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 Areeba Naeem...
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 Areeba Naeem...
Let’s admit it, in this day and age everything is about aesthetics. And with so many brands in the market, it is obviously difficult for designers to be innovative yet modern and aesthetically correct. One such upcoming Lahore-based designer and co-owner of brand ‘Zarqash’ is Areeba Naeem who creates designs inspired by traditional, regional and global prints while keeping the comfort factor in mind. This week this talented designer shares her experiences and beauty secrets with our readers...
You! What is your design philosophy?
Areeba Naeem: To create a design that can be worn with comfort - this is my design philosophy and the ethos of my brand.
You! What do you keep in mind while designing?
A.N: For me a design should be such which tickles the fancy of young and mature women alike; in addition to being a stunning display of striking patterns and luxurious fabric. I staunchly believe in the power of simplicity, and abide by the principle of less is more. The beauty of design is best shown, when the final piece is not overly done. For example an outfit with excessively bold colours and prints do not look aesthetically appealing. In order to avoid fashion faux pas of any sort, the focus should be to enhance the beauty rather than adding unnecessary details to the design. I love using solid colours and like concentrating more on the silhouettes with an edge.
You! What does the brand name mean?
A.N: ‘Zarqash’ is an Arabic word which means adornment, it is a derivative of Zari which means brocade, an embellished fabric.
You! What are the latest trends in summers?
A.N: The shirts are shorter this season, and the pants have more flair to them. The bell-bottom and culottes are making a huge come-back. And not to forget the tulip shalwar and the peplum tops! Gone are the longer silhouettes and the focus is more on the ‘70s edgy style with subtle cool hues.
You! What’s your take on designer wear?
A.N: Personally speaking I am not big on designer labels as I feel it is the woman who makes a brand and not the brand that makes a woman. I like innovation, creativity and improvisation in art, apparel and design. To this regard, any woman can look like a million bucks provided she adds her own individual streak to the apparel that she adorns. Otherwise there is no dearth of fashion clones in town.
You! Tell us a bit about the fabric and the designs?
A.N: We use premium quality fabric; which comprises the finest lawn made with 100 per cent pure silk and chiffon dupattas. The fabric is comfortable and breathable, which is perfect for long hot summer days! The collection consists of embroidered and embellished trousers and all the designs are digitally printed.
You! With the plethora of lawn variety available in the market what do you think makes your brand an option worth buying?
A.N: Despite the large variety of lawn available, the brand has created a niche for itself and has established itself as a thriving lawn brand in the country and abroad. For me, customer and brand loyalty is the most important aspect, hence the quality of the designs and consumer satisfaction are two things that cannot be compromised on. What sets Zarqash as an option worth buying is the fact that it is affordable as opposed to the average lawn price in the market. Also, the brand is not a rip off and provides good clothes at a cost effective rate, and each design has a distinct identity like no other lawn in the market.
You! Tell us about your upcoming plans?
A.N: I am currently working on the upcoming festive collection which is going to be worth the wait. Our flagship stores are also set to launch by 2017.
BEAUTY CORNER
You! What is one cosmetic you cannot
do without?
A.N: A good moisturizer goes a long way in
the beauty regime!
You! When stepping out, do you wear make up all the time?
A.N: No, depends on where I am going, on casual summer days I like to keep it simple and fresh
You! When it comes to cosmetics, which
brand do you usually use?
A.N: Dior
You! Do you go to the salon regularly
for your facials?
A.N: I believe in maintaining a healthy lifestyle which revolves around good skin care and lesser use of chemicals. I do like to splurge every now and then and treat myself to a good spa treatment
You! Your favourite stylist...
A.N: Ali Tehseen
You! Your preferred spa or salon...
A.N: Arammish, Lahore
You! Your favourite perfume...
A.N: I love perfumes, and my current favourite is Velvet Desert Oud By Dolce & Gabbana
You! Your beauty regimen...
A.N: I feel that no amount of makeup can make you look pretty if your skin isn’t healthy. A good night’s rest and a healthy diet go a long way! I also swear by one of my skin secrets, which is coconut oil as a night moisturizer!
You! Do you anti-ageing creams?
A.N: No, I believe in the power of ageing gracefully and am a devout follower of being happy and contented in your own skin.
