After Hours: Mehdi

Talented bridal couture designer, Mehdi, shares his professional journey

Uber talented bridal couture designer Mehdi, shares with us some details of his professional journey. Being driven towards arts and crafts from a very young age, Mehdi later ventured into the fashion industry with his awe-inspiring bridals. Find out his inspiration, favourite silhouettes and where he loves to shop



Where do you derive your inspiration from?

For an artist everything that grabs his/her attention is inspiration, for me it comes from paintings, different cultures, music and travelling. I am a person who believes in design philosophy and always end up making collections with a statement.

What sparked your interest in fashion?

My parents told me that I am a born artist. From drawings, paintings, clayplay sculptures to fashion design, my journey has always been art oriented. Fashion was my interest since a long time so I chose to be a designer and that is something that I now take pride in.

How has Mehdi Couture evolved in the past few years?

Mehdi was launched in 2004 with a mega show in Lahore. After that with all the hard work and love from this industry and clients, Mehdi achieved the top slot in Pakistan. With growing business within Pakistan and internationally we have come a long way and evolved as a signature bridal brand.



What skills are important for a successful career in fashion?

In any field, dedication is the key to success but in the fashion industry you need to have a lot more. One should be quite confident, powerful and social along with having a creative mind. Handling criticism is also part of the job.

What in your opinion has been the best design trend in the past five years?

I don’t believe anything should be deemed as best or worst design trends as fashion is all about change. However I prefer long jackets and flowy silhouettes as they work well with the ladies of our sub-continent.

What are some of your favourite silhouettes and why?

Long sleek flowy and dimensional silhouettes are very close
to Mehdi’s statement because such cuts are always classy
and elegant.

What advice would you give to a young designer?

Be confident, original and yourself. People will drag you down so step on them and rise above the hate.

What is the most challenging about a career in fashion?

It is the most challenging industry of all as you always have to one up your self.  All your designs need to be creatively different which is a challenge on its own.



What is your favourite place to shop in the world, and why?

I have travelled the world and shopped all over the globe. Shopping is fun everywhere but I like hanging out in streets of New York and San Francisco for the perfect fit and stuff.

What helps you get in the zone when you are designing?

I believe music is the basic element for me to create magic.

How would you describe the current state of the fashion industry?

The fashion industry is booming and I am happy to see emerging designers every year. It makes our country come out stronger and better in terms of fashion and style.

Which era of fashion do you admire the most?

I love the sophistication of 70’s and colours splashes of 80’s.

What is in store for the future for the brand?

Wait and watch!