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Updated Oct 14, 20244 Pakistani Bridal Designers You Should Know
Wearable masterpieces for your wedding day, basically.
by Alexandra Ilyashov
Updated Jun 27, 2023
From vibrant mehndi ceremonies to regal baraat processions, Pakistani weddings are grand, joyful events uniquely fusing tradition, culture and style. There's more color and sparkle involved than at typical Western nuptials, for the couple and their guests. But the bride is, of course, the main sartorial event, thanks to Pakistani bridal designers' painstakingly crafted pieces adorned in exquisite, intricately beading.
Various elements make up the typical Pakistani bridal wardrobe, which traditionally involves a sharara-kurta (wide-leg pants and a long, fitted tunic) or lehenga (long skirt or wide-leg pants with a choli, aka fitted blouse and a shawl), along with a dupatta (veil-like shawl), with some brides option for more modern alternatives like a shalwar kameez (pant and tunic set).
From the dramatic opulence of HSY's designs to Sana Safinaz's lush signature three-dimensional florals, these standout designers all offer beautiful, distinctive pieces perfect for tying the knot your way. Yet these standout purveyors of Pakistani designer wedding dresses share a passion for exquisite materials, time-honored craftsmanship and masterful embellishments that are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Ahead, get ready to be awed by the creativity and artistry served by the following Pakistani bridal designers, some stocked at bridal salons (or available to shop online). Maybe your wedding dress aesthetic is all about blending familiar and fashion-forward details, or you're adhering faithfully to tradition–whatever the case may be, there's a brand catering to every bride's taste. Want even more wedding style inspo? Check out these wedding dress designers from around the world.
Our Favorite Pakistani Bridal Designers
These Pakistani wedding dress designers offer some truly spectacular creations—learn more about their brand ethos, style and more.
1. HSY
Designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, Pakistani fashion designer and television host, started HSY as a bridal and formalwear brand in 2000 after studying fashion (including a focus on couture). The brand has since expanded to encompass grooms and Priding itself on being "a brand that incorporates and revolves around family values," HSY's gorgeously detailed lehengas, shararas and much more are designed for a clientele that's "traditional, luxurious and believes in heritage," but with a modern, glamorous twist, coming up with "new ideas by combining ancient crafts with contemporary methods to create the perfect look." The latest HSY Luxury Couture 2023 collection, "Dareecha," features gilded, softly shimmering "signature gold work and new embroidery techniques, derived from Persian origins." Throughout its collection, HSY is all about traditional craftsmanship–in the intricate embroidery, sumptuous fabrics and incredible details–reimagined through Yasin's contemporary, creative approach.
How to shop: You can peruse a wide range of designs and contact a fashion advisor to order directly on HSY's website; most pieces take eight to 12 weeks to produce, and can be shipped internationally.
Prices starting at: $400
2. ÉLAN
For Khadijah Shah, Elan's creative director, fashion runs in the family, literally: her mother, Aneela, ran a small atelier offering bespoke designs to loyal clients, which later became ÉLAN in 2012 under Shah's leadership after she returned to Pakistan from her studies at the esteemed London School of Economics. Initially, ÉLAN specialized in seasonal lawn collections before expanding into ready-to-wear with the 2014 launch of a diffusion line, ÉLAN Vital, and later, delving into bridalwear. The brand's latest bridal collection, entitled "Rêve D'été" which translates to "Once Upon a Dream," lives up to its whimsical name. Filled with "dainty hand embellishments, soft feminine colors and the perfect blend of traditional craft and modern sensibility," the dreamy collection is equal parts ethereal and elegant, starring ultra-intricate beadwork and embroidery and luxurious fabrics.
How to shop: You can shop ÉLAN's "Rêve D'été" bridal collection directly on their website, where you can also contact the brand with inquiries about specific styles or stockists.
Prices starting at: $1,100
3. Sana Safinaz
Sana Safinaz was founded in 1989 by longtime friends Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer with a small seed investment and big ideas about how to expand and elevate the Pakistani bridal landscape. Over three decades later, the brand is one of Pakistan's most successful names in the bridal game, garnering global acclaim and continuing to evolve the Pakistani fashion landscape–for weddings, and far beyond. Honoring tradition while also embracing modernity, Sana Safinaz's chic designs feature stunning craftsmanship, gorgeous draping and elegant silhouettes. Available in an extensive range of hues–from soft pastel shades like seafoam green, pale blue and peach to rich jewel tones–Sana Safinaz bridalwear is constructed from sumptuous materials like raw silk, tulle and velvet. The brand specializes in seriously stunning, elaborate embellishment work, especially on its bespoke styles which incorporate Swarovski crystals, sequins, pearls, metallic embroidery and even semi-precious gemstones.
How to shop: Book a virtual appointment or chat via WhatsApp with the Sana Safinaz team by inquiring about specific favorite bridal styles (which can be shipped internationally) on the brand's website.
Prices starting at: $400
4. Nomi Ansari
Pakistani wedding style is generally a whole lot more colorful than your standard Western nuptials, where a white gown and dark suit is the norm–yet designer Nomi Ansari's creations stand out literally and figuratively from the pack, rendered in bold, vivid, often unexpected hues. To wit: a series of rich teal-tinged hunter green styles, positively encrusted with gold floral embellishment that's vibrantly accented with pops of bright red, cornflower blue and marigold yellow. Ansari, like many of his peers on the Pakistani bridal fashion scene, blends traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics–but with an even more playful, joyful touch, perfect for brides keen on injecting as much personality and flair as possible into their wedding ensembles.
How to shop: Explore Nomi Ansari's full bridal collection on the brand's website, where you can then get in touch via contact form or WhatsApp to inquire about pricing and to place orders; the brand offers international shipping.
Prices starting at: $700 and up
