interview

Ghazala Bukhari has been designing clothes since six years. However, she formally launched her label in 2017. 

Her exceptional digital designs are duly blended with hand worked embroidery. She uses traditional embellishment techniques with a modern twist. Her exquisite bridal shawls are intricately hand-worked pieces made with love and care.

Ghazala earned her second master’s degree in Fine Arts with major in textile design at the age of 40 with distinction from FJWU (Fatima Jinnah Women University), Rawalpindi. She painted nature from her childhood, taught arts at the school and to the university students while managing a balance in work and family life where she is raising her four boys.

Ghazala showcased her work in various exhibitions in Islamabad and Lahore. She has also showed her collection in Pakistan Fashion Week London, at APPNA in the US and at Boulevard 1, Dubai. She has an outlet at Banigala Islamabad and she also stocks at a few places. These days she is busy working on her new winter collection. This week Ghazala talks about her flair for designing and reveals some of her beauty secrets with our readers...

You! When did you first exhibit your collection?

Ghazala Bukhari: It was in December 2017 at the Pakistan Fashion Week -London.

You! What motivated you to come into this field?

GB: As a young girl, I used to make cloths for my dolls and toys and these were considered exceptional. The appreciation of my friends and family motivated me to come into this field.

You! What is your design philosophy?

GB: To celebrate our culture, traditions, motif, colours and stories through wearable arts using textile and apparels.

You! What type of clothes you design for women?

GB: I am into traditional clothes - shawls, party wear, coats, shirts and bridal but I also make contemporary clothes for clients who want to be seen different.

You! What do you like best about designing clothes?

GB: Every day when I go to my workshop, I feel that I recreate myself. That’s an amazing thing. Every piece I design is a work of art, and I do it for myself, my friends and for my valuable clients. I share their happiness and joy and when they say, ‘Hay! You made our day’. That’s what I want to hear and like about what I do.

You! What was the first outfit that you designed?

GB: It was an amazing piece of shawl truly inspired from our rich traditions. I still love it!

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

GB: My style reflects my passion towards the traits and elements of our rich traditions.

You! What is your signature embellishment and fabric choice?

GB: I make my own digital designs on pure silk. My signature is digital designs, vintage colours, duly blended with embroidery and embellishment techniques. I use gota, resham and a number of materials duly produced in our villages across Pakistan.

You! What is the inspiration behind your latest collection?

GB: My latest collection is inspired from Rajput and Mugal miniature from South Asia. My latest collection reveals ‘queens’ and ‘princesses’. I mirrored the flora and fona, the architecture and activities of royal and ordinary people on apparels. The closeness to the nature, their moods and emotions, expression and color palettes; which continued to inspire me. Therefore my collection is grounded on the ancient art but with a flavour of modern world.

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

GB: Both! Sometimes I start painting and then get that constructed using a software in the computer. Sometimes I use computer to draw and redraw. Creativity requires painful attention. There is a cost but not enough to not to invest in it. It helps me travel back and pick up something which can be cherished today too.

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

GB: Vintage colours. Some of my work would be on dark background too. I am exploring and planning to use pure velvet this year to provide versatility.

You! In your opinion what is the biggest mistake a person can make while dressing here?

GB: Copying. We all are different and therefore we must develop our own style to make a statement which should not be fake.

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

GB: Starting form availability and continuity of quality materials; management of supply chains with due consideration to the sustainability and dignity; especially labour and environment considerations are areas tough to manage. Human management is another aspect.

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

GB: Usually two months but sometimes six months!

You! Do you think there is potential for new designers in our fashion industry?

GB: There is immense potential for competent young designers.

Beauty Corner

What is one cosmetic you cannot do without?

Nars Climax Mascara.

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

Not all the time. I usually wear very light makeup.

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

I usually use Shiseido but also Chanel and Nars.

What’s in your beauty bag?

Lip pencil and mascara.

When applying makeup, what do you dread the most?

Only the hot weather and its impact on my makeup.

Do you go to salon regularly for your facials?

No. But I take care of my skin at home too.

Your favourite local stylist or beautician:

I go to Faizas and Depilex.

Your favourite international stylist or beautician:

Javaid Habib.

Your preferred spa or salon:

Nirvana.

Signature perfume:

Burberry Weekend.

Do you use anti-aging creams?

Not at all.

Do you believe in treatments like Botox?

No, I believe in natural treatments.

Are you fond of using too much makeup or minimal amount of makeup?

Minimal makeup is the best.

Where do you go for your makeup shopping?

I try to buy when I am abroad.

What is beauty to you?

Being natural is beautiful.