This year's event, being held at the new Expo Centre, is the showcase for more than 35 designers, many of them young talents in their early twenties.Like India, Brazil, Iceland and many other burgeoning fashion countries, Pakistan is seeking its style-stake in the global market. Strolling guitarists, folk artists and singers accompanied many of the models on the catwalk on opening day.

The collections included bright embroidered patchwork designs inspired by the traditional costumes worn by women in Sindh, by Nickie & Nina; a fairytale of beaded colour and print, accessorized with gilded head-dresses, based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Princess and the Pea, by 24-year-old Mohsin Ali; and brilliant orange and yellow cloaked and hooded ensembles in lace and silk by Sublime, designed by Sara Shahid.

Opening day concluded with a performance by the renowned Sufi folk singer, Sain Zahoor, who has performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The event is cancelled today, March 30, because of the historic Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan, but resumes tomorrow morning.