Touching base with the master of menswear

The man behind Republic by Omar Farooq talks about debut women’s collection and nationwide expansion of brand

ISLAMABAD:

Omar Farooq has fused into the Pakistani fashion industry after launching his label, Republic. Not bashful for experimenting with new trends and elegant clothing, he has been super expeditious when it comes to accomplishment.

His latest collection, ‘Que Sera Sera’, showcased at PFDC Pakistan Sunsilk Fashion Week 2015 comprised prints, such as marble and floral patterns. Describing the collection, he says, “My collection defines the motto, whatever will be, will be — let it go, fashion cannot be controlled,” Farooq told The Express Tribune.

Farooq specifically wanted Fawad Khan to be his brand ambassador since the very start of his career. “I believe Fawad to be the Alain Delon of Pakistan, there’s no one like him. When I started my career, my first collection was based on Alain Delon,” remarks Farooq, adding, “I just love the way Delon carried himself. I believe this is what is lacking in today’s men — character and style.”



Aiming to expand nationwide with branches in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi, Republic is finally on the verge of accomplishment after enduring five years of sustainability issues. “We started our brand with a bang and that was difficult to maintain, in terms of quality and value. We went through extremely difficult times and I’m glad the hardship is finally over,” explains the designer.

Recalling the journey of crafting his trademark label, he says, “Originally, I started with a retail brand but requests for customised trousers, jackets and shirts came up because most of the men in Pakistan are not in the shape that would complement high-street brand fitting.”

Not yet subjected to harsh critique, he reveals, “I’ve been lucky. I don’t remember my work being criticised in any form or shape. When I started, I hired some boys from PFDC to help me out [when Republic was just a mere idea].” He adds, “Everyone was skeptical of my brand. It was natural of them to feel that way because many men’s wear brands came into the market and failed miserably; especially formal wear, since it’s hard to define the right niche for it.”

So, it’s not just the guys that will be benefitting from the brand. A ladies collection is soon going to be launched under Republic’s label and it will be designed by Farooq’s wife Sana Farooq. “My wife has already started with a women’s wear line but obviously it will take some time to build up on that.” Adding to that thought, he says, “Our women’s line is not going to be out with a bang, we’re taking it slow. Sana will be focusing on taking on bridal-wear as well.” On whether he will ever delve into designing for the ladies, he says, “I do believe women’s wear has a large market in terms of business but I’m too much in love with doing men’s wear.” He adds, “I’d let my wife handle the women’s wear as she’ll do a much better job than I ever could.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th,  2015.

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