T Diaries: Maria B

A glimpse into the world of Pakistani powerhouses.

• One thing you have that no one else does?

An extremely strong connection with God. It’s the root of my existence!

• You are a working woman with a husband and children .How do you maintain a work-life balance?

It’s a constant juggling act for us working women. Thankfully we are great multi-taskers! So at any given time, I am conducting production meetings, coordinating menus with my cook at home, rushing to pick up my daughter from school and also finalising my latest designs. It’s difficult, but it is all worth it in the end.

• The Superwoman Syndrome is the desire to do everything perfectly, without any time to yourself. What do to have to say about that?

I am suffering from this precise syndrome and I have to say it’s a tough one to handle. I want my daughter’s generation to learn from our mistakes and appreciate the finer details of life while pursuing a professional career.

• Who is your favourite designer and why?

I love Tom Ford. He is a genius at everything he does and not just fashion.

• How did the MARIA.B brand come about?

I wanted to start an affordable yet fashionable prét-a-porter brand in Pakistan 15 years ago. Back then, it was a dream. Today we have 25 stores and eight brands in 12 cities nationwide!

• How has the Pakistani fashion industry changed over the past years?

I would say it has matured incredibly. Our retail has grown from strength to strength and designers have a clearly defined business vision of fashion now, whereas previously there was just a creative vision.

• What do you have to say about the current fashion scene in Pakistan? How has it changed over the years?

It’s exciting, competitive and more professional than it has ever been before.

• Looking back over your career, what do you think is your best work?

I’ve matured over the years in my style and in my collections. I believe in constantly evolving and thus my latest collection is usually my favourite.

• How did your interest in fashion and accessories come into being?

I think it started early. When I was around six, I started draping my mother’s saris on myself and trying on her lipsticks. It became an obsession by the time I reached 13.

• How has doing what you do changed your life?

I used to love my solace, privacy and leisure. Needless to say all that has gone out the window! But regardless, I feel blessed with all that I’ve achieved in this time.

• How does it feel to be one of the leading names in the Pakistani fashion industry?

It is surreal but I feel blessed.

• What’s the best way to deal with failure?

Just remember that it’s all meant to teach you something in the bigger picture of life. Learning from failure helps you grow as a person.

• Any advice for aspiring female designers?

Work hard but always give priority to family and leisure. In the long-run, that’s what matters.

Maria Butt

Fashion Designer/Entrepreneur

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, May 18th, 2014.