Designer Mariyam Rizwan launches first-ever outlet

KARACHI: As the fashion bandwagon continues to gain ground, a string of new designers has arrived on the block, with new ideas and hopes. One such example is that of Mariyam D Rizwan, a promising young couturier who recently launched her first store in Karachi. Talking to The Express Tribune, she spilled the beans on her local and international inspirations, as well as the offerings at her new-fangled store.

Located in Clifton, the outlet is currently home to prêt-wear and luxury prêt. Although Rizwan’s forte remains jackets, tunics and draped gowns, she has plans of venturing into bridals in the near future. Seeking help from architect Naheed Mashooqullah who helped her revamp the store, Rizwan shared, “I was looking for a quirky setup and wanted to paint the entire store myself.” When one enters the place, it radiates a ballerina feel through the sketched paintings on the walls and tables. The store will open for the public December 5 onwards.

Rizwan took a liking for art throughout her school years, painting wild horses and ballerinas. Previously based in London, she earned an undergraduate degree in digital prints from Chelsea College of Arts and went on to pursue a Master’s degree from Central Saint Martins. In 2012, Rizwan went to Paris and participated in the Indigo Trade Show and the following year she interned at H&M and Alexander McQueen.



Upon the insistence of her father, who helped her set up the store, she decided to kick off her own business in Karachi. However, she admitted that settling back in Pakistan and setting up a store from scratch was no easy feat for her. “I had a tough time in adjusting. Also, things are done very differently here on a professional level,” Rizwan added. “Fashion is slightly off-beat here. It’s different. What I get to see on the ramp does not get the same appeal with daily wear. I wish to design smart and edgy stuff which is realistic enough for everyone.”

Of her target market, Rizwan stated, “You see, everything sells here. I believe, as my mother says, that everybody has a different taste and there are all kinds of people around here. So I will design for all types of people.” Nonetheless, she added that there is “limited fashion” in Pakistan and she wishes to be able to change this trend.



Of what is available locally, Rizwan loves to wear outfits by Ayesha Farook Hashwani and Sania Maskatiya. “She [Hashwani] has a very similar taste to that of mine and I wear a lot of her designs,” she added. On the same note, she admires Maskatiya, asserting that she has really come a long way in a short span and made her presence felt in the market. “Her prints are wearable and her clothes are amazing.”

On the international front, Rizwan is inspired by Mathew Wiliamson for his trendy prints and Alexander McQueen and Ted Baker for their shoes and bags. With 2016 approaching, Rizwan is busy with plans to participate in the Fashion Parade in London.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2015.

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