Designer Ali Xeeshan explains vision behind his fashion shows

Couturier recalled one of his most talked about ramp walks where models carried monkey dolls with them

Celebrated fashion designer Ali Xeeshan known for his elaborate bridal gowns and unconventional fashion shows explained why he chooses to spread some kind of message through his creations.

Pakistani designer Ali Xeeshan to dress Rihanna

In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Ali recalled one of his most talked about fashion shows where models carried monkey dolls with them as a part of their ramp walk.

The designer said, "Most of the time in Pakistan, brides are treated like monkeys. They don't have any say. They would be told to smile less or smile more, or to wear this or wear that, as if they were a product. That's how I came up with the monkey doll. It's a symbol for Pakistani brides."

PHOTO: FILE

Host of the show, Haroon Shahid also asked Ali why he choose to once bring Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the ramp. Ali replied, "I think weddings have become like a tamasha - a circus. You have to look a certain way and you have to become someone else. Most of the time, you lose your own personality in becoming someone else which becomes very 'cartoonish for me'. Using Mickey and Minnie Mouse was my take on that."

PHOTO: FILE

In 2017's fashion show, Ali opted to bring in young girls dressed in uniforms to the ramp. The designer explained, "There are many girls who can go on to become doctors, engineers or any thing in life but they are forced to get married at an early age. By the time they are 17 or 18, the girls have grown up and have a lot of pressure on them, which is not fair."

PHOTO: FILE

Ali then researched on the number of girls who are forced by their parents or the society to get married and found out that every three seconds, one was compelled to tie the knot. He continued, "UN Women came on board with me and we designed this 'bridal uniform'. The idea was that people should send their girls to schools instead of banquet halls."

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ALI XEESHAN

Speaking of his latest collection called Ijaazat, Ali shared, "When girls or boys come up to and tell me that they want me to make their wedding outfit, I ask them what they are looking for. But they're never concerned about what they want. In fact, they are more worried about what would look nicer and what would get them the most likes on social media."

Ali Xeeshan responds to creative concept gone awry

The designer stated that he uses social media as well but there needs to be a limit of when it's relevant and when it's not. He concluded, "Social media should not carve your life and it should not decide one's future."

Watch the video here:



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