Umar Sayeed makes Psyche accessible

Priced in the Rs45,000 to Rs72,000 bracket, Psyche is in a much more reasonable range than his expensive bridal collection. PHOTOS: PUBLICITY

KARACHI: Umar Sayeed is a well-known name in the world of fashion. The accomplished designer works on different lines: one is his intricate and expensive bridal collection; the second, his minimally-detailed label Umar Light; then, of course, is his designer lawn collection for Al-Karam Textiles; and last, but certainly not the least, is the wedding appropriate line titled Umar Psyche.

Launched about four years back, Psyche is available at multi-brand stores like Labels and the House of Ensemble. Due to its success, the Karachi-based designer also launched this collection at multi-label store Feathers located at The Forum, on Friday evening.

“People need to have a choice and know that we are not inaccessible,” says Umar. “I was looking for a new place for my outfits to stock and this was the best option available in town.”

Psyche offers ready-to-wear formal pieces that are appropriate for wedding festivities. With a heavy dose of zari, dabka and stone work, the outfits can be work at dholkis and mehendis this wedding season. The colour palette varies between dark shades like maroon and deep purple to lighter ocean blues. Even though many designers seem to be shifting towards straighter and more structured silhouettes, Umar keeps the traditional A-line flared cuts for Psyche. The flowy long shirts are paired with loose palazzos. The fashion presentation showcased halter cuts, voluminous shirts and worked panels in chiffon, banarsi and pure silk. Priced in the Rs45,000 to Rs72,000 bracket, Psyche is in a much more reasonable range than his expensive bridal collection.

Overall, however, the collection doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the table. But Umar insists that Psyche is different from his other collections. “The work and craftsmanship haven’t changed at all. You can say this line is as different as the Giorgio Armani line is to the Armani label.”

Multi-designer store Feathers showcases collections of 20 designers that include both popular designers like Mehdi and relatively lesser-known designers like Samar Mehdi. Umar Sayeed seems to be a great addition to its list. “At malls, we generally have expats who are visiting town and looking for outfits to buy for an upcoming wedding. It is indeed a good idea to launch him here,” says owner Eram Sheikh.

Sheikh adds that her store offers a range of items for young brides — from outfits to accessories including clutches and designer jewelry. The year-old store offers collections from both Karachi and Lahore-based designers.