DESIGNING HER OWN STYLE

beauty talk

Since her childhood, fashion designer Mariam Bukhari has treasured the gift of freedom and creativity. She began her career in 2012 as a young dreamer with a passion to build her own brand and produce items that radiated authenticity and timelessness. Her mother, an inspiring woman known for sewing wonderful outfits for friends and family, had a significant effect on her path into the field of design. She was forever changed by her exceptional choice in textiles and accessories.

Mariam has been on an entrepreneurial road for the past three years, building her own business, ‘Mariam Bukhari’. Aside from her professional achievements, she is a dedicated mother to two children and a supporting wife to her caring husband.

Mariam has just entered the blogging world, launching ‘manaysays,’ a platform where she freely recounts her life experiences. Her purpose is to use the wisdom she has accumulated over the years to inspire and encourage others. This week You! is in conversation with Mariam Bukhari, a promising designer who expresses herself through her clothes and shares her beauty secrets with our readers…

You! Where do you look for creative inspiration?

MB: I get inspired by the beautiful nature around us, especially the way each season brings its own colours. I also closely follow fashion trends and blend them with my own style to create magical pieces.

You! Can you tell us about your recent campaign and the inspiration behind it?

MB: I am currently working on a campaign that combines plain solid colours with intricate details, alongside luxury pret wear. This collection draws inspiration from a pastel palette adorned with delicate hand embroideries. The colour choices are inspired by the beauty of the seasons, featuring both vibrant pops of colour and soothing neutrals.

You! How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?

MB: Each piece I craft leans towards uniqueness because I strive to outdo my previous creations, without merely following the current trends. My competition is with myself as I aim to consistently produce better and sustainable designs.

You! You’re both the creative and the business head of your company. How do you balance your time between the two?

MB: Very gracefully, I would say, though it’s never easy to fill both cups but I prioritise on when I need to act as a creative head and when as the CEO.

You! How would you define fashion?

MB: Fashion, for me, is like telling a story through what you wear, how you act, and what you believe. It’s not just about dressing up but also about how you behave in social situations. Fashion should be all about YOU, and that’s what makes it such a broad and special concept.

You! What is your design philosophy?

MB: Two words: elegance and simplicity.

You! What type of women do you cater to?

MB: I think I design for women who want to leave a strong impression when they enter a room full of people. Women are amazing at everything they do, and I am there to make sure that they feel special when they slip into a Mariam Bukhari design.

You! What was the first outfit that you designed?

MB: I’ll always remember the very first piece I designed and how I felt when, after three months of hard work, I made my first sale. It was a big success! It was a black chiffon Kalidar with hand-embroidered motifs on the side with an amazing fall. I’ve been thinking about relaunching it because I have so much love for that design, and it holds a very special place in my heart.

You! Where did the idea for designing come from? And what makes your designs standout?

MB: I always design what I would personally wear, and the idea was to create something timeless and the personal connection I infuse into every piece is what makes it special and unique. I believe I’ve managed to achieve that goal.

You! What is your signature embellishment and fabric choice?

MB: I enjoy working with single tones and prefer simplicity over too much going on at once. So, I would say my go-to fabric choice is raw silk, and my signature embellishment has to be zardozi.

You! What looks and colours are you expecting for the upcoming season?

MB: Lots and lots of warm and joyful tones are expected to pop up. Colours like citric mustard, tones of red, calms of blues and lots of neutrals which do not need a season and are timeless, really.

You! How would you define your own sense of style?

MB: Elegant and graceful with hints of gold in jewels or embellishments, just as it would reflect in the pieces that I create.

You! A key fashion lesson you learned?

MB: Keep it simple and basic.

You! How long does it usually take for you to design an outfit?

MB: It takes only a moment to know exactly what and how I want a certain outfit to look and feel. On the other hand, execution can take from a week to months, depending on if we are working on basic designs or bridals.

You! What advice would you give to young designers?

MB: Be consistent, be authentic and don’t give up on the worst of your days and you shall conquer.

You! What kinds of future plans do you foresee for your brand?

MB: We have big plans for our brand - one of which is to represent as a fashion brand internationally.

BEAUTY CORNER

How old you were when you started wearing makeup?

Putting on makeup was not something my parents encouraged and I will agree to that, now that I am a parent myself. My father always said “you look beautiful as it is” and I kind of miss that statement coming from him. I started wearing makeup maybe when I was in college but only kajal and gloss as the black kohl eyes used to be a thing back then.

What is one cosmetic you cannot do without?

Mascara is a must-have for me. Once you apply it, it gives a voluminous feel, especially because I already have naturally long lashes.

When stepping out, do you wear makeup all the time?

No, I am okay in stepping out with just a layer of sunscreen.

When it comes to cosmetics, which brand do you usually use?

My vanity is a mix of everything. But I love M.A.C for lips and Nabila’s Zero makeup palette for everyday use.

What’s in your beauty bag?

Lots of lip colours, concealer, a foundation, highlighters, eye pencils, blush, tint and my mascara.

Your go-to lipstick:

My recent purchase from Sapphire has become my favourite. I love their quality and texture.

Your favourite local stylist or beautician:

It has got to be Nabila. Love what she does.

Signature perfume:

Mademoiselle by Chanel.

Your favourite beauty hack:

Black eye pencil for everything. I can do so much, from smudging to putting a liner to just using it under the eyes.

Are you fond of using too much makeup or you prefer a good skin with minimal amount of makeup?

I am a fan of the no-makeup look, but from time to time, I do like to wear a vibrant lip colour with smokey eyes.

Where do you go for your makeup shopping?

I generally get it sourced from friends and family visiting, or try new brands locally.