If you open the Webster-Merriam dictionary against the word theatricality you’ll find Ali Xeeshan’s name in honorable mentions as a synonym.
In 2017, Ali Xeeshan hopes to explore the field of theatre and acting.
The maverick designer talks to Instep about what 2017 has in store for his brand.
If you open the Webster-Merriam dictionary against the word theatricality you’ll find Ali Xeeshan’s name in honorable mentions as a synonym. We joke! Though in all honestly, drama and Xeeshan go hand in hand. Anyone even slightly familiar with the Lahore-based designer’s work will agree that his dramatic flair is his unique selling point and makes his creations instantly recognizable.
However, theatricality isn’t just limited to Xeeshan’s designs. It forms an integral part of his fashion presentations, his elaborate films screened before his show at fashion week and even his personal dressing. In another life perhaps, Xeeshan could’ve easily carved out a career for himself on screen. Turns out that the intrepid designer seems to have had a similar epiphany and revealed through a tweet, at the beginning of the year, his plans of taking acting lessons and exploring the industry. Needless to say, we were excited and intrigued.
In an intimate conversation, Xeeshan reveals his plans for theatre and acting as well as what 2017 has in store for his brand.
Ali Xeeshan, seen here with newly weds Farhan Saeed and Urwa Hocane.
“Look, anyone who knows me knows that I’ve always had an affinity for theatre. In school and university I participated in dramatics and even my brand name (Ali Xeeshan Theatre Studio) is an homage to my love for this particular medium of expression. I knew it was only a matter of time before I explored the option of realizing my love for theatre and acting and this seems to be the year that I can get into it.
I want to start properly, with acting lessons and then explore what I can do in the field. It’s just an idea in my head yet, I don’t have any concrete plans or offers but just a burning desire to engage with the industry. I’ve designed before for a TV series that seemed to fit right into my design ethos but I want to build a relationship that isn’t just limited to fashion,” he explains.
A prolific designer who usually showcases twice a year and has an extremely busy wedding season, how does he intend on balancing what will surely be a time-consuming commitment with his brand’s demands? “See I’m not just going to up and leave the brand to pursue acting. I will obviously leave proper infrastructure behind. If that means hiring more designers under the umbrella then so be it but the brand is my first and foremost priority and I’d never leave it in a lurch. That said, acting is a dream I’ve harbored for long and I shouldn’t have to give up on it as long as my commitments to the brand aren’t affected.
We’ve managed to come into our own as a designer label and our signature style is well-recognized. Of course we’re always working to keep our ethos updated and contemporary but I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize the brand. It shouldn’t be an issue if I want to pursue other dreams I have as long as my work as a designer isn’t getting affected. Plus, look at it this way, these collaborations really tend to open the doors for others. So if anything, it might be nice to be credited for paving the way for others instead of being critiqued for showing that the sky is the limit once you put your mind to it,” Xeeshan answers succinctly.
Ali Zafar’s Rockstar Romeo look on Coke Studio 8 was designed by Ali Xeeshan.
Talking about his plans for the year, Xeeshan divulges that he wants to branch out into luxury pret. “We realized that the one genre of fashion we’ve ignored is luxury pret. Off the rack pieces that are more accessible in terms of pricing than our formals and bridal wear will help to bridge the gap that I think is currently present in our brand. My collaboration with Warda is also still on-going so you’ll see Warda x Ali Xeeshan lawn again this summer and we’re hoping for a response as great as the one we experienced with our premier collection.”
Xeeshan also has plans of expanding overseas but those are more hush-hush for now. In any case, Xeeshan’s yearly calendar seems to be chock-full with new ventures that we wish him the best for.
