Beauty Talk

beauty

Honey Waqar, a Lahore-based designer, is known for her formal and bridal wear - laced with intricate embroideries and rich embellishments. Since its inception, the design philosophy of Honey Waqar delves into the craftsmanship of traditional handwork created with delicate precision, whilst maintaining a modern twist to its timeless collections. According to Waqar, she has always been interested in designing clothes, “I always had a feel for fashion even at a very young age. Growing up I pursued my dream. I took courses related to fashion and modelling. I graduated as a fashion marketing student and was immediately hired by a perfume manufacturing company. I used to design their packaging and run fashion shows. Eventually I tracked my pathway into fashion designing.” Since 2004 Honey Waqar has participated in some of the prestigious fashion shows of Pakistan and abroad as well including BCW (Lahore), Bridal Asia (India), London Fashion Week, Amsterdam Fashion Show and Rome Fashion Show (Italy). In March 2017, Honey Waqar launched her luxury lawn collection. This week this talented designer talks to You! about her work, her fascination with lawn and her beauty secrets...

You! What type of clothes you design for women?

Honey Waqar: Our determined quest is to create something extraordinary that presents grace and beauty of a woman’s apparel, adding glory and exquisiteness. Our creations are figure friendly and perfect choice for stylish women.

You! When did you first show your collection?

H.W: That was a long time ago. I showcased my collection in a private show.

You! What was the first outfit that you designed?

H.W: I made a couture outfit for Shaheena Shakil-ur-Rehman.

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

H.W: Our design philosophy for women is passionate sense of style in creating feminine, royal and rich couture pieces with an eye for detail. The designs spell inimitable style and versatility, richness, while depicting the fusion of ethnic elements coupled in the most contemporary way.

You! What are your favourite fabrics to work with?

H.W: I love to play with materials that are flowy and have feminine appeal like French laces, Italian brocades, tissues and organzas.

You! What is the inspiration behind your latest lawn collection?

H.W: Our inspiration is from everywhere - it can start from the dewdrop on the petal of a flower to the unlimited sky.

You! Why do you think women should wear designer lawn? ?

H.W: As couturiers we study design in detail and create what suits women. I believe women should wear designer lawn as it gives them individuality.

You! What seasonal looks and colours are you expecting this summer?

H.W: Pastels for sure and hues from the sky - sunset and sunrise. Watch out!

You! What is your signature embellishment?

H.W: Our signature is roses.

You! In your opinion what is the biggest mistake women make while dressing here?

H.W: Over confidence. Sometimes women carry dresses that don’t match their style or being over dressed for an occasion.

You! What is the one piece of clothing that you shy away from wearing and why?

H.W: Whatever that doesn’t complement my silhouette.

You! What are the difficulties faced by designers in getting their work done?

H.W: It’s not easy being a couture designer. You have to work day and night to make collections and meet deadlines.

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

H.W: It depends on the requirement of the design detail, it could be weeks or months depending on the technicality and the intricacy and the couture finishes.

You! How do you prepare for a fashion show?

H.W: We start from brain storming then we jot down ideas on mood boards, fabric boards, and colour palette which are turned into designs and surface development. Then comes sketching and draping samples on calico. And finally creating the garments with trials and stylizing it on the model or mannequin.

You! Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them?

H.W: It’s hard to choose between the both because we do both. A mix is always handy.

You! Do you think there is potential for new designers in our fashion industry? What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?

H.W: Inborn talent and training both work hand in hand but I feel what exactly makes you a successful designer is a lot of patience, hard work, consistency and ability to learn from your mistakes.

 You! What are you currently working on?

H.W: Our embroidery collection in collaboration with Z.S textiles to be launched for Eid ul Azha. I am also working on my new bridal collection for 2018.

 

BEAUTY CORNER

You! One cosmetic you cannot do without?

H.W: Moisturiser

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

H.W: No

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

H.W: Chanel and MAC 

You! Your make-up bag consists of...

H.W: A moisturiser, kohl pencil, eyebrow shaper,  blusher, lipstick and perfume

You! Do you go for regular facials?

H.W: No hardly

You! Your favourite local stylist or beautician:

H.W: Nabila

You! Your preferred spa or salon:

H.W: Nabila

You! Your favourite perfume:

H.W: Gardenia Passion by Annick Goutal

You! Do you use anti-ageing creams?

H.W: No

You! Do you believe in treatments like Botox?

H.W: No

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

H.W: Minimal

You! Where do you go for your makeup shopping?

H.W: UK or Dubai

You!  Do you use whitening creams? Are they any good?

H.W: No

You! What is beauty to you?

H.W: Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.