The sombre rituals of burial have inspired an up-and-coming designer to create a sophisticated range of womenswear with a twist that hit the runway at the end of London Fashion Week.

Syed Nisar, who showcased his work in central London, used huge, sculpture-like knots as a signature design element throughout his black and ivory collection.

With a background in textile design, the 29-year-old designer, originally from near Lahore in Pakistan, came up with the exaggerated padded creations to represent the way a body is tied in a traditional Muslim shroud.

“My collection explores different elements of death and burial,” Syed explained.

“The tying and untying of shrouds plays an important ceremonial role so I decided to use knots as a focal design element in some of my garments.

“I scaled up the proportions of the knots and played with fabrics and fillings to see what had most impact.

“After trying neoprene, I eventually settled on a combination of foam and wadding covered in a chequered tweed fabric. The black and ivory pattern was based on a traditional Arab scarf,” he said.

Alongside the structured, knotted outfits in his final collection, Syed has designed a full-length, black dress fashioned from long strands of tubular rubber normally used to seal windows. The Pakistani designer has also used draped black silk crepe to make outfits which symbolise the mourning period.

The delicate, floor-skimming dresses and trouser suits are elegantly tailored to create fluid pieces reminiscent of traditional burkas.

Throughout the collection, outfits are accessorised with black and dogtooth check full- face marks, shaped like fencing faceguards, inspired by the Muslim custom of covering women’s faces when they are buried.

Growing up in Pakistan, the young Syed was all set for a career in medicine.

However, at school, he was often in trouble with his teachers for drawing in his exercise books – the future fashion designer had no idea this doodling would one day lead him to his chosen career.

“I had no concept of art and design. The idea that it was possible to forge a career in this area was beyond me,” Syed explained.

“My uncle is a chemistry professor and when I was about 16 years old he invited me to visit Lahore University with him. I came across the art studios and was amazed by what I saw. It was a life-changing moment.”

Syed went on to study textile design at the National College of Arts in Lahore.

Aged 21, he came to Britain and worked as a home furnishings designer in Yorkshire before signing up to hone his talents by completing Kingston University’s MA Fashion course.