Karachi witnessed a remarkable blend of fashion and resilience as acid burn survivors took centre stage at a unique runway event. The show, hosted at Marine Venues, was organised by designer Zubair Shah in collaboration with Masarrat Misbah’s Depilex SmileAgain Foundation (DSF), transforming the catwalk into a platform of hope and empowerment.
Fashion with a Cause
Globally, high fashion often aligns with charitable causes, offering meaningful impact beyond glamour and luxury. In Pakistan, such initiatives have faced challenges in recent years, especially after the closure of fashion weeks. Despite setbacks, the Runway Spring/Summer ’25 event offered renewed optimism, highlighting the social responsibility of fashion in the country.
The showcase celebrated acid burn survivors who have endured physical trauma yet continue to inspire through courage and determination. These individuals, whose lives were altered by malicious acts or accidents, stepped onto the runway to reclaim their dignity and confidence.
Highlighting Survivor Stories
Designer Zubair Shah presented his “Summer Bloom” collection, inspired by purity, renewal, and rehabilitation. The all-white attire symbolised resilience and revival, resonating deeply with the lives of DSF survivors. Vision-impaired participants walked the runway escorted by professional models, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. The emotional display left a lasting impression on attendees.
The survivors included young women harmed by rejected suitors and children affected by domestic accidents, such as gas cylinder explosions. For these participants, walking the catwalk marked a momentary escape from the trauma of multiple corrective surgeries, allowing them to experience joy and empowerment.
Performances and Artistic Tribute
The event also featured cultural performances. Classical dancer Sheema Kermani delivered a poignant tribute to the artist community, performing to Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s “Dasht-i-Tanhai” with live harmonium accompaniment. Her expressive movements and precise choreography conveyed themes of loss, yearning, and acceptance.
Contemporary dancers Naina Black, Yoshua Hussain, and Shehzore Akhtar performed to Shafqat Amanat Ali’s rendition of Khamaj, moving freely among the audience while portraying separation and anguish. Singer Syed Hassaan complemented the performances with energetic live guitar covers.
Couture and Designer Collections
The fashion segment showcased diverse collections. Mahi’s Couture presented sophisticated silhouettes with intricate embroideries, while actress Zahra Raza served as the showstopper for the 45-piece trousseau collection.
Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MITE) students also participated, highlighting themes such as urban chaos, nature, and mental health. Transgender activist Kami Chaudhry walked as a showstopper, exemplifying inclusion and empowerment in fashion.
Bridal designer Ramsha Bilal debuted a fairy-tale inspired line, featuring heavy formals and bridal wear with fine silk and zari work. Other designers, including Lubna Mudassir and K. Yousuf, presented luxury pret, Pakhtun-inspired bridal couture, and vibrant festive collections.
Challenges in Sponsorship
Despite the inspirational nature of the event, organiser Saqlain Haider noted a worrying lack of interest from corporate sponsors for charity-focused fashion events. Sponsors such as Hum TV, Smokey-Os, Eight Water, Vioray Fragrances, and Irfanistan extended support, but many potential backers showed disinterest, highlighting a societal shift in empathy and social responsibility.
The Runway Spring/Summer ’25 event demonstrated that fashion can be a powerful platform for empowerment, inclusion, and social change, offering hope to those who have endured unimaginable adversity.
