“When it comes of fashion, cross culture fusion of identities is in the way forward…”

Fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) is one of the biggest names in Pakistan fashion industry. HSY is primarily a bridal house which specialises in couture and is best known for combining contemporary silhouettes with traditional techniques of old. The brand’s inspiration is distinctly Pakistani and Middle Eastern peppered with Western influences. Now Social Diary experienced an interactive communication with HSY, in order to update its visitors about the current work status and all about Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY).

How did you first get into fashion design?

Not many people know but back in the time, I started off with fashion choreography and modeling. I think my love for fashion grew with time and I decided to become a fashion designer.

What is your inspiration? Who inspired you to come into this profession?

A lot of people inspired me to become who I’m today, most importantly my mother.

What does fashion means to you?

Fashion is something which evolves with time and after a certain time period repeats itself. I don’t limit fashion to clothes, shoes and accessories. For me fashion is a complete lifestyle; the things you wear, the places you visit, your home or something as simple as the car you drive.

Which new color pallets of fabrics or objects are inspiring your fashion?

When it comes to colors, structure and overall silhouette, my work’s inspiration comes from different objects; the places I travel, the people I meet and the cultures which inspire me.

For summer’s collection 2015, what will be your theme or inspiration?

I’m working on a lot of collections, I’m thinking of doing something entirely different in the year. At this point of time, I would just say that HSY will be bringing the World fashion to Pakistan

How do you take criticism and do you think that criticism is a healthy activity?

As long as its constructive and not for the sake of just doing it, I always take it the right spirit.

There are two fashion councils working in Pakistan, shouldn’t we have one council and one fashion week at time?

I honestly feel both councils are contributing to the Pakistani fashion in their own right. I feel that since there is a lot of untapped potential and shortage of platforms where designers can showcase their talent, we should have even more councils for designers. I think we need to promote and recognize the creative talent in our country and more platforms is the way forward. At the end of day its Pakistani fashion which is being promoted!

The field of fashion has grown enormously in the last 5 years. The number of designers has multiplied remarkably. Do you think it affects what a designer has to do to get attention?

I wouldn’t entirely agree with the hypothesis, I strongly believe that if you have your individual creative sense, you can stand out even in thousand designers. On the contrary, I see this growth in designers & design houses as a positive sign signifying the growth of fashion in the country.

What would you say about the quality/standard of Pakistan fashion? Do we have a standing in the global arena?

I have travelled worldwide and it gives me immense pleasure to claim that we as Pakistanis do have a strong standing in ‘world fashion’. But at the same time I feel that there are a lot of areas and avenues where we can improve like the business side of fashion.

Do you think we have a rich heritage culture of our own but still we are more inclined towards west?

When it comes of fashion, cross culture fusion of identities is in the way forward. I don’t mind taking western inspirations in my creations as long as it stays true to my brand’s/culture’s distinctiveness.

What challenges & hurdles those causing hindrance in the growth of the fashion industry in Pakistan?

It has to be the macro level like political and economic condition, power crisis, labor laws and lack of growing businesses looking at the bigger picture in general.

Do you think that we should also give a chance to new upcoming designers to prove their ability & creativity?

Yes definitely, I think this is something that is already a happening since the last few years. Over the past decade, we have been observing an increasing number of upcoming labels and designers. I think we must have more fashion weeks and platforms where aspiring talent can reach their true potential.

Tell us about your recent collection? It’s inspiration?

We have showcased our new collection; this time celebrated the luxe life of the HSY Man, “Hi-Octane” at Fashion Pakistan Week SS 2015.
The inspiration for the collection stems from the designer’s ideology about true luxury, depicting the delicate balance between dreams and practicality. The impeccable collection redefines urban-infused indulgence – driven by passion, power and ambition – and executed in style. It consists of immaculately sewn suiting for the man who exudes power and confidence, combining classic hues with the perfect cuts, styles and fit.

I have travelled worldwide and it gives me immense pleasure to claim that we as Pakistanis do have a strong standing in ‘world fashion’.

“Fashion is something which evolves with time and after a certain time period repeats itself…”