Asma Abbas criticises obsession with branded fashion, says similar finds cost Rs500 at local bazaars

Actor urges shoppers to look beyond labels, sharing why she values affordable finds and shops at Sunday Bazaar

Veteran actor Asma Abbas has criticised the growing obsession with branded clothing and accessories, stressing that people should prioritise affordability and personal preference over labels.

In a recent interview, she observed that people increasingly identify their belongings by brand names rather than simply referring to the items themselves, turning labels into a way of displaying status while overlooking more affordable alternatives.

“I have seen that people in our generation don’t say, ‘This is my bag.’ They say, ‘This is from MK. It is from here or there.’ It is all about the brand,” she remarked.

Abbas further pointed out that people had become overly conscious of brand names, particularly when it came to fashion and accessories. “People have started thinking about these things way too much. Showing off that something is from Nike or elsewhere,” she said.

She suggested that while people should be mindful of where products come from, a brand name should not be the sole factor influencing their purchasing decisions. Sharing a glimpse into her own shopping habits, Abbas revealed that she still shopped at Sunday Bazaar, highlighting her appreciation for affordable finds and local markets.

The actor also spoke about the values she had tried to instil in her children, explaining that she wanted them to understand that wearing clothes from less expensive or lesser-known sources was perfectly acceptable. “My kids do not have this scary quality yet. I have raised them to know that wearing clothes from anywhere is okay,” she shared.

Acknowledging that people sometimes judge those who prefer shopping at smaller stores or local markets, Abbas said such opinions did not influence her choices. “People talk a lot on these kind of people but I do not care because if you like something from somewhere small, you should just buy it,” she stated.

“When I went to America, I got a very beautiful necklace from the brand Forever 21. When I came here, I found a very similar one in the bazaar here,” she recalled. Highlighting the price difference between branded products and locally available alternatives, she added, “You can find the same thing for Rs500 here.”

Her remarks challenged the notion that fashion must come with a hefty price tag, encouraging shoppers to look beyond labels, explore local markets and make purchases according to their preferences rather than social expectations.

The actor's comments also touched on the wider culture of consumerism and the pressure to keep up with branded fashion. While some shoppers value designer labels, others prefer affordable alternatives that offer a similar look without stretching their budgets.

Ultimately, her message was that people should feel comfortable buying what they like, regardless of the brand name or where an item comes from. For her, personal choice and practicality matter more than impressing others with expensive labels.

Alongside her acting career, Abbas is currently managing her own fashion brand, Asma Abbas Designs. She has also continued to entertain audiences through acting projects, including the series Winter Love.