ZARA SHAHJAHAN - A Blend of Glamour and Fun Fashion

Even though Zara Shahjahan have been in the fashion fraternity since 2004 she managed to completely awe struck me this year with her Love Bug Collection in PSFW 2014. Thrilled to the bones I have been following (almost stalking) her creations ever since. The talented artist is nothing but impressive and to top it off she recently showcased her Love Bug Collection in Fashion Parade 2014 in London and received immense praise.

Wanting to really know her I got in touch for a little tête-à-tête (Ok well more like an email convo :p). So let’s get to know the designer better shall we?

Born and bred in Lahore, Zara graduated from NCA with a degree in Miniature. That certainly explains the intricacy in detailing as well as the creative imagination flowing through her designs. She always had a love for fashion even when studying fine arts. 

“Fashion for me is a personal expression. I used to design my clothes in college. I guess the first outfit that I made for myself was just so cool. I remember it was khaddar kurta with this really cool mirror work shalwar. It was a total hit in college.” – Zara 

How did she end up in an art school rather than a Fashion school? She knew that fashion was inside her but she wanted to develop the aesthetic sense before the technical skills and so NCA happened. 

Zara Shahjahan, after 7 years, is amongst the very few Pakistani brands that incepted a sub-brand. They have an everyday wear sub-brand by the name of COCO by Zara Shahjahan that has alternate philosophy to what Zara Shahjahan the parent brand has. COCO is hip and trendy while Zara Shahjahan is extremely feminine and subtle. Juggling both and exceeding at the same time in both is an achievement worth applauding.

What else did she share? Here it is:

1. How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?

Depends on the concept. A bridal can take a month and a pret piece can be made in 2 hours.

2. Who is one of your favorite local models to work with?
I love Amna Babar when it comes to fashion shoots, but for the ramp I feel no one beats Mehreen Syed and Cybil.

3. How do you select your models?
I feel the model for each campaign needs to have the face, body language and personality that depicts the collection’s philosophy.

4. Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing. 
We design one collection at a time. There is a lot of creative juices flowing. So from inspirations to fabric collection, silhouettes, trends and sketches, it’s a long and tedious process. Fun for sure.

5. What's your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?
That moment where I realize there is something missing and I go back to where I started and end up creating something much better. 

6. Who are some of your favorite designers?
Dolce &Gabanna amongst many

7. How would you define your city's fashion?
Lahore has always been very over the top. Girls love getting dressed here. I feel Lahore has evolved from being gaudy to trendy.

8. What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
The amour. If you put your heart in it.

9. Do you consider yourself an artist?
I consider myself a creative entrepreneur.

10. What matters to you most as a fashion designer? 

Quality and aesthetics. 

11. How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
It’s a constant and rigorous process of creativity, putting together resources, being inspired.

12. Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them?
Both have their own charm.

13. What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
Work hard and learn

14. What do you like best about designing clothes?
The deadlines

15. What do you dislike about designing clothes?
The deadlines

16. How would you define your personal style?
Always pretty and luminous but trendy. Definitely subtle.

17. How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
Beautiful clothes that make women feel beautiful.

18.What are some of your fashion goals?
To create a lifestyle brand that is a fashion statement.

19. What are your favorite colors and patterns to work with? 
White.Very hard to get away from it and I love florals.

20. What are your favorite fabrics to work with and why?
I love pure silk. It is a beautiful and graceful fabric. 

If you want to get to know about this Talented Designer head over to her Facebook Page. She also gets extra brownie points for showing her collection at Lakme Fashion Week in India and Making Pakistan Proud recently <3

Do let me know what you thought and what more you want to know :)

xx,
Red Alice