The dust has finally settled on the first two days of LAAM Fashion Week (LFW) 2026 in Lahore, and if the fashion world was looking for a revolution, they found it at the Expo Center. This wasn’t just about the "glam"—it was about the "Runway-to-E-tail" shift, making luxury fashion instantly shoppable for fans across 120 countries.
From the theatrical sets to the live Pakistan Idol performances, the energy was unmatched. If you missed the livestreams, here is the human-eye view of the top designers who defined the first half of the week.
Day 1: The Visionaries and the Storytellers
Day 1 was all about setting the bar high. It opened with "LFW Presents," a tribute to the icons that shaped Pakistani style, before diving into the high-octane creative showcases.
1. Ali Xeeshan – The King of "Maqsad"
Ali Xeeshan didn’t just show clothes; he shared a manifesto. His collection, "Maqsad," was a deeply personal narrative of self-discovery.
The Aesthetic: Think structured silhouettes, experimental tailoring, and sculptural forms that felt like wearable art.
The Standout: The intricate handwork and layered textures proved that Ali is still the master of blending heritage with a bold, avant-garde edge.
2. Zainab Salman – The Queen of "Antara"
Zainab Salman brought a breath of fresh, modern air to bridal wear with her collection, "Antara."
The Aesthetic: A stunning palette of sapphire blues, deep reds, and emerald greens. She mastered the balance of traditional forms (lehenga cholis) with modern twists like ruffled layers and tailored jackets.
The Standout: Her ability to make couture look "effortless" and wearable for the modern bride made this one of the most shoppable collections of the night.
Day 2: Heritage Meets High-Street Rebellion
Day 2 shifted the focus toward "Retail Royalty," proving that high-street and couture can live together on the same runway.
1. Karma by Maheen Kardar – The Return of "Dilruba"
The biggest headline of Day 2 was the fearless return of Maheen Kardar to the runway after ten years. Her collection, "Dilruba," was a celebration of "Desi Maximalism."
The Aesthetic: Shaded raw silks, plush velvets, and a riot of colors like lime, magenta, and vermillion. It was joyful, retro, and unapologetically expressive.
The Standout: This collection was designed for the festive spirit—monsoon weddings and Eid celebrations—making it an instant favorite for the retail crowd.
2. Fahad Hussayn – The "Anti-Fashion" Icon
Closing Day 2 with a bang, Fahad Hussayn presented "The Conclave of Anti-Fashion."
The Aesthetic: Fahad treated garments as "ritual objects" rather than seasonal trends. We saw sustainable silks, signature patchwork, and carved brass naqashi detailing.
The Standout: This was fashion as an ideology. The dark, moody, and intellectual vibe of the collection stood out as a bold alternative to traditional wedding wear.
Final Thoughts: Is LFW 2026 the New Standard?
With HSY as the Event Director and Maheen Kardar leading the designer experience, LAAM Fashion Week has successfully bridged the gap between the runway and the consumer. The integration of technology means that the "dream" of the runway is now just a click away in your shopping cart.