ecently, two significant names from Pakistan’s fashion industry were honored at the WOW Awards, Asia’s largest business recognition platform, which has now expanded to the Middle East. The honorees were Pakistanis, Frieha Altaf and Faraz Manan. They couldn’t have selected better recipients. Let’s begin with Frieha Altaf.

Having spent over 38 years in the fashion industry, she has diversified her portfolio like no one else. She has been a model, coordinated shoots, organized fashion shows, and played an instrumental role in establishing the Lux Style Awards.

She has conducted shoots both domestically and internationally, including shows in Malaysia, Dubai, and London. Altaf has used her extensive fashion knowledge to further the cause of the industry and has taken on several roles, including choreographing numerous fas-hion shows. She also played a significant part in the renowned fashion event, Carnival De Couture, before the advent of fashion weeks. When fashion weeks emerged, she contributed to their growth as well.

As the CEO of Catwalk Events, PR, and Productions, she has empowered young pro-fessionals. She has also acted in classic dramas serials such as Rozi and Kohar, and returned to acting with guest appearances in films such as Lahore Se Aagey, Wajood, Baaji and Parey Hut Love. In the digital age, she continues to host her own podcast.

A media mogul, an industry insider, and a business expert, Frieha Altaf has expanded her portfolio to include marketing, entertainment events, and wedding planning. It’s no surprise that the prestigious WOW Awards, Asia’s largest business recognition platform for experiential marketing, exhi-bitions, entertainment, events, and the wedding industry, honored her as they made their debut in the Middle East.

According to the WOW Awards, Frieha Altaf was presented with the prestigious Pakistani Industry Icon Award for her incredible contributions to the industry over the past four decades. As a press release noted, “Catwalk Event Management & Productions, Pakistan’s premier event management company, proudly supports the nation’s involvement in global platforms. With a legacy of over 38 years, Catwalk remains a leader in event management, PR, and wedding planning services, continuing to elevate Pakistan’s profile on the global stage.”

In a post-event conversation with Instep, Frieha Altaf reflected on what the award meant to her. She noted, “It is a personal achievement as well as a testament to my country’s creative potential. As a four-decade veteran in the fashion and entertainment industries and two decades in the wedding planning (and executing) industry, I’ve strived to break boundaries and push the limits. With 80 awards and 10 international recognitions, I’ve demonstrated that our nation’s talent deserves global attention. I’m humbled to be a champion of innovation, paving the way for future innovators and solidifying our country’s position as a hub for excellence.”

The second individual honored by the WOW Awards was designer Faraz Manan, based in Dubai. A spectacular designer, Faraz Manan is known for his unique sensibility, mastery, and aesthetic. Manan was awarded for his Outstanding Contribution to the Fashion Industry, being the top choice of Bollywood stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt.

Though Faraz Manan arrived late due to being in Paris, his award was picked up by Sadiq Saleem. However, Manan did attend the event. Representing Pakistan as presenters were illustrious artists Faisal Kapadia and Aamina Shaikh. Pakistani actors and models Kiran Malik and Tooba Siddiqui also graced the occasion, alongside journalist Sadiq Saleem.

But why was Faraz Manan late? There was a compelling reason behind it. The designer was selected by Business of Fashion (BoF) as one of its top 500 designers of the year. BoF is not just a list—it highlights the most exciting names in fashion, the game-changers.

Faraz Manan, who made the 2024 list, was described as the Pakistani designer whose work “resonates with celebrities across the South Asia region and with clients from the global diaspora.”

The Business of Fashion website further expanded on his profile, noting, “Faraz Manan is the founder and creative director of his namesake luxury fashion brand, known for its opulent designs blending traditional craftsmanship with timeless silhouettes. Manan is one of the leading figures in Pakistan’s fashion industry and a go-to designer for couture bridal and formal wear in the wider South Asia region.

His work has attracted the attention of Bollywood celebrities, making him a popular choice among them and fostering cultural exchange between Pakistan and India. In 2015, he became one of the first South Asian designers to open a boutique in Dubai, catering to both diasporic and local clients in the Middle East. By 2024, his brand had amassed over a million followers on Instagram.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Manan grew up between Lahore and London, surrounded by the rich textile and design traditions of the subcontinent, which, along with a blend of cultural influences, shaped his distinctive aesthetic. Although, he initially pursued a degree in business, his passion for design took over, leading him to launch his brand in 2003. Manan quickly rose to prominence with a signature style combining intricate embe-llishments, lavish fabrics, and a contemporary sensibility.” We couldn’t have said it better. Congratulations to the honorees. Here’s to many more!