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    Cascading Creativity: The PIFD Thesis Display of 2024

    Written by: Ayesha Amir
    Posted on: June 11, 2024 | | 中文

    Exhibition by the textile department at the PIFD Thesis Display of 2024

    Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) once again became a hub of creativity and innovation, as it hosted its highly anticipated annual thesis display. This year’s event is a spectacular celebration of talent, hard work and ingenuity, attracting a diverse audience from the fashion industry, media and academia. The PIFD Thesis Display 2024 kicked off on the 7th of June with an opening ceremony graced by prominent figures from the fashion world, including designers, critics and industry veterans, emphasizing the importance of creativity and dedication in fashion. The thesis is open for public from the 7th to the 14th of June, and should be on everyone’s summer activities’ bucket list of places to visit. The dazzling display of student’s hard work can be visited between 11:30 am to 6:30 pm, and who knows, one might even catch the members of the jury for the thesis display! The jurors for this year’s thesis display are Maria B, Faiza Saqlain, Zonia Anwaar, Mohsin Ali and Akif Mehmood.

    Ceramic works on display at the show

    The display features a wide array of projects from various departments, including Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing and Merchandising, Leather accessories and Footwear, Jewelry Design and Gemological Sciences, Furniture Design and Manufacture and Ceramic Design. Each exhibit is a testament to the students’ ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. The Fashion Design section stole the spotlight with its avant-garde collections. From futuristic silhouettes to culturally inspired ensembles, the young designers showcased their ability to push boundaries. Highlights include sustainable fashion lines, utilizing recycled materials to create chic, eco-friendly garments and collections inspired by architectural elements featuring intricate embroidery and luxurious fabrics. Textile Design students have put on impressive work with their innovative use of materials and techniques. Standout works explore the fusion of digital printing combined with hand-dyeing techniques, creating unique patterns and textures that represent a blend of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship, including fabric storytelling, which is unique and personal to the students in some way.

    Artworks depicting textile waste

    The Jewelry Design department showcases intricate pieces that range from contemporary minimalism to elaborate statement pieces. Collections inspired by Pakistani folklore feature detailed metalwork and gemstone settings, and even wired pieces, that capture the essence of cultural heritage in a modern context. The Furniture Design section highlights the students’ ability to merge functionality with aesthetics. Modular furniture pieces, designed for small urban spaces, demonstrate innovation in space-saving solutions without compromising on style.

    Furniture display

    What sets this year’s thesis display apart is the interactive nature of many exhibits. Several students incorporated multimedia presentations, virtual reality experiences and hands-on demonstrations to engage the audience. The fashion marketing and merchandising department stands out in their digital incorporations in this regard. The event provides a valuable platform for students to connect with industry professionals. Many leading fashion houses, textile manufacturers and design firms visit the show, leading to excitement for the graduates.

    Leather and footwear on display

    Since the thesis display is open to the public, the response is overwhelmingly positive with many wholesome moments that one gets to witness with the graduates and their families. The families of the graduates are especially invited to witness the grand projects, and congratulations are in order for all young students who are showered with best wishes, flower bouquets and gifts to mark the important milestone of them completing their thesis and thus their graduation. The PIFD Thesis Display 2024 is not just an exhibition, it is a celebration of creativity, resilience and the bright future of Pakistan’s fashion industry. The event greatly highlights the institute’s role in shaping the next generation of designers who are ready to take on global challenges with their innovative ideas and unwavering dedication. PIFD continues to set the benchmark for design education in Pakistan, nurturing talent that promises to shine on both national and international stages.

    Fashion design project


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021