It runs in the family: Ansab Jahangir and Zoha Shakir

The designers behind Ansab Jahangir Studio tell us about their short-lived stint as hair stylists

The designers behind Ansab Jahangir Studio, Ansab Jahangir and Zoha Shakir, tell us about their short-lived stint as hair stylists, how they almost burned down their college apartment, and how clothes are used as bribes

What’s your first memory of each other?

Ansab: Zoha got locked in the washroom, and I threw a fit crying my eyes out thinking something will happen to her. All that while, she was chilling inside without realizing she had been locked in.

Zoha: Once I wouldn’t stop crying, so my mom held me against the window and threatened to throw me out. Just to be clear, the window was shut. But out of nowhere Ansab came, saw this, and started shouting to my mother “If you wanted to kill her, why did you give birth to her?” My mom left me and ran after her. She was only five at the time.



What is the craziest thing you have done together?

Ansab: When we were at Waterloo for college, we almost set our apartment on fire while frying tilapia.

Zoha: We tricked our cousin by telling her we knew how to cut hair and ended up giving her a bob cut!

What did you get punished for the most as a child?

Ansab: Forgetting my water bottle every day at school.

Zoha: For crying over everything.



If you could only wear one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, from the other’s closet, what would it be?

Ansab: Her old Gap jeans, which fit me perfectly. But I wasn’t able to get them.

Zoha: Her black Massimo sweater.

If you could swap places with each other, what’s the first thing you would you do?

Ansab: Clean the room and organise everything.

Zoha: Donate all her clothes to charity.



What is the one thing you love about your sibling?

Ansab: Her magical convincing powers.

Zoha: Her heart.

If you are fighting with each other, how do you make up?

Ansab: Bribe her with clothes.

Zoha: To crack her up, I start making fun of her.

What is one secret talent your sister has, that you wish you did too?

Ansab: She is a great entertainer and can light up any room.

Zoha: Her amazing cooking skills.

Describe your sister in three words:

Ansab: Hardworking, honest, and grounded.

Zoha: Talented, generous, and rude.



Which fictional character is your sister most like?

Ansab: Anna from Frozen.

Zoha: Veronica from the Archie comics.

How are your personalities similar?

Ansab: We are both super-focused.

Zoha: We are both very emotional.

I can’t live without my sister because…

Ansab: I can’t do a single thing without her, be it ordering a meal or deciding an outfit for an event.

Zoha: I need her clothes.