The corner: Rana Noman

Rana Noman, fashion designer and art enthusiast, invites us on a tour around his creative workspace. We discover what contributes to his design process as we dive into his world of paintings, sequins and fabrics

The moment we walk into Rana Noman’s fashion studio, numerous wall frames crowding the reception area grab our attention. The wall adjacent to a spiralling staircase is adorned with timeless Mughal art pieces, including sets of plates featuring intricate engravings. Though the area is small, the décor suggests that a great deal of attention and effort has been put in here.



On the ground floor, three rooms make up the entire design studio. The first room houses ready-to-wear pieces, the second is Noman’s personal office, and the third room is the bridal room. While walking us towards this room, Noman explains: “The office is a space where I work on my own whereas the bridal room is where interaction between the client and myself forms the basis of creative discussion. It is where I listen to their demands and produce ideas that specifically cater to their interests. The process itself is largely fulfilling.” He adds that this process of communication accompanied by the aura of the room generates ‘The Rana Noman Experience’ for the bride.



The room itself is filled with art and literature and a delicious scent of banarsi lingers in the air. A 5ft painting by Anam Lashari is the largest he owns, and in his words: “the most captivating piece yet”. Painted in oil, the painting is of a woman drowning her face in the sheets with expressions of utter despair. “Most of the art work you see here is by home grown talent. Some artists are NCA (National College of Arts) graduates, and other pieces have been picked up at The Paint Bucket Gallery or Taseer Art Gallery. I do not necessarily follow a theme when buying paintings but somehow, I always end up with human figures,” he says. Another central piece is an abstract piece by Qamar Siddiqui in crimson and black hues. Alongside, framed sketches of Mughal empresses and smaller oil paintings hang.



Velvet sofas in neutral crème shades are accessorised with embroidered cushions. The contemporary cushions have a bird theme. These House of Cali cushions from the ‘Sadequain’ line are another symbol of Noman’s love for art. Besides this rests a small, hand painted wooden table carrying a tall, mirror-encrusted lamp. The floral pattern illuminates through the glass when it is switched on.

A chic Home Couture table with sleek gold legs and a simple white top adds a modern touch. However, the centre table is the show-stopping piece. Sitting on a mustard Abbas Carpets rug, the chunky legs hold together a reflective mirrored surface. A set of three baroque-style vases purchased in Camden Town, London is placed on it, as well as a bright hand-painted Indian tray and a pair of metallic birds.

Noman’s work desk is a limited edition piece from YOCA’s collaboration with HSY. The traditional yet contemporary desk is strikingly unique. “I wanted to keep this place modern but also add an ethnic touch as that is what describes me. Since I spend most of my day here, I needed it to reflect my personality. Thus, there had to be a balance between contemporary and traditional,” he says.



Our eyes rove around the room. We spot a Jo Malone candle burning atop a pile of books about art, textiles and history, and a giant vintage cabinet with a swinging glass door, and shelves decorated with loose fabric in contrasting colours. On inquiring, Noman tells us that he had rescued this old piece. The revival process may have been a task but it is now a valuable part of his collection.

We take one last look around the room and leave feeling inspired.