JAMO magazine May 2015/ 17 issue | Page 41

Did you ever expect that you will earn so much success and fame?

I always put in hard work and my utmost efforts in excelling in my craft rather than stressing about becoming successful. By the grace of God, people like my work which helps me build a customer base.

Your designs represent pure femininity - what do you keep in mind when you think of creating a new collection?

There is a theme behind every collection that I keep in mind while designing pieces for it. However, the common factor in every collection is that it must make the customer wearing it stand out in the crowd.

Your label is currently ruling the red carpets and a lot of female celebrities are seen looking gorgeous in your creations. Which female celebrity’s style do you admire the most, and have always wanted to design for?

There are a lot of beautiful women in Pakistan who I admire and want to design for. I love women who are graceful and confident in whatever they wear. From the new lot I like Mehreen Syed, and from yesteryear I would love to design for Zeba Bakhtiyar.

After so many achievements, what were your thoughts when you were awarded as Best Fashion Designer of Pakistan 2012 and then again nominated for it in 2014?

I was over the moon. I started designing professionally in 2010 only, so receiving recognition so early in your career means a lot.

What was the inspiration behind starting your own ready-to-wear line?

The inspiration behind creating my own line was to get a chance to create unique designs for customers.

You have three different things going on under one brand - did you think at the beginning that all this will happen and you will be having three brands?

This was the plan from the beginning. I wanted to do pret wear, luxury pret and bridal because I felt I was good at them all.

You are a role model and an inspiration to thousands of youngsters out there. Females admire you for your work and amazing creations, but who has been your inspiration and style icon?

Thank you so much. I have been inspired by women who are confident and excelling in their respective fields. There are so many of them that it’s hard to choose one. However, to name a few I’d say Bushra Ansari, Zeba Bakhtiyar and Tahira Syed.

What are some important tips or advice that you have learned from your work that you still apply to yourself?

The most important thing that I have learnt is to stay original and never lose your creativity. One should create their own style rather than follow trends blindly. This is the reason why I have a dedicated customer base that always comes to buy my clothes. If I was selling what they can get at any other designer’s outlet, why would they come to me?

Where do you see your brand in the future and what are your upcoming projects? Can you give a sneak peak?

I would definitely like to expand globally. That’s something I really want to focus on. For now, I will be showcasing my latest bridal collection at the upcoming Bridal Couture Week. This is going to be my second time at the BCW and I am very excited. I have grown a lot as a designer since the last time I showcased there.

You have seen the fashion industry and been a part of it. What changes have you witnessed and do you believe that just like history, fashion also repeats itself?

When I joined the industry, long A-line kameez’s and palazzos were all the rage. Then leggings and long kurtas became a trend. This year, we see cigarette pants and short kameez’s all over the runways, which used to be a popular trend back in the early 2000s. So yes, fashion definitely repeats itself.

There are a lot of successful young fashion designers in the industry right now. Who is your favorite and what are those few mistakes that now a days are common in fashion?

I really like Fahad Hussayn and Ali Xeeshan’s work. They are both great at their work. The most common mistake I see is women not dressing according to their age and body type.

Let’s talk about your newly launched The Untainted Shine collection. What is it all about and why did you name it The Untainted Shine? What makes this collection different from the others?

The Untainted Shine collection, which has been inspired by royalty, features interesting motifs including 3D flowers, pearls and diamantes on rich fabrics such as organza, pure silk and georgettes. Special attention to detail has been given to the use of hand embroidered embellishments which includes some work done in Royal Gold. The color palette includes various shades of whites including macaroon cream, bone white and Scotch mist; perfect for wearing on summer evenings. I called it The Untainted Shine as it represents royalty and luxury. Every collection I make is different from the previous as I believe in reinventing myself as a designer each time and experimenting with new themes.

What styling tips you always give and personally follow?

The one tip I always give is wear what you feel comfortable in. Well fitted clothes are an absolute must. If you are not comfortable in what you are wearing, it will show on your face.

What is your message for our JAMO readers?

Thank you for all the love you guys have given me. Keep shining and spread positivity wherever you go!

JAMO/ MAY 2015