Dawn Images

Earth, water and fire set the tone for BLAZE, a fundraiser fashion show held on Sunday evening at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) in Karachi.

Bringing together star alumni and leading designers Sania Maskatiya, Nida Azwer, and Khaadi’s Saira Shamoon and Shamoon Sultan, the show was held to raise funds for the expansion of IVS’ campus, aimed at accommodating its growing roster and strengthening facilities for future generations.

Former model and fashion industry veteran Frieha Altaf, who attended the event in a vintage Sania Maskatiya ensemble, summed up the mood perfectly. Speaking to Images, she said she was there not just to celebrate the designers, but to support a cause that deeply matters. Calling Maskatiya, Azwer and the Sultans “very, very good designers,” Altaf reflected on how IVS is often associated with art and textiles rather than fashion — despite producing some of the industry’s biggest names

“We’re here to celebrate them, we’re here to celebrate, it is very important when there is a success story,” she said, reminiscing about having done Maskatiya’s and Sultan’s very first shows, and emphasising the importance of supporting scholarships and campus growth.

The evening began with a meet-and-greet in the courtyard of IVS’ iconic Nusserwanjee Building — a space many may recognise from Zindagi Gulzar Hai’s university scenes. The open-air courtyard was warmly lit, with long scroll-like fabric installations suspended overhead using fine wiring, creating a makeshift canopy in shades of blue, red and brown to represent the three elements.

The fashion show itself unfolded in IVS’ garden, with the stone masonry of the Nusserwanjee Building serving as a historic colonial-era backdrop.

The century-old building once stood as a warehouse and office in the busiest areas of Karachi, Kharadar. Named after Jamshed Nusserwanji, it was originally constructed by his father in 1903. An additional wing to the building was erected in 1919 using RCC for columns, beams and roof and coursed stone masonry. In 1991, the Nusserwanji building was destined to be demolished; simultaneously, the founders of the Indus Valley School were searching for an appropriate space to house the school. Through the support of the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and US Consulate General, Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS) and IVS successfully completed one of the biggest stone-by-stone relocation projects of its kind in the subcontinent, by relocating the building from Kharadar to IVS’ campus in Clifton.

Choreographed by model Vaneeza Ahmed, with Ali Allah Ditta on sound, the show was hosted by actor and IVS alumna Sarwat Gilani. Before the runway began, Dr Faiza Mushtaq, dean and executive director of IVS, addressed the audience, outlining the institution’s academic offerings, student body, and a three-year expansion plan. She invited those present to become “founding donors” for the new campus, which aims to add labs, classrooms and updated equipment.

Zubyr Soomro, chair at IVS, reminded the audience that what they were about to witness went beyond garments and glamour. “Tonight is a celebration of what our alumni can do, but more importantly it is a reminder of where it comes from,” he noted.

Singer and activist Shehzad Roy and musician Bilal Maqsood — part of IVS’ very first graduating batch — also took the stage, sharing personal reflections on the institution’s role in shaping Karachi’s creative ecosystem.

Each designer was assigned a single element from the three, and their entire collection revolved around that element.

The show opened with Shamoon and Saira’s earth-inspired collection. Earthy tones, natural dyes and handloom textures defined the line.

Browns dominated the lawn pieces, while solid colours featured in the handloom looks, offering a blend reminiscent of both Khaadi and Chapter 2. The designers experimented with airy silhouettes, pairing the outfits with tassel bags.

Water flowed next through Maskatiya’s collection, which leaned into softness and movement.

Pastel tones, organza, ruffles and fluid, mermaid-like silhouettes defined the line, with natural textures and an almost weightless quality that mirrored the element itself.

Fire closed the night in the form of Azwer’s bridal collection — dramatic, and layered. Moving through cool greys, ivories and rich reds, the collection bridged heritage and modernity with intricate “mirror, fine thread, vasli, resham and applique work”.

“I am showcasing a collection which is describing my entire design philosophy […] it is a beautiful collection based on fire, we have all the hues from sunrise to sunset,” Azwer told Images.

The night concluded with an address by legendary artist and founder of IVS’ Faculty of Design, Shehnaz Ismail, giving an apt ending to a night arranged to honour creativity, not just as a spectacle, but as legacy.