A mind of its own

Designer Maleeka Ahmed showcases ‘Human Made’ collection at her first pop-up store

LAHORE: One of the few designers who are not swayed by fashion trends or assumed market preferences is Maleeka Ahmed. This is apparent in the nature of the pop-up store she organised in Lahore last week. Titled Human Made by Maleeka, the exhibition featured contemporary silhouettes, unique prints and solid colours in cotton and wool which formed the backbone of her offerings.

“My designs are based on comfort, movement and limitless forms of fierce individuality,” Ahmed shares with The Express Tribune. While the showcase can be described as non-conformist yet functional with clear hemlines, it was rounded off by a pared-down colour palette, allowing the calligraphy addition on the scarves to come to the forefront.



With her new label Ahmed wants to be a part of the “new order in fashion”, one that pushes boundaries and sets new trends. “To me the future is all about personal style. My effort is to offer women the freedom and the means to dress themselves in a completely modern way with simple, luxurious, and timeless pieces,” adds Ahmed. She believes that each creation should be unique and treats the design process as a journey that results in each piece being distinct from another. “All the clothes I have are unique, nothing was repeated,” she elaborates.

Ahmed also showcased the Baltit project, a jewellery collection inspired by antique coins found in Baltistan. She reveals that the original coins have been reproduced using brass, copper, silver and gold by incorporating traditional techniques such as hand knotting, that is a signature element of our culture. “I’m inspired by the human need to adorn and heal through jewellery. I seek to define luxury as a means of healing modern and timeless needs.”



Prior to moving back to Pakistan, Ahmed owned a multi-label store in Brooklyn, New York for 10 years. Her current designs are inspired by her travels to Europe which she undertook after closing down her store in New York.

Soaring high on the success of her exhibition, Ahmed says, “I was really surprised that people were open to other styles because this isn’t new for just Pakistan but also New York. The problem is if you don’t offer it to them as a lifestyle they won’t take it up.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2015.

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