Zahra Sarfaraz always knew her true calling- she wanted to put Pakistan’s Fashion Industry on the global map! Considering her career to be far larger than her own individuality and purpose, the fashion stylist is making a strong global impression as she showcases to the world that Pakistan’s creativity, expression, and aesthetic credibility are limitless. Learn more:
SD: How do you visualize the fashion stance of Pakistan in 2024?
Zahra: I hope for Pakistan’s fashion stance to become more global in 2024. I feel like my country’s fashion industry has compromised on its creativity, expression, and freedom in the past few years. It’s time that we start treating ‘couture’ as ‘couture’ and not just a word that we conveniently use to market our products. We will not be able to transcend borders and place ourselves on the global fashion stage if the only thing we continue to focus on is ‘bridal fashion’. There is much more to the world of fashion and it’s time for us to dive into it.
SD: As a fashion stylist, what remains the most fulfilling aspect of your work?
Zahra: Representing my country internationally through my work fulfills my appetite like nothing else. I firmly believe that we are a nation of such rich talent, culture, and art; it breaks my heart to see how we are cut off from the world and aren’t recognized internationally for the talent that we possess and the art that we create. Thus any opportunity that I get to bring the spotlight to Pakistan’s Fashion Industry is always my favourite opportunity.
SD: How did your interest rise in this field?
Zahra: I was born to work in fashion; the world of glamour has always had me smitten, and it still does. I’ve always held an opinion about how the people around me dressed up, especially my sister. Even as a child, it was the first thing I appreciated or criticized about anyone that I met. To date, nothing holds me in more awe than a well-dressed woman.
SD: From the time you started, till the brides of today, how has the fashion style evolved?
Zahra: Confused, the saturated bridal industry has definitely left brides overwhelmed and pulled in different directions. The constant dumping of cheap quality products and branding them as ‘couture’ has had rigorous effects on the wedding industry.
SD: When it comes to accessorizing your look, what are some of the essential jewelry pieces a person needs to adorn?
Zahra: The accessories you possess and how you use them to style yourself are a huge part of your self-expression and identity. Thus the pieces you choose to invest in are a very personal decision, for me jewelry has become an important matter! I choose to invest in fewer pieces but statement pieces. My rings are my constants, the rest I still have to develop my palette for.
SD: Desi styles or western which remains your favorite look to stylize?
Zahra: It’s a no-brainer, desi clothes will always be my favorite. I am obsessed with my culture, I am very possessive about my identity. There is nothing that I love more than a shalwar kameez when I am traveling.
SD: Do you feel we are evolving in bringing our ethical looks to the forefront or are we heavily borrowing vogue statements from the Western world?
Zahra: I feel like we are somewhere in between. The machines, the fast fashion, and the rip-off designs from Pinterest have somehow made us lose our identity. Our culture is so rich on its own, I feel like we are looking everywhere else but within ourselves. There is a huge disconnect between who we are and who we are ‘trying’ to become.
SD: Your words of advice for those who wish to pursue this field and make a mark?
Zahra: Imitation takes you nowhere in fashion, it’s important for you to keep an identity of your own. When I joined the industry, people drew comparisons, and told me to work on my flare as I am introverted, and that used to give me so much anxiety. Please know that you’ll be appreciated, accepted, and respected; groom yourself but don’t lose yourself.
5 Must-Haves for Every Girl Out There!
– it’s important for you to understand your body structure & invest in pieces accordingly
– Your jewellery speaks volumes about you, be picky with the pieces you invest in
– If you have skinny jeans in your wardrobe please get them replaced – they are never coming back
– Every woman deserves a shoe heaven of her own. You don’t need 50 pairs, even if you have the 5 right ones that’s more than enough
– Nothing can elevate your outfit like the right handbag, save up for it!
