Beauty talk

beauty

From time to time in our ‘beauty talk’ section we feature different
designers who share their experiences, achievements and beauty secrets with us. This month You! talks to Nimrah Khokar...

Nimrah Khokar is an upcoming Lahore-based designer who started her career almost three years ago and her innovative designs are surely creating a stir among fashion conscious women. Nimrah takes orders online and currently she is stocking her creations at Labels in Lahore. However, she plans to place her line in a multibrand store in Karachi in the near future.

According to Nimrah, “Retail market was an unchartered territory in my school days, the tailors were ruling the roost and not many people would venture into ready to wear apparel. I would often get clothes stitched by my tailor the exact way shown on TV. My friends and family would always admire my designs and started giving orders.”

Nimrah Khokar

Here’s a tete a tete with Nimrah...

You! How did you venture into designing?

Nimrah Khokar: I started off initially at a very small scale when some orders were sent abroad to family living in the UK. This is how the business started to flourish. After completing my business and finance degree I joined Origins (a retail prêt brand) as head of marketing. They would always take my input for their collections and when they introduced the girl’s prêt line I jumped at the offer and designed the debut line. It was then that I realized that if my designs are faring well commercially then why not start my own thing.

You! Tell us about your latest collection?

N.K: My latest collection is based on a formal line inspired by the tales of Greek goddess of flowers. I wanted to come up with a wearable line unlike of what you see on the runway which many will not dare to wear and is mostly overdramatic.

You! What are the latest summer trends?

N.K: Digital prints are a rage these days and the latest summer trends are all about the mix of digital prints with embellishments. 

You! Advice on how to dress?

N.K: It is very important for one to wear clothes according to their age, shape and size. Girls can pull off slightly bold pieces easily but very few women can manage to make something bright and funky work for them. Hence, one should get dressed to suit the body image.

You! What is your design philosophy?

N.K: My collection is usually based on extensively researched nature and its characteristics. I sketch each and every design on butter paper before handing it over to my kaarigars. I mostly use diverse materials including resham, kora, dabka, stones, Swarovski, kundan, sequins and naqshi. I have also tried to revive the almost extinct naqshi work by giving it a new twist. I have imported fabric from China to give an upscale feel to the ensembles and the price range is mostly dependent on the work done on each outfit.

You! Who are your favourite designers?

N.K: I am impressed by Élan, Zarah Shahjahan, Shehla Chatoor, Ali Xeeshan and Natasha Kamal. Even though I don’t want to take my line into retail, I admire the business model of Sana Safinaz. They have tried to capture the market by offering something for everyone.

You! What challenges do you face as a designer?

N.K: I get most of the orders on social media pages FB and instagram and clients from overseas. And there are many people who have issues ordering online as they want to touch and have the feel of the fabric before placing the order. I guess that is the biggest challenge.

You! Are you planning to spread your wings by opening a studio or a store?

N.K: I intend to open a studio by the end of this year which will definitely give a boost to an aspiring designer like me who is keen to make her presence felt in the market.

You! What is your biggest strength?

N.K: People can make beautiful clothes but not everyone has business acumen, which is my strength.

 

Beauty corner

You! What is one cosmetic you cannot do without?      

N.K: I can’t live without mascara. I use scandal eyes by Rimmel.

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

N.K: I have different brand preference for each product. For example; for foundation I usually prefer Mac or Bobbi Brown, for blusher I use Estee Lauder. For lipsticks I don’t stick to one brand. I look for a nice colour and that could be of any brand.

You! Do you go to salon regularly for your facials?

N.K: I have an extremely sensitive skin so I usually avoid getting facials done. I just get cleansing done once a month or sometimes after 15 days.

You! Your preferred spa or salon?

N.K: I like Arammish.

You! Your favourite perfumes?

N.K: Gucci Guilty and Lady Million by Paco Rabanne.

You! Your beauty regimen:

N.K: I make sure that I remove my makeup before I go to sleep. I use a mild fragrance free moisturizer after removing my makeup.

You! Do you use anti-ageing creams?

N.K: I don’t think I need them right now but I believe that everyone should use anti-ageing creams after a specific age

You! Do you believe in treatments like Botox?

N.K: I don’t see any harm in Botox. If someone wants to get them I would say why not. Everyone wants to look pretty and if someone thinks they can look nice by getting it done then they should go for it.