‘Pearlessence’: From rural to runway

The elegant white kurta by Rizwan Beyg, worked with minute artisanal embroideries | Photos by Arif Mahmood

Against the historic backdrop of Hyderabad’s historic Talpur Mir mausoleum, Rizwan Beyg presents ‘Pearlessence’, a collection that pays ode to the three decades – that he completes this year – as Pakistan’s pioneering designer. This is couture in its true essence, painstakingly crafted by hand, reflective of Rizwan’s eye for detail and the impeccable finesse of his construction.

The delicate and nostalgic pearl motifs have been handcrafted by artisans in South \Punjab. All the outfits in this collection seem to have been designed to pay homage to the exquisite work of these artisans.

It is also a collection that is synonymous with the designer’s long-standing passion for seeking out and reviving indigenous craft techniques, translating them into sustainable designs and seamlessly transporting them from a rural setting to the runway.

A stately ivory, set against the rustic colors of the tomb of Talpur Mir, a reminder of the grandeur that was once inherent to this magnificent building.

True to its name, ‘Pearlessence’ is dominated by a retinue of assorted pearls with dainty thread embroideries and sequins wound about them. These embellishments have been hancrafted by artisans living in Southern Punjab, working under the directions of BUNYAAD, a project founded by Rizwan which is dedicated to following the guideline, ‘Changing lives … one stitch at a time’.

The embroideries are splayed out a monochromatic ivory canvas, with silhouettes flitting between traditional and modern: lehngas, fitted bodices splaying downwards into mermaid skirts, hybrids of the trouser, the eternally classy kurta and the exquisitely tailored button-down shirt with oversized pockets.

Hidden within the crevices of Pakistan are monuments and landscapes that tell stories rooted in Pakistan’s heritage. These are locales that have an untouched beauty about them, at par with the world’s most exotic sites. The historic tomb of Talpur Mir in Hyderabad, with its artisanal carved walls, turquoise tile work and stately architecture is seen here, featured alongside Rizwan Beyg’s ‘Pearlessence’, a collection that has a regal elegance of its own, doing great justice to its stately backdrop.

Far from the commercially gaudy realms of modern-day apparel, there is a refined elegance to ‘Pearlessence’. It is a collection that refrains from following the latest fads, dedicated instead to timeless heirloom pieces meant to be worn with love and cherished forever. Quintessential Rizwan Beyg.

‘Pearlessence’ is featured on the catwalk of this year’s HUM Showcase.

Statement-wear that is timeless: the hybrid of a harem trouser and a shalwar, paired with a tailored button-down shirt that has embroidered , exaggerated pockets.

Classically Pakistani and yet universal in its beauty; thread embroideries, pearls and sequins shimmer on a design that is reflective of Rizwan Beyg’s creative brilliance – and of the exquisite indigenous craft found within Pakistan.

The turquoise blue of the tomb’s walls forms the perfect backdrop to the pristine white of Rizwan Beyg’s bodice which splays down to a fitted mermaid skirt and is set off by a standout handcrafted neck-piece.

Light, shadow and the twinkle of sequins as they wind about delicate paisleys and pearls.

The fitted embroidered bodice paired with a modern flowy trouser is both minimalist and contemporary.

This article was published in the Herald's April 2019 issue. To read more subscribe to the Herald in print.

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