Hira Ali
The Face Of The Younger Generation Of Fashion
Fashion is an ever growing industry in Pakistan, and it takes one with a lot of talent to make their way into the industry.
In an industry where trends are always changing we need fresh blood to keep it going. We cannot deny the fact that veteran designers like Maheen Khan, Deepak Perwani, Nilofer Shahid to name a few have set a standard for fashion in the industry, but we also know that there is always a need for something new and contemporary on the table. Thus, in a fiercely competitive field, you need to have the edge to stand out as an aspiring designer.
Having said that, launching a label isn’t the difficult part; maintaining your reputation is. With a new designer launching their brand every other day, each one must have their own uniqueness and style stand out as a label. One such aspiring designer on the block is Hira Ali, a graduate from Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) who showcased her thesis collection ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’ at the Bank Al-Falah Rising Talent segment at the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week ’16; which was loved and appreciated by all.
“The entire experience was exhilarating. Bloggers, media and press had positive and encouraging things to say about my collection. I still remember most of the remarks I got from renowned journalists and bloggers,” Hira told GLOSS.
Displaying solo for the first time instead of being part of an entire design team she says that it felt quite natural to be doing that.
“I was excited yet petrified of how everyone would react to my collection. It was because it was excessively minimal and that concept is still somewhat alien to our industry.”
Her label ‘Hira Ali Studios’ is a balance between contemporary designs with traditional grace. She believes in a minimalistic approach towards designs as they are a core feature of the brand that creates a marriage of traditional and modern techniques.
“The label is an extension of my personality. I am very particular about my style and aesthetics and the same is true for my brand,” she told GLOSS. “The idea of going solo was terrifying but once I started I haven’t looked back.”
With a sophisticated and minimal style sense, Hira has always had a passion to design clothes and start her own label ever since a kid. It is safe to say that dreams do come true if you keep working towards them passionately.
“We have a tricky market. Along with that, we have a distinctively diverse culture and that makes Pakistan’s fashion scene very unique yet challenging.”
The designer said that it was just a question of the right time and experience to make it all happen and being under the apprenticeship of none other than Khadijah Shah of Elan and Sapphire she learnt the tricks of the industry. Hira tells us that it was a great experience working with Shah so closely.
“I am grateful to Khadijah for giving me the opportunity. Working on collections at Elan always kept me on my toes, as I was responsible for the Western Couture Wing which was quite the responsibility.”
Not only that, prior to working with Elan, the young designer also received training at the Paris based Fashion School – Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture.
While talking about where she gets her inspiration from she said that it can be anything and everything. From art to music, from literary history and even conversations, the ideas are spontaneous. “I carry a diary with me at all times; most ideas are scribbled in it spontaneously while I am on the go.” In addition to that, she says that her presence will not vanish from the scene because staying true to her aesthetics is what is going to take the label forward.
“The plan is simple, to stay true to my style and aesthetics and everything else will just fall into place. We will take things forward one step at a time.”
Her recent projects include a bridal collection and a project for Nordic International School, each being different and exciting in its own way.
Representing the younger generation of fashion, Hira Ali along with her simple and contemporary designs is all set to set new fashion trends. However, will the industry accept her aesthetics or she will accept the industry’s old school traditional approach, only time will tell. Until then, Hira advices all the aspiring designers to stay true to their aesthetics and style and try not to become one of many because in the end only the brave will survive.
