T-Diaries: Zari Faisal
A glimpse into the world of Pakistani powerhouses.
My mother, grandmother and sisters-my lifeline.
What’s your secret fitness/beauty regime?
Fitness is very important to me...it keeps the mind in check. I love yoga and running. As far as beauty is concerned, moisturise...and avoid caking the skin up with makeup!
An idea that changed your life?
I think it would be realising that I didn’t want to work for anyone else. Entrepreneurship was in my blood and I just went for it. Getting encouragement from my dad to do so, and then kind of being left on my own to figure things out...probably the best thing that happened to me.
What’s the best way to deal with failure?
Failure is a part of life, as cliché as it may sound. You try new things and sometimes you fail but its all part of the learning process. You have to stumble and fall at some point. What matters is picking yourself up and trying even harder the next time round. You should never ever give up on your dreams and beliefs.
What’s your personal style?
I go through my phases, but am generally quite understated in my dressing. Kurtas are my go to for daily work wear as they are perfect for the hot weather. When I am heading out, I experiment a lot more. I am also a complete shoe junkie.
How has the Pakistani fashion industry changed over the past years?
It has grown and evolved. I love the retail boom that is hitting the market; it’s become more professional and definitely more organised.
How did Zari Faisal the brand come about?
Zari Faisal the brand came about with 30,000 rupees, a few ideas in my head, six outfits that I made and a friend (Komail Naqvi) who convinced me to do a photo shoot. That combined with some basic social media networking and boom! There has been no looking back since then. Zari Faisal is now stepping into its fourth year and most of the growth has been organic. Word of mouth and consumer endorsements have played a big part of our growing process; honestly there is no better brand ambassador than a satisfied customer.
How did your interest in fashion and accessories come into being?
I used to go to the bazaars with my mother and grandmother when I was a child. My love and knowledge for fabrics comes from there.
What do you have to say about the current fashion scene in Pakistan? How has it changed over the years?
Buzzing is the word! Social media has given it a whole new dimension. I see new brands springing up every single day and so it becomes extremely important to give yourself a unique persona so that people remember and talk about you. You don’t want to get lost in the clutter. I also definitely see e-commerce playing a big role in the industry in the near future.
How has doing what you do changed your life?
It’s made me a much more confident person. It’s a sense of achievement when you are able to pay bills and contribute at home. Also, there is always a rush when you see people wearing or recognising your designs. Having said that, there is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance and I hope I never embrace the latter.
Any advice for aspiring female designers?
Be confident in what you do and stick to your sense of style. Also, be open to constructive criticism and remain persistent and enjoy the journey.
Zari Faisal
Fashion Designer
Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, May 25th, 2014.
Fitness is very important to me...it keeps the mind in check. I love yoga and running. As far as beauty is concerned, moisturise...and avoid caking the skin up with makeup!
An idea that changed your life?
I think it would be realising that I didn’t want to work for anyone else. Entrepreneurship was in my blood and I just went for it. Getting encouragement from my dad to do so, and then kind of being left on my own to figure things out...probably the best thing that happened to me.
What’s the best way to deal with failure?
Failure is a part of life, as cliché as it may sound. You try new things and sometimes you fail but its all part of the learning process. You have to stumble and fall at some point. What matters is picking yourself up and trying even harder the next time round. You should never ever give up on your dreams and beliefs.
What’s your personal style?
I go through my phases, but am generally quite understated in my dressing. Kurtas are my go to for daily work wear as they are perfect for the hot weather. When I am heading out, I experiment a lot more. I am also a complete shoe junkie.
How has the Pakistani fashion industry changed over the past years?
It has grown and evolved. I love the retail boom that is hitting the market; it’s become more professional and definitely more organised.
How did Zari Faisal the brand come about?
Zari Faisal the brand came about with 30,000 rupees, a few ideas in my head, six outfits that I made and a friend (Komail Naqvi) who convinced me to do a photo shoot. That combined with some basic social media networking and boom! There has been no looking back since then. Zari Faisal is now stepping into its fourth year and most of the growth has been organic. Word of mouth and consumer endorsements have played a big part of our growing process; honestly there is no better brand ambassador than a satisfied customer.
How did your interest in fashion and accessories come into being?
I used to go to the bazaars with my mother and grandmother when I was a child. My love and knowledge for fabrics comes from there.
What do you have to say about the current fashion scene in Pakistan? How has it changed over the years?
Buzzing is the word! Social media has given it a whole new dimension. I see new brands springing up every single day and so it becomes extremely important to give yourself a unique persona so that people remember and talk about you. You don’t want to get lost in the clutter. I also definitely see e-commerce playing a big role in the industry in the near future.
How has doing what you do changed your life?
It’s made me a much more confident person. It’s a sense of achievement when you are able to pay bills and contribute at home. Also, there is always a rush when you see people wearing or recognising your designs. Having said that, there is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance and I hope I never embrace the latter.
Any advice for aspiring female designers?
Be confident in what you do and stick to your sense of style. Also, be open to constructive criticism and remain persistent and enjoy the journey.
Zari Faisal
Fashion Designer
Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, May 25th, 2014.