How Pakistani designer Faraz Manan became Bollywood's go-to couturier

For many Bollywood stars, a Pakistani designer has been a favourite for far too long. Faraz Manan has worked with several A-listers in India; be it late Indian superstar Sridevi, actors Kiara Advani or Shah Rukh Khan - the popular designer's outfits have been the talk of the town ever since the famous Bollywood stars couldn't stop raving about him.

But what is it about Faraz's work that attracts Indian celebrities so much? In simple words, it's the intricacy of his designs that singles out his ensembles from the rest of his counterparts. But for him, it's not Bollywood he is particularly interested in, it's the actor. "I think more than Bollywood, it is the actor or the talent who appreciates your clothes and wants to wear them," Faraz told Vogue India. "This is something very encouraging for any designer. It is one artist appreciating another artist’s craft."

Talking about dressing the biggest Bollywood names, the couturier wished he could have dressed yesteryear's late superstar, Madhubala. "I have been fortunate," Faraz commented. "Sridevi wore my designs and that was always a dream. So have many other talented women from Bollywood, like Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Madhuri Dixit and Alia Bhatt. But to me honestly, the ultimate Indian beauty was Madhubala. She was so graceful so if I were to think of someone, I think it would have to be Madhubala."

The last time we saw Faraz walking down the ramp with his muse Kareena Kapoor Khan was in 2018 during Masala! Awards. Now that the world is adapting to the new normal, the designer hopes the audience would return to fashion shows as well. "My last fashion show was nearly three years ago in Dubai, the one where Kareena walked for me," he said. "Now that most people are vaccinated it is time to accept the reality and move on–and that means it is time again for fashion shows. Everyone wants to move on, especially in our industry."
 

Faraz also spoke about how the pandemic has changed his approach to fashion. "The pandemic made us miss the whole pomp and circumstance of fashion, there is nothing like a fashion show, the energy, interacting with the people and that feeling of celebration," he remarked. "On the same note, people now have a new appreciation for quality and luxury. Intimate weddings and intimate functions have made tastes more mature."

He further divulged about his upcoming collection. "So, keeping that in mind, this collection has taken a conscious approach and is about heirloom classic fashion. This collection has my signature metallics. Fusion has always been my mantra and over time has become more fun, funky, and young if I may say so. However, all the clothes have been designed as forever pieces," Faraz revealed.
 

The fashion designer further shared details about his next show. He added, "I chose to make it a black-tie event because I want it to be a fun celebration of fashion with great music and good company. I want everyone to look nice all dressed up. I think we all miss dressing up. I will be showing around 30 to 35 pieces all together and it is mostly couture."

Will we see his muse, Kareena as well? "She did walk for me at my last show and she is an integral part of my label," Faraz continued. "Her sister Karisma became the face of the brand when I first started and through her, Kareena and I met and hit it off. It was an instant friendship, she's beautiful inside out and has a real zest for life. Over the years, we've grown very close and that's how organically she has become my muse."

We recently saw Deepika in a gorgeous fusion saree by Faraz. The idea of Bollywood stylists working with him isn't as far-fetched as one might have thought. "It is not difficult for stylists in India to contact our Dubai store. We just take it from there, so it's rather easy. When Deepika reached out, I was very excited," he said. "When she wore the custom-made fusion sari embroidered in signature with a halter blouse and the short crop bolero jacket for a wedding recently, she just looked so fabulous."

Faraz has a flagship store in Dubai. The UAE city has managed to serve as a bridge between India and Pakistan. For the famed designer, Dubai serves as a melting pot for people from everywhere.

"Being based in Dubai has given me better access to India and to the rest of the world. This city is a great melting pot, a place people fly in and out of all the time," he said, adding, "I can't think of any other place better in the world than Dubai for my international flagship store. I'm glad that I took the chance and made the leap to open a store here six years ago." He concluded, "Gradually I want to increase my global presence. Paris Fashion Week is very much on my radar." 

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