Pakistan begins 2nd fashion week

Pakistan's second fashion week kicked off Monday at an up-scale hotel in the southern city of Karachi. The show is a mix of glamour and apprehension as it faces fundamentalist disapproval.

Models walked the runway with bare shoulders and exposed navels, openly defying doctrine which forbids women to be unveiled outside their home.

Pakistan Fashion Week show is a mix of glamour and apprehension. (File Photo)

Pakistan Fashion Week, a non-governmental organization, aims to provide a stable platform for its designers to win international acclaim. Some of the country's top designers and fashion models were joined by a handful of their foreign counterparts, from Italy, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The lines on display hugely varied from western style dress to thoroughly eastern inspired garments.

Middle-Eastern designer Rabia draws inspiration from Islamic values of the hijab. Her designs bore a striking resemblance to modern Islamic dress, using a variety of silks and chiffon.

Rabia's collection is the first of its kind to be exhibited in Pakistan - contemporary, yet staying within the confines of a conservative culture. She included long necklaces, created specifically for veiled women.

Sana Safinaz closed the first day of the five day extravaganza. Safinaz presented an ultra feminine collection, which saw models strut down the catwalk in floaty dresses. The boho chic collection proved to be a hit with the audience.

Pakistan Fashion Week continues through Friday.