T-Diaries: Alisha Hashmi

A glimpse into the world of Pakistani powerhouses

What sparked your interest in fashion designing?

I loved playing dress-up, even at a very young age. My grandmother was my style icon and she probably contributed to that. Although I am trained in interior designing, fashion and style have always been close to my heart and I have seen my mother work in the industry for over a decade.

What is the most important thing you keep in mind before designing for a client?

Their personality and the way they carry themselves is very important. The client has to be comfortable in the clothes that they wear.

What is the hardest part about working in the industry?

You have to constantly evolve because within a week of taking out a new design, its replica becomes available everywhere at a quarter of the price. I think that puts a lot of pressure on designers.

How would you encourage women to become successful entrepreneurs?

I think building their confidence is key to doing anything productive.

Is there added pressure on you to deliver the best considering you are the daughter of the designer Mina Hasan?

On the contrary, I think it’s fantastic having her around! She’s always there to correct the proportions, colours and cuts of everything that is created at our design house and I learn from her every day.

Trends and styles are constantly changing and people want to have the latest. How do you manage to keep your clientele satisfied?

We try not to follow trends so much. The focus is on creating wearable and classic clothes that our clients can enjoy for many years to come.

How do you transform your inspiration into reality?

We do about five to six sketches before any design goes onto the next stage. The sketch is then sampled in at least three colours before the design looks like what we imagined it to be. Anyone in the creative business will tell you that trying to transform what’s in your mind into something tangible is the most difficult thing.

What is the material you think could be in for all seasons?

Silk! You can use it in its raw form, in satins or in its thinnest ‘paper’ form.

Any advice to young women aspiring to become fashion designers?

Keep it real and don’t let the business of fashion kill your true style.

Alisha Hashmi

Fashion designer

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, June 14^th, 2015.