Instep gives its verdict on how Maria B’s 2016 collection fares compared to the rest…
Quality
Unfortunately, quality isn’t the best feature of Maria B’s lawn. The lawn that comes
in different variants – chikankari, self-embroidered with a jamavaar texture, jacquard and with lace add-ons – is bulky and lacks an organic feel whereas the complementing embroideries are far from intricate. The fact that the chikankari and lace designs have holes the size of a thumb means that a slip is necessary and given the escalating heat wave the country is experiencing, layered clothing isn’t an ideal option. Also the embroidered and chikankari fabric is so rough and heavy in texture that it comes across more as cotton than the breezy lawn that we are used to. Ironing it is another hassle altogether.
Design Innovation
Maria B. has managed to design lawn that can easily be a substitute to formal wear
in summer however, the combinations seem off and the chunky embroidered add-ons,
heavily embellished net dupattas against bulky lace sleeves and printed, zari-lined lawn shirts border on tacky. All of this paired with printed trousers is too ungracefully overwhelming to pass as desirable summer wear. Some of the pastel pieces in blues and grays have redeeming qualities but there is just too much happening in one outfit and with each piece cut according to the image, it doesn’t offer much of an escape either.
Value for Money
Priced between PKR 6350 and PKR 6990, the collection falls within the standard price scale for designer lawn in the market. The myriad of add-ons – from chiffon sleeves to gaara-embroidered borders and appliques – justify the high price in terms of quantity but not quality. Given the fact that the collection doesn’t boast of much innovation and isn’t the most suitable option in rising temperatures, the price is too much to ask. That said, fashion is a personal choice and those looking to wear lawn at weddings and dinners may find a solution to their problem in Maria B’s collection.
Wow Factor
Maria B. has been in the fashion business for more than a decade and has developed a considerable clientele over the years. But what’s really helping it sell is the celebrity connection. This year’s brand ambassador Maya Ali is, without a doubt, the most adored face on television these days post the success of Diyar-e-Dil and the ongoing Mann Mayal. The campaign also cashes in on Mann Mayal’s high ratings by roping in Hamza Ali Abbasi. The couple’s billboards across cities instantly grab attention. Women who buy lawn are also a majority of the TV audience and who doesn’t want to wear what Mannu is endorsing.
– 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!
