Maria B
Pakistani fashion designer Maria B has shared her thoughts on the rising trend of the “Farshi Shalwar,” which has become increasingly popular in Eid collections.
Known for her expertise in blending traditional and modern fashion, Maria B took to her Instagram account @_mariab_fatimab to express her views on the garment that is making waves on social media.
While acknowledging the uniqueness of the Farshi Shalwar, Maria B revealed that she personally prefers cigarette pants for formal events and traditional shalwars for casual wear.
She noted that while the Farshi Shalwar is a beautiful addition to Pakistani fashion, it may be more suitable for older women, while younger girls can easily carry it in their daily looks.
The Farshi Shalwar, which is wide and spacious, opens up at the feet and extends to the ground, offering both comfort and elegance. Historically, this garment dates back to ancient South Asia, where rural women and farmers wore it for ease and flexibility during daily tasks. The term “Farshi” itself translates to “ground,” reflecting the design that allows the shalwar to gracefully touch the floor.
The trend recently made a comeback in 2023, thanks to Pakistani model and designer Sadaf Kanwal, who paired the Farshi Shalwar with short shirts, reviving its traditional yet stylish appeal.
Since then, the garment has gained popularity not only among women but also among men, with celebrities like Fahad Mustafa showing interest in the trend.
Maria B highlighted that while the Farshi Shalwar is a beautiful and cultural piece, not every fashion trend suits everyone. She advised people to consider factors like body shape, height, and personality before adopting any trend.
Using her 20-year-old daughter Fatima as an example, Maria B said she loves seeing her daughter wear the Farshi Shalwar. However, at the age of 45, she personally wouldn’t prefer to wear it frequently.
The resurgence of the Farshi Shalwar is not limited to rural areas or cultural events. Women in urban settings are now incorporating it into their everyday wardrobes, pairing it with modern tops and shirts for a more contemporary look.
This fusion of traditional and modern styles has allowed the Farshi Shalwar to establish itself as a bold fashion statement, especially during festive occasions like Eid.
With growing social media attention and increasing acceptance in both casual and formal settings, the Farshi Shalwar has successfully made its way back into mainstream Pakistani fashion, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
