Saim Ali – Pakistan Fashion industry’s dark horse!

Saim is the latest buzz in the fashion industry with his colourful bridals and intricate work. The recently held Pantene Bridal Couture Week (BCW) saw some of his amazing experimentation of bright and dark colours amalgamated into a fine blend of beautiful shades all in one bridal dress. From lehnga choli to pishwaas, shararas to sherwanis, Saim had the audience, critics and the media raving. Here’s Saim’s exclusive interview with Daily Times, where he talks about his inspiration behind designing, how similar India and Pakistani could be in terms of fashion, his favourite bridal colours and Iraj Manzoor.

Q. What was the main inspiration behind your collection at Pantene Bridal Couture Week?
A. A mix of Indo-Pak culture was my main inspiration this time; the era before the partition; and the dress worn by Neha Ahmed was inspired by the Rajasthani wedding culture of that time.

Q. What did you focus on mainly while designing your collection?
A. As I was participating in the Bridal Couture Week for the first time, a lot of people were looking forward to see my collection. Thank God that I was able to prove all the critics wrong who doubted my credibility and wanted me to pack my bags and quit.

‘Thank God, I was able to prove all those wrong who wanted me to pack my bags and quit fashion designing.’

Q. How Indian are Pakistanis while wearing bridals?
A. Pakistan and India share almost the same culture, almost the same language, occasions and festivals so the clothes that we wear are a mere reflection of each other’s similar culture.

Q. What colour should brides be wearing the most this season?
A. I think mehndi green, magenta, dark maroon and other shades of purple are the best colours for bridal wear.

Q. Which fashion designer inspires you the most?
A. Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, Rohit Bal and Tom Ford inspire me the most.

Q. Name one personality you would love to design a bridal for?
A. I would have loved to design Madhuri Dixit’s bridal, but she is already married. However, I can always design formal wear for her.

‘HSY, Rohit Bal and Tom Ford are my biggest inspirations.’

Q. What are your current and future projects?
A. I did my first solo show in Bahrain recently and received some great response.

Q. What’s fashion for you?
A. I simply live for fashion.

Q. Who do you think, amongst our contemporary models, carries designer clothes the best?
A. Iraj Manzoor is my all time favourite, however Neha Ahmed and Amna Babar are also amazing fashion models that we have.

Q. Comment a little on the current fashion scenario in Pakistan.
A. We have created a niche for ourselves in the international fashion market, which is booming tremendously.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years’ time?
A. Very much here in my country and promoting the softer image of Pakistan around the globe.

Q. Any message for our readers?
A. Please save water and energy in order to curb global warming.

Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\07\03\story_3-7-2012_pg9_16