If you love the intricate embroidery and modern-meets-traditional vibe of Qalamkar, you've definitely got great taste. The brand has mastered the art of creating elegant ethnic wear that feels both timeless and perfectly on-trend, making it a favorite for weddings, festivals, and special occasions.
But part of the fun of fashion is discovering new designers. If you're looking to expand your wardrobe with similar styles, we've found 19 amazing brands that capture that same spirit of sophisticated craftsmanship and contemporary design. Happy shopping!
Sana Safinaz is a powerhouse of Pakistani fashion, offering luxurious formalwear and chic semi-formal pieces. They are masters of sophisticated embroidery and rich fabrics, but their focus leans towards versatile, modern silhouettes. While Qalamkar is celebrated for its elaborate, detailed embroidery, Sana Safinaz champions a slightly more minimalist elegance with clean cuts that work for both traditional events and contemporary parties.
Shop now at sananas.com
For beautiful ethnic wear that's more accessible, Nishat Linen is a must-see. They offer everything from embroidered kurtas to full shalwar suits, all known for vibrant prints and comfortable fabrics. With most pieces priced between $50 and $200, it's a more casual and affordable alternative to Qalamkar, perfect for building an everyday wardrobe that still feels polished and elegant.
Shop now at nishatlinen.com
Khaadi is beloved for its culturally rooted style, especially its signature hand-woven fabrics and bold prints. While they offer beautiful formal and luxury collections, their overall vibe is more casual and bohemian than Qalamkar. If you love Qalamkar's artistry but want something with a comfortable, everyday flair, Khaadi's blend of artisanal craft and accessible fashion is the perfect match.
Shop now at khaadi.com
When the occasion calls for pure glamour, Maria B delivers. This brand specializes in opulent formal and bridal wear, featuring exquisite, heavy embellishments and luxurious fabrics. If you find Qalamkar's style elegant, consider Maria B its more regal and glamorous counterpart. It’s the go-to brand for making a serious statement at a wedding or major celebration.
Shop now at mariab.com
Alkaram Studio is a fantastic option for stylish, budget-friendly ethnic wear, with prices generally sitting between $40 and $150. They're known for their trendy designs, vibrant prints, and a wide array of fabrics suitable for everything from daily wear to semi-formal events. While not as focused on luxury as Qalamkar, Alkaram is perfect for adding trendy, high-quality, and accessible pieces to your closet.
Shop now at alkaramstudio.com
Sapphire hits that same sweet spot of sophisticated design and high-end craftsmanship that Qalamkar fans love. Specializing in elegant ethnic wear, Sapphire’s collections feature premium fabrics, intricate beadwork, and stunning embroidery. Their aesthetic often leans towards classic, regal designs with a contemporary twist, making them another excellent choice for special occasion outfits.
Shop now at sapphireonline.pk
Think vibrant, trendy, and budget-friendly. Sanaulla offers a huge range of embroidered suits, kurtas, and accessories perfect for semi-formal gatherings and stylish daily looks. Where Qalamkar leans into intricate luxury, Sanaulla delivers on fashionable, wallet-friendly ethnic wear that appeals to a younger, trend-conscious crowd with its bold prints and playful embellishments.
Shop now at sanaulla.com
For lovers of quiet luxury, Zara Shahjahan is perfection. Her designs are known for their understated elegance, focusing on fine embroidery, delicate fabrics, and minimalist-leaning aesthetics. If you appreciate Qalamkar's quality but prefer a more refined and subtle style, Zara Shahjahan's collections offer chic, versatile pieces that are sophisticated without being overly ornate.
Shop now at zara-shahjahan.com
Gul Ahmed is a beloved name in Pakistan, famous for its incredible lawn fabrics and a massive collection of both formal and casual wear. Their designs are known for vibrant prints and intricate embroidery, offering a wider range of ready-to-wear options than Qalamkar. It's a fantastic brand for finding high-quality, comfortable, and festive outfits that suit a variety of tastes.
Shop now at gulahmed.com
If you're looking for an edgier, more contemporary take on ethnic wear, look no further than Misha Lakhani. This designer label is celebrated for its innovative embroidery techniques, unique fabrics, and modern cuts. While Qalamkar serves classic elegance, Misha Lakhani offers an avant-garde and fashion-forward alternative for those who want their outfits to feel like a piece of art.
Shop now at mishalakhani.com
Rang Rasiya is all about celebrating traditional Pakistani craftsmanship with a colorful, bohemian flair. Their collections often feature techniques like block printing alongside beautiful embroidery, with a deep appreciation for cultural motifs. If you love Qalamkar's elegance but are drawn to a more artsy, traditional aesthetic, Rang Rasiya's vibrant pieces are perfect for festive occasions.
Shop now at rangrasia.com
One of the pioneers of Pakistani luxury fashion, Deepak Perwani is known for high-end bridal and formal wear. His collections are synonymous with opulence, featuring rich fabrics and regal, show-stopping embroidery. While Qalamkar strikes a balance between tradition and trend, Deepak Perwani leans into haute couture, perfect for those moments when you want to look and feel absolutely extraordinary.
Shop now at deepakperwani.com
Sana Safinaz Linen is the more casual, everyday side of the Sana Safinaz brand. This line focuses on lightweight, comfortable fabrics with stylish prints and subtle embroidery, making it ideal for semi-formal events or elevated daily wear. It offers that premium feel without the heavyweight formality of Qalamkar's occasionwear, striking a perfect balance of accessible luxury.
Shop now at sananas.com
Tena Durrani's designs embody a soft, refined elegance. She is known for her mastery of delicate embroidery, frequent use of beautiful pastel palettes, and creating regal yet understated looks. Compared to the often vibrant and bold aesthetic of Qalamkar, Tena Durrani offers a softer, more romantic alternative for those who love intricate craftsmanship with a whisper-light touch.
Shop now at tenadurrani.com
Dialing up the drama and luxury, Hina Butt delivers high-end couture perfect for brides and formal events. Her designs are lavish and statement-making, with a focus on heavy embellishments, modern silhouettes, and luxurious materials. While Qalamkar masters wearable elegance, Hina Butt specializes in unforgettable couture pieces designed for the spotlight.
Shop now at hinabuttdesigns.com
As the casual arm of Sapphire, the Sapphire Lawn collections are perfect for chic summer style. The focus is on lightweight, breathable lawn fabrics brought to life with vibrant prints and touches of elegant embroidery. It’s an affordable and comfortable alternative to Qalamkar's heavier formal pieces, ideal for staying stylish and cool in warmer weather without sacrificing that elevated ethnic feel.
Shop now at sapphireonline.pk
Zainab Chottani is a name synonymous with luxury bridal and couture collections. Her designs are a masterclass in exquisite embroidery, opulent detailing, and modern silhouettes that are utterly glamorous. If you admire Qalamkar's formalwear but are searching for something even more high-fashion and couture-focused for a major event, Zainab Chottani is the designer to know.
Shop now at zainabchottani.com
Offering a versatile mix of ethnic wear, J. Junaid Jamshed emphasizes classic cuts, accessibility, and comfort. Their collections cater to a broad audience, providing easy-to-style, ready-to-wear pieces perfect for everything from day-to-day looks to semi-formal gatherings. It’s a reliable and classic alternative to Qalamkar's highly ornate, luxury specialty pieces.
Shop now at j.co.pk
Specifically for the bride-to-be, the Sana Safinaz bridal line is pure opulence. These ensembles are meticulously crafted with heavy embroidery, luxurious fabrics, beads, and sequins, all designed to create a jaw-dropping look for the big day. While Qalamkar creates stunning festive wear, Sana Safinaz Bridal is unapologetically dedicated to creating high-end, show-stopping bridal masterpieces.
Shop now at sananas.com/bridal
At Apart Style, we're obsessed with curating the best in fashion, beauty, and jewelry to help you discover new brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, style, and uniqueness. When you make a purchase through our links, Apart Style may earn a commission - which helps support our small team, and allows us to continue bringing you the best in online style brands.
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