Hassan Sheheryar Yasin

1. Tell me something about your learning history, your label history?

“In 1994 I started my career as a fashion choreographer, during the14 years that followed I did a lot of local shows; I traveled a lot and did a lot of international shows. During that time I decided not to throw away my career and become someone conventional. When I was 5 yrs old I developed an urge to design my own cloth. In 1996, I joined the Pakistan School of Fashion Design (PSFD) and graduated in 2000, I learnt how clothes are put together, the philosophy behind them that led to the opening of my fashion house HSY in. The government of Pakistan has just appointed me in the Board of Directors of the school as well and in the Executive Committee. HSY is the winner of Lux style Fashion designer of the year award 2005-6.

2. What is your philosophy regarding the art of fashion designing?

The design philosophy at HSY is to combine contemporary silhouettes with traditional techniques of old, making it appealing to an international clientele who have an appreciation for the grandeur and extravagance of a regal past but expect further innovation and creativity.
I believe every single designer has a different role when viewing fashion. At HSY we always feel that if fashion portrays a slot of crazy hurricane competed with the sensationalism of fashion trends then we want HSY to be the eye of the storm, where we are, it's the center of timeless classic couture you can wear now and maybe you can take out 20 years later and it will still be relevant. We don't believe in trends-of-fashion; we want it to be something timeless, classic and elegant.

3. Your label defines?

HSY label speaks about the modern day woman who understands the rich legacy of the past. The lines are fluid and silhouette is full and luxurious. Using only the purest of fabrics and richness of embroideries, the emphasis is on unconditional glamour.

4. Do you have jewelry and accessories line?

Yes, I like to do what I enjoy and I feel that fashion is not just about clothes, it's a lifestyle. And I want HSY to be a lifestyle product I want people to be able to buy into the lifestyle that HSY represents, something for everyone.

5. When did you start menwear clothing?

I always wanted to do menswear but wanted to progress slowly and gradually with complete concentration and produce something exciting and fabulous. Now that we have the time and we feel that we have established HSY women's wear so now we can start off the HSY men's wear. Can't start off anything I can't concentrate on, seriously, it's about trying your hand in everything and that's what we are doing right now.

6. Do you offer PRET Line for the middle class people?

Yes, off course why not. Prices are very low.

7. What skill do you think are necessary to become a fashion designer?

You need so many skills that are unbelievable and I think it's true for so many professions. Besides obviously having a good aesthetic sense and the ability to be creative you need to be able to explore the world explore yourself and explore all the things around you because fashion is about constant reinvention with a philosophy underlined. You should also travel and meet people, understand cultures and socio-economical limitations. If you know all this I'm sure you can put up a store in Lahore and sell.

8. So it is not only about being creative?

Creativity is very important to be a designer, but if you want to be a successful designer then you need to be successful in every single way like being innovative and understanding the market. I mean I can come up with a great idea for a bikini and put it out in Peshawar who's going to buy it? It has to be relevant you have to be relevant in your advertisement.

9. Who inspired you to come in this field?

The inspiration behind the collection is the spiritual beauty of the East, celebrating our affluent time honored heritage with an emphasis on the use of cuts, both ageless and contemporary, to craft a look that is elegantly classic.
10) What is the importance of innovation in fashion designing?
Extremely Important element.

11. In the recent years, a lot of new designers are coming. Do you think it will saturate the market or isit a good sign for fashion industry?

“No. Where there is a lot of mixed talent available especially due to the internet, there is also a benefit to the consumer. The consumer becomes intelligent. The consumer starts to realize the different options available under various roofs. The consumer no longer wants to look like a million bucks she wants to feel like a million bucks. What's happening is that there are a lot of designers right now and I think the consumer will do the shifting and the good ones will survive and the bad ones will get down. In the process the good ones will become better for they will realize that there is competition in the market and competition will motivate them to become more creative.”

12. Do you believe in fate? Is fate important for high rankings in this field?

Yes, I strongly believe in fate

13. What do you do in your spare time?

I wish I had any spare time. I never do. It's always crazy and rush from project to project, we just launched HSY jewellery and are planning to launch HSY home furniture line and accessories so that's going to drive me even more crazy.

14. Dress makes a man or a man makes a dress?

“Man definitely makes the clothes; clothes do not make a man. I do not think, often for a lot of people that do, I think those who feel that clothes that will make the man are people with very little self confidence probably no personality.”

15. What advice will you give to the upcoming designers?

“Go to school, there are no shortcuts. Educate yourself. Learn about fashion, the construction of clothes; understand who a designer really is. Go through the whole process of education if it doesn't work out then there are a lot of different fields related to fashion industry like production, management or retail”.

16. Who are your favorite photographers?

Ather Shahzad

17. What is the latest fashion purchase?

D&G watch from New York

18. Favorite female model?

“Vaneeza Ahmed for her explicit method of bringing life to my lines, you put an outfit on her and it will look as if it was just made it for her. Iman Ali is also my top favorite”.

20. Favorite make artist for your shoots?

Shahzad Raza

22. Which city of the world is the best for fashion industry and why?

Paris definitely

Nida Azwer Fashion Designer

1. Kindly tell us something about yourself?

I graduated from the Indus valley in December 2005 with a distinction and started working right after. I was nominated for the best emerging talent at the Lux style awards in 2008. I love traveling, antiques, artifacts and fine cuisine. And I love spending my free time with family and close friends.

2. The business you are in is full of challenges, do you feel you have been able to cope with them?

Challenges are a part of everyday life, be it work or otherwise. I strive to keep a positive attitude through life and keep moving forward. Luckily by the grace of God, all has been good- hope it stays like that!

3. Designers normally win over minds and hearts do you agree with this?

Of course, provided the designer is of an amiable disposition and makes gorgeous clothes! I don’t see why not…

4. What are the major ingredients of your brand?

Finely handcrafted outfits, where close attention in detailing, finishing and pure fabric. One can walk into the studio and find a range of styles from prêt wear to couture and bridals.

5. In pursuing your goals what difficulties have you come across both from the angle of technology and resources?

Everything in my place is very carefully handcrafted, so I don’t really require new technology; though in this day and age it’s difficult to get hold of good craftsmen, so I’m always on the look out for them.
As far as the recourses are concerned, I was lucky enough for my parents to get me a place and as far running it is concerned I have been managing it on my own for sometime now.

6. Any difficulties that you consider insurmountable?

No not really…I think every problem or difficulty has a solution.

7. Now that so many people look up to you for desire fulfillment, do you think you are always able to succeed?

I try my best to accommodate anyone desiring to wear my outfits. Whether it’s the outfit, the deadlines or the over all experience.

8. Any dress created by you that stands out in terms of excellence?

I give equal importance and time to every outfit I make, be it from the prêt line, couture or bridal. I can not make myself put an outfit on the rack till I’m completely satisfied, so it’s very difficult for me to discern just one.

9. Have your parents been an inspiration for you in achieving all this success?

Yes! of course. I really look up to them. They have been my source of inspiration and have supported me through out.

10. Has your family life been affected by your career?

No, not at all.

11. Along the way, have you been successful in developing a team?

Yes I have…I started working with very few craftsmen and now I have a team with in house dying, printing, tailors and craftsmen.

12. Where do the ideas flow from; self thinking or watching competitors and tracking their creations?

My ideas come from my surroundings. It could be something that inspired me on my holidays or an antique rug or some piece of textile…I love old architecture, flowers and plants.

13. Any of your work that has helped to improve the image of Pakistan?

My fashion show consisted of such an eclectic range of outfits, it shows how Pakistani fashion has evolved to include trendy western wear and experimenting with new and unusual cuts, while keeping equal focus on traditional wear. It shows the world the wide range of ways our local crafts can be used.

14. Is it possible for designers to reach out to Pakistani on the street?

Yes of course it is possible. Production would have to be on a large scale to bring the costs down and an average Pakistan would be able to afford a designer outfit.

15. Five years from now, where do you expect to be?

Five years is a long time and I have lots of goals. At the moment I’m taking one day at a time.

"Ayesha Gilani" Miss Pakistan World 2009

1. How does it feel winning Miss Pakistan World?

Winning Miss Pakistan World has already turned out to be an amazing experience, as new as it is. The runners up were beautiful, intelligent women, and honestly, I believe it was by a hair that I won. I am truly blessed to be given this opportunity to represent strong, independent, intelligent Pakistani women on a global level, and be the role model that Pakistani women need. I am so excited about the upcoming year, and hope to represent the past and future generations of Pakistani people worldwide exceedingly well.

2. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My family has lived and flourished in the culturally rich Lahore, Pakistan for 700 years. In 1971, my family migrated to the States, where I was born. We frequently take trips back home to visit Pakistan, and they are never long enough. Currently residing in the Washington, DC area, I run a successful business of makeup artists called Limelight Beauty Artistes, focusing on weddings and the fashion industry. My English Studies background has fueled my beauty columns in magazines such as Sapna Magazine, and Divanee Magazine. I’ve also come out from behind the scenes and started modeling myself. I love what I do because I adore meeting new people every day. Each day brings new personalities, new stories.

3. What is your educational background?

I am currently studying at the George Mason University, majoring in English Studies, with a minor in Business Administration. I have also trained with celebrity makeup artist Debra Macki, have taken and continue to take makeup artistry classes to expand upon my expertise.

In between my schooling, I have worked for the Washington Redskins (a National Football League franchise) Charitable Foundation, organizing events to benefit the less fortunate, and working with high profile clients to keep the Foundation running successfully. Previously, I was employed at a certified government contracting agency as Proposal Assistant and Editor. It was a big step to leave a stable day job to pursue my then part time makeup artistry business as a full time endeavor, but I have never looked back since, and am blessed to be able to do what I love as a career.

4. What interested you in taking part in Miss Pakistan World?

Ever since I was a little girl, people have always told me I don’t look Pakistani, and I don’t act Pakistani. How does one “act” Pakistani? Apparently, people expect Pakistani women to be quiet, introverted, shy, oppressed women. Au contraire! I have always been a confident, outspoken female standing up for her beliefs. Pakistani women do look like me, do “act” like me, I thought. And now is my chance to educate the world on exactly how driven and headstrong we are. As a child, my role model was my older sister. She spoke up for herself always; she was beautiful; she was highly intellectual. She was the complete package. I have two young nieces now who I only hope to be a role model for. There are millions of young Pakistani girls worldwide who need the same guidance. I can only hope to be just that.

I also aim to use this platform for yet another purpose. With several cases of disabled children right here in my own extended family, my Achilles heel is the less fortunate. Be it children suffering from Down’s Syndrome, or those displaced from their homes in Swat Valley, I will do everything I can to aid in their relief.

5. How has your family reacted to your being crowned?

My family has been rooting for me to win from the get go. They claimed they “knew” I would win all along, and were so proud of me when I won. They literally jumped for joy and cried tears of happiness. It’s funny and embarrassing at the same time that they introduce me to everyone we know as Miss Pakistan World, but I cherish the love and support they have always given me.

6. Do you have family in Lahore, Pakistan; if so, how have they reacted?

Much of my family resides in Lahore. Pakistan is still fairly new in the field of pageantry and some understand and some don’t. I am not ashamed of who I am, what I wear, what I speak, so I see no reason for being a hypocrite and preaching one thing yet doing another. I am a spiritual person at heart, but I firmly believe it is God and only God who can judge me.

7. What are your plans besides the company plans for your current year?

Aside from the many exciting duties the Miss Pakistan World title will bring my way this year, I remain involved in many activities. I continue to study at my university, as well as staying actively involved in the fashion industry in Washington, DC. As a member of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, I work with fellow “profashionals” to further the DC fashion industry and bring it up to par with its New York and Paris counterparts. Also keeping me inundated is running my business, which I eat, sleep and breathe. I aim to open a premier independent institution dedicated to providing Limelight’s services within the next two years. I also dedicate my time to modeling, writing my beauty column “Steal the Limelight,” and, winding down with friends and family, which includes my two cats, Tony Montana and Mr. Meowgi, and two doves named Heer and Ranjha.

8. After your tough experience in Toronto for almost 10 days, has anything changed you as a person?

Indeed, out of every difficult experience emerges a stronger person. After six months of intense studying, working out, and other preparations, women from all over the world convened for a common goal, to become the next Miss Pakistan World. Ten days of hard work, essay writing, pop quizzes, working out, photo shoots, minimal sleep, hardly any time to eat, all while looking picture perfect will discipline any person. I pushed myself to the limit and beyond, and realized I am much stronger and more capable than I ever imagined. On the day of the pageant, while doing my makeup, I all of a sudden was hit as though with a ton of bricks with a high fever. My head started spinning, my voice started to change due to congestion, I was sneezing up a storm, and my eyelids became heavy with exhaustion. I said to myself, I’ll be darned if I let my body get the best of me on a day like today, downed some over the counter medications, had an energy drink, and focused on the bigger picture. Ten minutes later I was good as new and a few hours later, I was donning the crown and sash. As taught to us by successful image consultant and motivational speaker, Nyla Hasan, it’s ultimately mind over matter. If you put your heart into anything, you can achieve it. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you are right.”

9. What’s your advice to the people who have misconceptions about Pakistan in beauty pageants?

Our great nation, the land of purity, or Pakistan, was formed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the principles of Islam. What people often misconstrue is that Islam, and Jinnah spoke of this often in his addresses to the people, preaches acceptance of all creeds and equality for all. All types of people live in Pakistan, different religions, races, and schools of thought. While there are people who may be opposed to Pakistan’s involvement in beauty pageants, there are those with more open minds who support the advancement of Pakistan, and her involvement in the world’s arenas. People must learn to be civil and agree to disagree, respecting each other’s opinions. This lesson is one that can be applied to all humanity; live and let live, as preached by Jinnah himself.

Stunning Model and Actor 'Imran Abbas'

Imran was the proverbial boy-next-door who had no idea that his first shoot with Khawar Riaz would catapult him to fame and popularity within a very short span of time. Everything fell in place perfectly and with it some bankable acting assignments also started coming his way, bringing him the opportunity to display his capabilities as an actor.

1:So was it a lack of scope in modelling that led him to change careers?

"If a model has to make a transition into acting then why wait? It is risky when people typecast you as only a model. I never wanted that to happen to me. Even some of our most sought after model-turn-actresses like Vinnie and ZQ, after acting for so long, are still looked upon as models and not actresses," he says.

2:Contrary to common belief, Imran feels that there is no need for new entrants to get admission in any of the fashion camps to make it big in the industry.

"Many models have been launched in style this way and have quickly disappeared from the scene. I don't want to take any names here but it's not important for a model to look like a Greek god or to be on the cover of every other magazine. What counts in the end is the overall personality and the ability to communicate effectively in public, have an attitude and above all, brains.

"Being launched by Khawar Riaz did help me initially, but I don't owe my entire success to him. One's mentor has a limited role in one's success and I think he can just take you to the starting point of the race. You have to run the rest of the marathon entirely by yourself and I was no exception," he says.

Referring to the new crop of models, Imran makes a point to say that they have no clue where they are going. They try to outdo each other by lowering their fees to rock-bottom level in exchange for C-grade work. "Male models have always been taken for granted in Pakistan and the newcomers are spoiling the market for the senior lot who have worked so hard to defy this trend."

3:Can he picture himself playing typical roles in the new breed of Indian soap opera-inspired Pakistani dramas?

"I think it is very sad that our dramas are getting Indianised. But I think our characters are almost the same so I personally have no issues with playing such characters, as long as it gives me an ample margin to perform.

Our television dramas are still better than those aired on Indian TV. I am strictly against directors and writers who copy the Indian style of writing and presentation in order to market their products, regardless of the intricate details and aesthetics of drama which happened to be our forte."

After a brief pause, he adds: "One thing that I would like to mention here is that our private TV channels have contributed significantly to this trend — they only want dramas that are structured along the lines of Indian soaps. Also, they make sure that only Indian faces dominate the promotion campaigns of co-produced dramas whereas our actors are relegated to the backseat.

I have just finished one such co-production and one private TV channel strictly demanded that the promo shall only show the well-known Indian pair of Kashish and Sujhal, and none of the Pakistani actors. I think that's not fair as I strongly feel that our own TV channels are letting us down just because with Indian faces they can attract a better number of ads. The worst part is that instead of building up the image of our stars the same channel also airs a show based on baseless gossip about us, and finds it humorous and interesting to run down Pakistani artistes and tarnish their image," says Imran.

4:So how does he react to gossip about him and his work?

"I hear many baseless rumors about me but I realize that if I am talked about it means I am not an ordinary person.

"I have always tried to strike a balance between acting and modelling. When I was nominated for an LSA I was not an ideal contender because I had not done anything big in that particular year. Besides, I don't really care about such things. For me, awards and recognition are superficial things and the LSA is more of an event or ad campaign, giving everyone a chance to get dressed up and chill out. I don't need to comment on the credibility of these awards because everyone already knows about it."

5:Steering the conversation towards a more optimistic note, Ask Imran about his upcoming projects.

He says that he is doing Haider Imam Rizvi's next serial opposite Indian actress Dia Mirza, a serial by Evernew Pictures, a musical serial written by Bushra Ansari, and shooting for Faheem Burney's next serial with some other Indian co-stars. He has also completed Haseena Moin's Tere Aajane Se and a serial, Kinara, which will be aired soon.

'Being launched by Khawar Riaz did help me initially, but I don't owe my entire success to him. One's mentor has a limited role in one's success and I think he can just take you to the starting point of the race. You have to run the rest of the marathon entirely by yourself and I was no exception,' says Imran Abbas

I won't be here for long since I believe in constant exploration of one's inner self. For me, inner peace and self-fulfillment is my first priority, something which showbiz cannot provide me with.

I plan to say farewell to showbiz in the next couple of years and pursue a career in architecture. These days I am planning to go abroad for a degree in architecture and leave Karachi and move to Islamabad. My temperament has some direct conflicts with this ultra fast city, where people literally work like restless juggernauts," says Imran Abbas, springing a surprise at the end of the conversation.

Mahreen Raheal

Mehreen Raheal is one of Pakistan's leading models, with dozens of product commercials, cover pages of magazines like Libaas, and many, many photoshoots of clothes and jewelry to her credit. She is as familiar a face to Head & Shoulders and Pantene users, as she is to Lipton tea drinkers, and even Telenor phone users.

Mehreen was born to an artistic mother, Simi Raheal, a talented, renowned TV artiste and a social activisit who works for a leading NGO and is a gender trainer.

Since she was a child, Mehreen has had an eye for fashion and her heart set on a media career. She is a leading face on TV commercials and magazine pages now, but her vision's already set on the next rung of the career ladder, which may take her behind the camera as a director or producer.

This talented young girl is delightful to meet for her candid views, friendly nature, and many interesting experiences.

Read on to get to know Mehreen Raheal better!

-1. It seems like you prefer commercials to ramps (runway modeling) – is that true?

I’ve done ramps, but I’m not very fond of them. Not because of my height (laughs), but generally I’m not very enthusiastic about that particular type of modeling. I’ve done only two ramp fashion shows. But mostly, I’ve done ads and still photography for clothes and jewelry. I like doing shoots; I love the camera and I’m very comfortable around it. I’ve recently done some shoots that will be in the next issue of Libaas. I’ve done most of the major product commercials, from hair products to skin products to household products, detergents and everything, thanks to my agent.

-2. What products have you modeled for and which commercials have been the most interesting for you?

I’ve done a lot of commercials – can’t count them! Name a major product and I’ve done a commercial for it. I’ve done Head and Shoulders thrice, and I’ve done Pantene four times. Lipton, Telenor, and PTCL too! It’s a great thing, it’s a blessing.

I find the whole hair commercial process quite fascinating. We travel to Thailand for all hair commercials because they have a whole team over there – from Mongolian women who donate their long silky hair for making extensions to the doubles for the pure “hair shots”. It’s easier for them to fly out the directors and talent to Thailand for a day or two rather than bringing the hair to wherever the ad is being shot. You are basically there for the beauty shots, the face part. The hair part is done by doubles and to make it look consistent, you need to get extensions either clipped on or woven into your own hair. That’s quite an ordeal. I had to have my hair dyed blue-black and by the time I got back I was “ganja” (bald). You are left with like four hair with all the straightening and chemical treatments (laughs)

-3. What’s been the most interesting moment or time?

When I was a child, I used to dream of traveling by myself without a chaperone; staying in the most beautiful hotels, all expenses taken care of, with a plasma TV, a big bed…like in Home Alone when he’s sitting on his big bed, jumping around and eating ice cream! So I remember when I went to Karachi for the first time, on my own, at a very young age, it was the most beautiful moment. Because I realized that I’m an independent soul, my parents trust me, I’m here and I’m doing so much!

Another time would be when I went to Thailand the first time for a commercial and got the red carpet treatment. They gave me the best suite in the Emporium and all that. The experience of working abroad with huge budgets compared to our limited production resources was also tremendous. But the way they treat you, like a princess! (Smiles). Finally, when I signed my first autograph, obviously I had butterflies in my stomach…didn’t know what to say!!

-4. What about the flip side – any particularly bad memories or times?

Well, in general, Allah ka shuker hai, people have been wonderful to me, from the key boys to the directors and everybody in between. But I remember once that a director showed up drunk on the shoot, and there was this woman pestering him. So he swore, in front of me and misbehaved with her. That’s when I walked off the shoot. He came back and apologized and said that I wasn’t meant to hear what he said, and that the woman was misbehaving, and he didn’t know what to do, and all that. But I just said that listen, I understand if you have problems, but whatever they are, don’t bring them to work and don’t spoil my work place. Because it is like going to an office. If someone is going to bring their problems and create a bad environment for other people who are working there, it’s not going to fly.

Other than that, I can’t say I’ve had any particularly bad moments. It’s just the delayed paychecks (laughs). Some people have a tendency of getting others to work for them whenever they need a project done, but then they aren’t as prompt about the payments, so there have been some issues of that nature. Now basically what I do is that I ask them to give me the check before I start the project, and if they want me then they have to!

-5. Tell us about the international travel – you mentioned Thailand, what other countries have you been to and how has that experience been for you?

I traveled to India as an Ambassador for the Standard Chartered fundraising marathon for the Tsunami. It was an unbelievable experience. Traveling for such a cause and being able to do something meaningful based on your media presence or image. I hadn’t thought of this aspect of being in the media and what it enables you to do for others until I got this opportunity and it was really great. I’ve also worked in London, did a play and a few other projects there.

-6. How do you compare the modeling scene in Pakistan with other countries?

In Pakistan, you have an edge because there are fewer models, plus the model’s life is longer. In the west, your modeling life is very short. The younger you, the better it is; and there are so many people in the field. Here in Pakistan, we have a handful of good models and it’s easier to become an icon. Once you are there, you can get into many other things like direction, production, or other projects. I know that I will not be this young or vivacious all my life, but I can be a character or I can use my name because I made my name through something that is media related. I’m strictly talking about myself, of course. I’d rather retire gracefully from modeling and do something different than have people get sick of me!

-7. What is the future of modeling in Pakistan?

It’s really going to rock the town and the world, because so many designers are coming up and we are being recognized for our work. Plus, we have a lot of new modeling talent coming up, some good some bad. I’m not going to say that it’s perfect because it’s not. There are a lot of bad seeds also, which sort of make us take a step back, because we are here to promote our culture and clothes, and not to sell our bodies. And selling bodies has become really intense. I guess it depends on how and where you take it but I hope that the industry will go in a really positive direction and we’ll establish a very good name and image for Pakistan through it. You know, it really means a lot when images of a progressive culture are transmitted all over the world via satellite; and I believe that our international recognition will benefit our international image as well.

-8. What do you do when you’re not modeling?

Procrastinate! Doing nothing, bumming around (laughs)! I enjoy good food, so I cook. I like reading a lot, I write poetry, and I write columns. I spend a lot of time with my parents. I travel. I have this hunger for traveling and going to different places, seeing what the culture is about; going to art galleries, exhibitions and stuff; and generally finding out about the world. The little time that I have left, I do yoga.

-9. Who is your favorite author?

Well I’m reading this book called Short Stories by Nabakov; he’s the Russian author who wrote Lolita. I really like his work. I like Marquez a lot. It depends on my mood, depends on whatever the book is about, and it doesn’t have to be about anything in particular!

-10. How do you stay fit?

I watch what I eat. I don’t eat meethas (dessert). I’ve always been into fitness but I don’t want to be skinny, because in real life I’d like to look like myself rather than a coat hanger roaming around with something draped on it

-11. Any advice for future models?

As a wise man said once, “with great power comes great responsibility.” There will be good days and there will be bad days; whatever you do, you will either be condemned for it or complimented. It’s a tough life. Working hours are very difficult. You need to be a strong individual to be in this field because there’s a lot of bitchiness and backstabbing, because it’s a beauty based thing. I would advise you to get a degree in something of interest, either related to your modeling career or something which builds upon it that can come in handy later on in your career. You will not be a pretty face all your life! But people will know you and you will always have your identity, so think of ways in which you can use that identity, like they do abroad to do something good, rather than not using it at all.

Nadya Mistry

Nadya Mistry is one of the leading designers in Pakistan.Her outfits are bold, stylish, and distinctive. She designs casual, party, formal, and bridal wear. With a Bachalor in fashion design from Lisaa in Paris, Nadya has what it takes to bring a unique fusion of eastern and western styles and trends.

1. Let’s start with getting to know you as a person…what would you like to tell our readers about your family, where you grew up, schooling, etc.

I’m a complete Karachiite! I did my O’levels from Mama Parsi and A’s from Karachi Grammar. I live with my parents, my brother and my doggie!

2. When did you start your fashion design career and what was your biggest inspiration to enter this field?

After completing my B.A. in Fashion designing from L.I.S.A.A., Paris, I did two internships. One was at Cerruti 1881, Paris and the other at Mary McFadden in New York. Then I came back to Karachi and started my business. I really didn’t need an inspiration. This is what I was born to do. All I needed was support and that came in abundance from my family!

3. Do you specialize in a particular line of clothing?

We do everything from Eastern Wear to Western; casuals, party, formals, wedding wear, both womenswear and menswear. Apart from that we also make handloom fabric.

4. Where can people buy your clothes? Do you have your own retail outlet?

From my boutique at Park Towers, Karachi. They can also place orders online by emailing us the requirements.

5. One of the things we see in ready-to-wear Pakistani fashion is that there is more attention to the embellishment and embroidery, but not as much to the cut, style, and stitching. As a designer, what do you think needs to be done about this?

It is true that we should not completely succumb to the lure of embellishment in RTW, but a touch here and there is acceptable. This is exactly why fashion schooling is important. Those designers who have missed out on it normally lose focus.

6. How would you describe the latest casual wear trends in Pakistan? What would be considered chic in a casual setting?

For casual wear, usually western trends apply. Hence jeans are big. But with a twist, an element of style: either a touch of embroidery, or a foil print, rolled up or Capri-length.

7. What about formal wear? What kind of a dress do you think would be considered “really in!” at a wedding or a formal occasion?

I feel at a wedding ‘standing out’ is more important. Since there’s a sea of people around, you must wear something that makes a statement. Bright, festive colors always look good.

8. What kind of colors do you see taking centre-stage in the upcoming winter/party season in Pakistan?

Gold, glitter, glam! Lots of gold! Gold is the new black. We will also see more white than usual.

9. Where do you see Pakistan’s fashion industry headed – are we getting closer to the international aplomb and recognition that India has achieved? Why or why not?

Well comparatively we are in a nascent stage but we have the right ingredients to get there. As a nation we need to be more open and accepting for any kind of art to flourish. Also designers need to work with a nationalistic approach rather than individualistic.

10. What advice would you give to young professionals interested in pursuing a fashion design career?

There’s no replacement for good fashion education. Stay motivated and strong. Let not people with hidden agendas and dirty politics get you down!