'PASSION AND LOVE FOR FASHION HAVE BEEN MY GUIDING Forces, CONTINUOUSLY FUELING My MOTIVATION' | ANSAB JAHANGIR ON BUILDING A FASHION EMPIRE, BRINGING SUSTAINABILITY AND HER LATEST COLLECTION
With an experience of many years, Ansab Jahangir understands the nitty-gritty of the ever evolving fashion industry, and hence, the need to experiment with newer trends and styles to keep up with the modern-day customer. But despite all the challenges and changes, the ace fashion designer, who has worked in different aspects of our fashion industry — describes her journey as 'testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering determination to never give up'.
Talking about the same in detail, the fashion maestro opened up to HELLO! about the many experiences that have shaped her journey, the changing scape of the fashion industry in Pakistan and representation of South Asian fashion on the global stage. Read on…
Pleasure to have you with us Ansab. Tell us a little about your latest collection and your muse. Why do you think she represents your brand perfectly?
Our newest collection is an exciting fusion of vibrant and playful colours incorporated into chic and trend-setting styles.
We aimed to strike a balance by curating a diverse range, offering options that cater to both those who prefer simpler, understated looks and those with a penchant for more stylish ensembles. Our goal was to ensure that there's a perfect look for every individual, reflecting and complementing their unique personality.
How would you describe your journey in the industry so far?
Our journey in the industry this far has been a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering determination to never give up.
Passion and love for fashion have been my guiding forces, continuously fueling my motivation.
Throughout the ups and downs, we’ve remained steadfast in pursuing our dreams, learning from every experience, and embracing the challenges that came our way. Our success can be attributed predominantly to the unwavering support of our family.
When you look back on why you started your journey in the fashion industry, your ideas at the time and your journey, what inspired you then inspires you now?
My mother, a source of immense inspiration, played a pivotal role in igniting my passion. I vividly recall assisting her as she organised small pop-up events and it was through these experiences that my love for fashion flourished.
You beautifully showcase traditional Pakistani/South Asian craft through your clothes, where do you draw inspiration from?
Personally, I find immense inspiration in carrying forward the heritage of my culture. We take great pride in showcasing the rich traditional craft of Pakistan and South Asia through our designs. Alongside, we love infusing western silhouettes into the mix, as it adds a touch of modernity and versatility to the outfits. By combining these elements,
we aim to create an exquisite blend of ethnic and contemporary aesthetics, offering a unique and captivating look that honours our cultural roots while embracing the demands of a modern audience.
We've seen a very evident representation of South Asian fashion on the global ramp recently. How do you think the perception about Pakistani/South Asian fashion has changed in the last 30 years?
People's love for Pakistani heritage pieces and our traditional crafts remains strong even after 30 years. However, there have been notable changes in terms of cuts and colour palettes. The fashion industry has evolved, embracing a fusion of eastern and western elements.
While the work techniques have remained consistent, the incorporation of modern silhouettes and contemporary colour choices have brought a fresh and dynamic perspective to Pakistani/South Asian fashion.
This evolution has allowed our designs to captivate a global audience, placing Pakistani/South Asian fashion on the international stage while staying true to our cultural roots.
Which cities in Pakistan do you find most inspiring as an artist?
We find Lahore to be incredibly inspiring. The city is known for its rich heritage crafts, and we draw inspiration from the intricate details found in its historical places.
It's a treasure trove of artistic influences that we incorporate into our crafts. Additionally, Hala is another city. The beautiful pottery adorned with intricate floral patterns found in Hala serves as a constant source of inspiration for my work. Both cities offer unique elements that fuel our creativity and contribute to the distinctiveness of our designs.
With so much competition around especially with the influx of social media branding, is there opportunity for growth here for a newcomer?
Absolutely. The fashion industry always welcomes newcomers who bring something new and unique to the table. If you work hard and offer a fresh perspective, there is space for growth.
Creativity is valued and if you can differentiate yourself from the competition, opportunities will arise.
However, it's important to remain patient, as success takes time and perseverance.
We've seen many designers/celebrities branch out to other ventures like their own makeup line etc. Do you have any such plans as well?
While my main focus remains on expanding and strengthening my brand in all directions, I am open to opportunities that align with my brand's vision.
From royals to A list actors, in recent times we've seen a major shift towards sustainable fashion. So how would you define sustainability and incorporate it in your brand?
To begin with,
we are actively transitioning towards eco-friendly packaging solutions, carefully selecting materials that have minimal impact on the environment.
In terms of fabric selection, we prioritise the use of pure and organic materials that are sustainably sourced. This helps us minimise the ecological footprint associated with our products, as organic fabrics tend to have fewer chemical treatments and are biodegradable. By utilising such materials, we strive to offer outfits that are not only stylish but also favourable to the environment.
Ansab Jahangir is a unique brand. The palettes are filled with very pastel, traditional colours. Can you tell us a bit about how and why you created this aesthetic?
We love working with pastel colours as they provide a cooling effect and evoke a sense of tranquility. To balance it out, we incorporate festive colour pops, adding vibrancy to our designs and creating a unique visual experience.
This interplay between pastels and festive colour accents adds a dynamic and lively dimension to our aesthetic.
What have been your personal milestones over this decade?
Seeing my vision of “Ansab Jahangir” come to life and witnessing my brand become a household name has been an incredibly fulfilling achievement.
What are your goals and hopes for the next decade, not just for your brand but also for the industry?
My goals and hopes for the next decade are to keep our craft alive and elevate the Pakistani fashion industry to its highest level of success and recognition.
INTERVIEW: SUNDUS UNSAR RAJA
MUSE: ALYANA SHAMSI , MAHNOOR FATIMA ,ERSA BATOOL
MAKEUP: HASSAN ALI
PHOTOGRAPHY: AYAZ ANIS
VIDEOGRAPHY: TALHA YASEEN