beautytalk

Known for her quirky style, Nadia Mistry has been designing clothes since 1997. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in fashion design from the prestigious LISAA institute in Paris, Nadya Mistry is an established name in the fashion industry. “I designed my label when I was still in fashion school in Paris but launched ‘Nadya Mistry Paris/Karachi’ in ’97; the label ‘Future Nadya Mistry’ in 2000 when I opened my boutique; and ‘Mistry Man’ in the mid 2000s,” says Mistry.

Today, her name has become synonymous with outlandish creativity, with much of her work bringing her international acclaim in style capitals around the world including: London, Paris and Moscow. Mistry’s work is diverse, from western tops and dresses to eastern kurtas and bridal wear, she’s done it all. She uses different kinds of fabrics from chiffon and georgette, to cotton and lawn. Catering to a market buzzing with young shoppers, her designs mostly consist of colourful, floral prints but she is also recognised for her embroidered bridal wear. Mistry keeps it diverse, trendy, chicly, stylish and up-to-the-minute. In an exclusive interview with You! Mistry talks about her work and shares some of her beauty secrets with our readers…

You! What motivated you to come into this field?

Nadia Mistry: I was always into art; sketching, painting, delving into sculpture and music. Growing up, my parents saw my inclination towards fashion and encouraged and supported my choice to study it. I’m extremely blessed to have ended up in the hub of fashion, Paris. There, I studied fashion design and acquired my initial training at Cerruti 1881. I then went to New York to complete another internship at Mary McFadden, after which I launched my eponymous label, Nadya Mistry.

You! What or who has been your inspiration?

NM: I get inspired by elements and events in my life; a movie, a mood, an incident. It could be anything really, but I feel what invigorates me is my reaction to those things and situations.

You! What is your design philosophy?

NM: Learn - Evolve - Create. Repeat!

You! Do you have an outlet?

NM: I work online and from my home-studio. Anyone can buy or order from my social media pages -Facebook: mistrynadya, Instagram: NadyaMistryOfficial. I also take bridal and trousseau orders from my studio.

You! What are some of your most remarkable international shows?

NM: Les Mughals’, L.I.S.A.A. Printemps, Paris, (1995); Valentine’s Show, (Dhaka, 2002); Export Promotion Bureau s Trade Fair, (Moscow 2003 ); Fashion and Textile trade show: Motexha (Dubai 2007); Mauritius Fashion Week (2011); Participated in “Preview in DAEGU 2013", an International Textile Fair, Daegu, Korea (2013) and DB Bridal Expo 2017, Houston, Texas, (2017).

You! What are some of your conspicuous local shows?

NM: ‘Future par Nadya Mistry Label Launch Show’, (Karachi, 1998); ‘Andaz Apna Apna’, (Karachi, 2000); ‘Psychedelic Show’, (Lahore, 2001); ‘Bridal Waves’,( Karachi, 2005); ‘The Mubarak Show’ (Lahore, 2007); Karachi Fashion Week (2010- 2013).

You! What are your kind of designs?

NM: I like a blend of old and new. I love ghararas. But I also love a haute couture gown or a fun tee shirt. My pieces have a lot of personality. A new-age contemporary look interests me as much as an heirloom gotta piece edged with antique kiran. I love playing with colours, prints, with innovative and traditional embellishments, with form and fabric. I am curious and I think that helps my work evolve!

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

NM: Why not?! A real designer piece speaks for itself; the attention to detail, the fabric, the fit, finish and overall quality sets designer-wear apart.

You! What do you like best about designing clothes?

NM: I love being an artist. I love imagining and creating. Fabric is my canvas and I feel blessed to be able to add art and beauty in people’s lives.

You! What was the first outfit that you designed?

NM: Since I started out as a teenager, I really can’t recall. But clearly, it was for me - an eastern outfit with lots of kalis that I made from my beloved, late mami’s wedding saree. Imagine she trusted a teenager with her treasure.

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

NM: I think my style is a reflection of my personality. I like simple, classic cuts. I am a black & white, complication-free person, hence I wear a lot of black and its combinations. I also love bursts of colour here and there, on and off. That’s got to do with the colourful and sometimes dramatic side of my nature. (laughs).

You! What is your signature fabric/embellishment you never get bored of?

NM: I love velvets and jamawars! I like stunning, over-the-top, statement embroidery! Love love love sequins and all that is shiny and fun.

You! What is the inspiration behind your latest collection?

NM: I am thinking of a pretty floral, flirty, ‘mid-summer night’s dream’ type collection with contemporary embellishments for next summer.

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

NM: I enjoy the entire process from dreaming of a design to sketching, visualising, creating, embellishing and manufacturing it. It’s always wonderful to see the outfits materialise!

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

NM: I love winters. White looks awesome in winter. My favourite winter palette is a melange of deep jewel tones like emerald, navy, and magenta. Bright and acid colours look wonderful in the winter sun.

You! What is the biggest mistake Pakistani women make when dressing up?

NM: I think generally it’s the fact that they want to copy and look like each other!

You! What is that one style / trend you cannot stand?

NM: The boring kurta! Almost everyone wears one everywhere. It’s the same look in a variety of fabrics.

You! What are you currently working on?

NM: I am working on a capsule collection for Spring/Summer ’22.

You! Your biggest accomplishment so far:

NM: Staying driven!

You! How do you manage to strike a balance between family and work?

NM: I love spending time at home and hanging out with my parents and brother. I don’t really have a 9-5 routine. Sometimes, it’s a few hours a day and other times it can be 24/7, depending on deadlines. So, it’s not a difficult balance. I just came back from a wonderful holiday with my parents!

Beauty Corner

You! What is the one cosmetic you cannot do without?

Two actually; red lipstick and blush on.

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

No I don’t. I have sensitive skin and I’m lazy (lol), so I wear as little make up as possible.

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

Chanel, M.A.C. and

Clinique.

You! What’s in your beauty bag?

Do people carry beauty bags? I just carry a lipstick and a small bottle of perfume in my purse.

You! Your go-to lipstick:

M.A.C.’s Ruby woo.

You! When applying makeup, what do you dread the most?

Thinking of removing it all later!

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

No, I don’t. But I promise, I will be more regular from now on.

You! Your favourite local stylist or beautician:

I’m not a regular salon goer. But I like to go to different stylists for my hair- whoever has something interesting to offer I guess.

You! Your favourite  international stylist or beautician:

I’ve seen this Lebanese hair stylist’s work on social media. Would love to check him out.

You! Your preferred spa or salon:

For regular services like a spa mani pedi etc. I like ‘Blush’ a lot.

You! Your go-to place for hair and makeup:

My dressing table!

You! Signature perfume:

Chanel N° 5.

You! Your beauty regimen?

I wash, tone and wear a sun block. But I like to occasionally scrub my face with baking soda or chick-pea flour and turmeric.

You! Do you believe in treatments like Botox?

I’m really conflicted about that. I’m a fan of the natural look, but in some cases I think a Botox or a skin improvement treatment can be quite effective. But I hear these don’t last too long and may come with notable side effects. Having said that, I think you only live once, and considering the unpredictability of life these days, no harm living with a beautiful face.

You! Do you prefer liberal use of make up or minimal?

I like both. To each his own. Some people think I use too much blush. I loved Madam Noor Jehan’s signature look.

You! Where do you go for your make-up shopping?

I buy my make up from abroad.

You! What is beauty to you?

To me, interesting is beautiful.