Embrace the Ethereal| Mahnoor Dochki’s ‘Seraphic’ Collection Redefines Bridal Perfection for the Contemporary Bride
Under the soft haze of light, Mahnoor Dochki's creations come alive—each piece a rebellion against the expected, a whisper of modern elegance woven with threads of audacity. With her latest ‘Seraphic’ collection taking center stage on our September Fashion Issue cover, the message is clear: bridal wear is no longer confined by convention. In this stunning shoot, Nimra Jacob and Jaweria Ali embody Mahnoor’s vision of the modern bride—confident, unapologetic, and unbound by tradition. As wedding season approaches, Dochki’s designs offer a fresh palette for brides ready to redefine their journey, proving that true elegance lies in embracing one’s unique story. With every stitch, Dochki’s creations celebrate the bold, modern bride who dares to step beyond the ordinary and make her mark.
Read our exclusive interview with Mahnoor Dochki as she shares her journey, inspirations, and the story behind the ‘Seraphic’ collection.
You’ve carved a unique niche in the fashion world. What does it feel like to see your name become synonymous with cutting-edge design and innovative fashion statements?
It’s an incredibly fulfilling experience to see my name associated with innovation and creativity in the fashion industry. Every piece I create is a reflection of my passion and commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to my vision. Knowing that my designs resonate with people and stand out in a competitive industry is both humbling and motivating. It encourages me to keep exploring new ideas and continue to evolve as a designer.
“Staying ahead of trends is all about balance; I infuse my personal touch into every piece, ensuring each collection remains authentically Mahnoor Dochki.”
Your brand, Mahnoor Dochki, is recognized for its bold and artistic approach. How do you stay ahead of trends while ensuring each collection remains authentically ‘Mahnoor Dochki’?
Staying ahead of trends while maintaining authenticity is all about balance. I draw inspiration from various sources, whether it’s art, culture, or the world around me, but I always infuse my personal touch into every piece. Each collection is a reflection of my journey and the stories I want to tell, ensuring it stays true to the Mahnoor Dochki brand. I believe in creating timeless designs that go beyond trends, offering something unique and lasting to my clients.
“The pivotal moment for me was seeing my design chosen as the showstopper at a fashion show—it was then I knew this was my true calling.”
Every designer has that one collection or piece that feels like a personal signature. For you, which creation stands out as the most ‘you,’ and what’s the story behind it?
The ‘Seraphic’ collection, launching this winter, feels like a true reflection of who I am as a designer. It’s a celebration of individuality and breaking away from tradition. The idea that a bride doesn’t have to wear red but can choose any color that resonates with her is a concept close to my heart. This collection embodies the freedom to express oneself through fashion, and I’m proud to have created something that empowers brides to make their own choices.
“The *Seraphic* collection is all about individuality and breaking away from tradition; it’s a celebration of the freedom to express oneself through fashion.”
From navigating the prestigious halls of the Asian Institute of Fashion Designing to launching your brand, it’s been quite the journey. What was that pivotal moment when you knew this was your true calling?
The pivotal moment came during a fashion show arranged by the Karachi School of Arts, where my design was chosen as the showstopper dress of the evening. Seeing my work celebrated on such a platform made me realize that fashion was not just a passion but my true calling. It was the moment I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to creating beautiful, meaningful designs.
“Choosing to start my brand in Karachi instead of studying abroad was driven by my desire to create something impactful on my own terms.”
The decision to choose entrepreneurship over further studies abroad in 2021 was a game-changer. Looking back, what do you think was your defining factor in making that leap?
Choosing to stay in Karachi and start my fashion brand instead of pursuing further studies abroad was a defining moment for me. The driving factor was my deep belief in my vision and the desire to make an impact on my own terms. I knew that building something from the ground up in my home country would be challenging, but the opportunity to create a brand that reflects my values and resonates with my audience was a risk I was willing to take. I’m proud of that decision and the journey it set me on.
The fashion industry is both glamorous and relentless. How do you maintain your creative edge amidst the constant demand for the next big thing?
Maintaining a creative edge in such a fast-paced industry requires a balance of rest and inspiration. I take time to step back, reflect, and let new ideas come naturally. Engaging with different forms of art, travel, and even everyday experiences helps me stay inspired. It’s also about staying true to your vision—sometimes, the best way to stand out is by creating something that feels genuine rather than simply chasing the next big trend.
“I want the legacy of Mahnoor Dochki to be one of creativity, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring others to pursue their passions relentlessly.”
Collaboration is key in fashion. If you could collaborate with any artist or brand, living or past, who would it be, and what would that collaboration look like?
It’s incredibly difficult to choose just one, as so many brands have unique qualities I admire. I deeply respect the work of Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Elie Saab, but if I had to choose, I would pick Gabrielle Chanel, if she were still with us, and Karl Lagerfeld, who brought a modern vision to her legacy. A collaboration with them would have been a dream—a fusion of timeless elegance with bold innovation. I also admire Zuhair Murad’s work, and a collaboration with his brand would be another incredible opportunity to blend our creative visions.
“When clients wear Mahnoor Dochki designs, I want them to feel confident, empowered, and uniquely themselves.”
Mahnoor Dochki is more than just a fashion label; it’s a narrative of passion and resilience. How do you want your clients to feel when they wear your designs?
When clients wear Mahnoor Dochki designs, I want them to feel confident, empowered, and beautiful. My goal is to create pieces that not only look stunning but also resonate with the wearer’s individuality. Every garment is crafted with care, and I hope that comes through, making each client feel special and uniquely themselves.
In a rapidly changing industry, what legacy do you wish to leave behind with the Mahnoor Dochki brand?
I want the legacy of Mahnoor Dochki to be one of creativity, resilience, and empowerment. I hope to inspire other designers, especially women, to pursue their passions relentlessly, no matter the obstacles. I want my brand to be remembered for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and the belief that fashion is a powerful means of self-expression.
“Bridal wear doesn’t have to be confined to red; *Seraphic* embodies the freedom for brides to choose any color that resonates with them.”
As your designs take center stage on the cover of HELLO! Pakistan’s September issue, worn by Nimra Jacob and Jaweria Ali, what emotions and narrative do you hope these visuals convey to the audience?
I hope the cover visuals convey a narrative of elegance, sophistication, and modern style. With our ‘Seraphic’ bridal collection showcased by Nimra Jacob and Jaweria Ali, I want the audience to see what Mahnoor Dochki stands for—a blend of tradition with a fresh, modern twist.
The ‘Seraphic’ collection is named to reflect its ethereal beauty and the idea that brides can express their individuality through their choice of attire. This collection emphasizes that red is not the only color a bride can wear; any color that resonates with the bride’s personality and style is equally beautiful.
“Collaboration is a dream for me, especially with icons like Gabrielle Chanel or Zuhair Murad, to blend timeless elegance with bold innovation.”
Nimra Jacob and Jaweria Ali represent the strength and diversity of Pakistani women. Nimra, a Balochi woman with a strong presence in the industry since 2016, and Jaweria, a dedicated model with years of experience, both break the stereotype of the "submissive Pakistani woman." They show that Pakistani women are strong, diverse, and capable of achieving great things.
Having these two remarkable women on the cover symbolizes how we, as Pakistani women, uplift and support each other. This unity and empowerment are core values of the Mahnoor Dochki brand. Their presence on the cover highlights our commitment to celebrating unique beauty and high-quality craftsmanship, showing that every moment in our designs is special and memorable.
Interview/Editor: Sundus Unsar Raja
Creative head: Mahnoor Tahir
Wardrobe: Mahnoor Dochki
Photographer: Zara Ali
Videographer: Shayan Shaikh
Makeup Artist: Nabilas
Public Relations: Abdullah Iqbal , Conglamorates
Models: Nimra Jacob & Jaweria Ali