International Women’s Day this year centers around championing women’s achievements and creating a more gender inclusive world. Though celebrating and empowering women shouldn’t be restricted to just a particular day, having a special day to spread awareness is amazing in its own right.

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we caught up with some of our favorite people in the fashion and beauty industry and asked them about the most empowered women they have worked with in their respective careers. Moreover, we asked them to share their favorite portrait of a woman who in as well. Read on to find out what they have to say…

Tapu Javeri

Photographer

Renowned photographer Tapu Javeri needs no introduction. His work speaks volumes about his craft and there simply isn’t another Tapu. He believes the most empowered woman he has worked with during his long career is Madam Noor Jehan. Also known as Malika-e-Tarannum Noor Jehan, her career spanned more than six decades. “Madam Noor Jehan - in the ‘70s, in a man’s world she ruled the Pakistan entertainment industry,” says Tapu Javeri.

Sana Anver

Stylist

Celebrity stylist and image creator Sana Anver, who started off her career more than seven years ago, has styled some of our favourite celebrities such as Mansha Pasha, Sonya Hussyn, Saba Qamar and Ayesha Omar. “I have been very fortunate to have worked with highly successful females within the fashion industry, from my celebrity clientele to the creative heads of the brands I’ve worked with, it’s been about women inspiring women and collaborating our success in order to multiply it. I feel all my clients and the designers who are women are all empowering in their own way.” She further went on to say that Yasmeen Ghauri, a Pakistani-German supermodel from Quebec has been a true inspiration for her. “Yasmeen is the first South Asian woman to land a luxury beauty contract, become a Victoria’s Secret Angel, and appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. And being a Pakistani from Quebec myself it’s always quite fascinating hearing about her journey,” adds Sana.

Jaffer Hasan

Photographer

Jaffer Hasan is one of those fashion photographers who always manage to capture a celebrity or behind-the-scenes moments like no other. Talking about his favourite portrait of a woman, Jaffer shares this image of model Nimra Jacob and says, “A smile on a shoot; relaxed.” He furthers, “This was during a shoot last September near Hyderabad, after halfway into the shoot, we took a breather and this moment simply shone for me, and I happened to click it.”

Mehek Saeed

Stylist

Celebrity stylist Mehek Saeed has styled the likes of Syra Shahroz, Sajal Aly and Ayesha Omar to name just a few. When asked about who her inspiration is, she reveals, “That has to be Grace Ghanem. She is an accidental fashion influencer who started her career much later than most. For far too long, growing older has often come with a societal cloak of invisibility and fashion is one of the guilty culprits.” Mehek continues, “She represents a change of tide and portrays representation, empowerment and self confidence. I find that inspiring because I believe fashion has the power to give one the confidence that Grace puts herself out there with.”

Haiya Bokhari

Stylist

As far as celebrity stylist and model Haiya Bokhari is concerned, she shares, “I regularly draw inspiration from traditional South Asian women from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.” She also explains that when developing a look for an artist she tries incorporating expressions of beauty and style. “Moreover, I try to turn to archival images of women in not only royal and dynastic regalia but also from rural women who had a simpler idea of beauty and style.”

Saman Nomani

Hairstylist and makeup artist

We got in touch with hairstylist and makeup artist Saman Nomani of Saman’s Salon who spoke about her inspiration. “The person who has inspired me, guided me and directed me at every step of the way is definitely my mother, Nazish Nomani. I would not be where I am today had she not picked up on my potential as a stylist/ makeup artist when I was very young and had no idea of what I wanted to do in life,” shares Saman. “She realized where my interest lies and honed my skills by sending me abroad to one of the best beauty academies where I flourished and blossomed. Eventually, after 12 years in the business, she was the one who advised me to start my own salon and a decade later here I am today successfully leading my hair and makeup studio! Couldn’t have done it without her support and motivation.”

Nadir Toosy

Photographer

Fashion photographer Nadir Toosy shares that his favorite portrait of a woman is this image of fashion doyenne, Maheen Khan, who is famed for her timeless elegance. And there is no denying that she is a style icon in the truest sense. Nadir says, “always gracious and encouraging, her objective is perfection of one’s craft and skill set, the rest will follow!”

Bina Khan

Makeup artist

Renowned makeup artist and teacher, Bina Khan has been in the field of beauty for more than 25 years. The beauty expert who launched her own makeup line, Just B last year shares that the most empowered woman she has worked with is Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. “She is someone, who like me, is focused on her growth, her learning and her path. She’s a force to be reckoned with and trust me, when you have her in your team, you won’t lose. She’s a team player and loyal to the end, taking everyone along on her stratospheric journey,” she reveals.

As for her favourite portrait of a woman, she says, “This picture of Imaan is something I had in my head and I needed to create it in the flesh.” Bina continues, “I wanted to create a mood, of someone who is by a pool in the Mediterranean sun, gleaming sunscreen, gorgeous wrap, pop of neon red on the lip. It was a vibe, a situation and I think we brought it to life. And this was during the height of the first lockdown, so we were simply enjoying the slower pace and enjoying creating, without any idea of what was to come.”