The vivacious Vinny

Former supermodel on latest collection, possible acting comeback and motherhood

KARACHI:

Having reigned over the fashion industry for over a decade, Vaneeza Ahmad-Ali, colloquially known as Vinny, has emerged as a model of vitality for Pakistani women. Where she once worked her magic on the runway, she has been earning spurs as a designer with her eponymous brand. Between being an entrepreneur, a wife and a mother of two, Vaneeza talks to The Express Tribune about how she strikes a balance between the multiple roles she has taken up.

Referring to herself as a ‘multi-tasker’, Vaneeza revealed she was taking care of her eight-week-old daughter and sketching her designs as she spoke to us. “I just multitask. I’m telling you it’s not easy. I think running my own company was much easier than this [motherhood],” she said. “Hats off to all the women who do this … Being a mother is not a full-time job, it’s a lifetime job. Your children become your life,” added Vaneeza, who tied the knot in 2010.

On the designing front, Vaneeza shared she is currently busy working on her eighth collection for the season. “The collection makes use of chiffon and should be out in the stores by June 2 or 3. I’m also planning a small exhibition for my Lahore clientele and for now, I’m uncertain when I can do the same for people in Karachi.” She stated that as compared to the price range of her previous collections, the chiffon line will be slightly pricier, as it features digital-printed dupattas and embroidered necklines.



The former supermodel, who has featured in a few television serials, has remained away from the screen for a while now. On whether she has plans to revive her career in acting, she shared, “I’m reading three scripts but I’m telling everyone that summer is not a good time for me to do a film or a TV play. I’ll possibly explore the options in October.” She further said, “I’ve gotten an offer to star in a reality TV show, which I’m considering. Hopefully, you will see me on the screen by year-end.”

Sharing how her second-born, Sofia, was named, she interestingly shared, “My three-year-old daughter, Inaya, used to play with her imaginary friends and named one of them Sofia, telling me later ‘Sofia aa rahi hai’. So, we named her Sofia Noor.”

As svelte as Vinny has remained over the years, one would assume she has been following a strict health regimen, but she disclosed, “I was always the one who’d never exercise … But now with two children, I think I need to remain fit. My children have made me health-conscious to the extent that I have planned to start working out. You can’t take your health for granted for too long, you need to be healthy for them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th,  2015.

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