Fashion’s Romantic Rebel | The World of ARE by Abdullah and His Leap into Fashion

For Abdullah Arshad, fashion isn’t about trends—it’s about expression. Behind every design lies a deeper narrative, one that connects emotion to skill. His collaboration with Mawra Hocane for HELLO! Pakistan’s December digital cover brought his vision of Amour to life, with dresses that echo the universal language of love. Bold, unapologetic, and deeply personal, Abdullah’s journey from architecture to fashion is one of conviction. As the creative mind behind ARE, he speaks through fabric, blending raw ideas with meticulous detail. This conversation reveals the heart of a designer who sees every collection as a chapter, every stitch as a sentence, and every piece as a reflection of his pursuit to create something meaningful.

Every stitch, embellishment, and silhouette tells a story of passion, with red as the bold reminder of love’s power. 

Your designs with Mawra on our December digital cover received rave reviews. What inspired the collection featured in that shoot?

The dresses we created for Mawra are an extension of Amour, a collection that speaks the universal language of love. Amour draws inspiration from the raw emotions and poetic symbolism found in Taylor Swift’s songs. Each stitch, embellishment, and silhouette tells a story of passion, with red—the quintessential color of love—serving as my muse, a bold reminder of the power of amour. Mawra brought this vision to life effortlessly, her charisma and style becoming the perfect canvas for my creations.

How would you describe the signature aesthetic of your brand, and how has it evolved over time?

Embracing modesty and grace, my brand merges evolving trends with an experimental yet thoughtful approach. I have always adhered to a clear design philosophy, driven by my love for contemporary shapes. Over time, I’ve learned to innovate with techniques and ideas, creating pieces that remain authentic while exploring individuality.

 

My journey from architecture to fashion was driven by a void I couldn’t ignore—a passion waiting to be explored 

Fashion is often described as storytelling. What story are you telling through your latest collection?

The collection embodies the essence of love. It’s a story I deeply resonate with—a 20-year-old discovering love for the first time, captivated by a stranger, and ultimately finding his true self. This journey is intertwined with the heartfelt and transformative narratives told through Taylor Swift’s music, making it all the more personal.

 The essence of love is what inspires me—a 20-year-old discovering himself through a stranger’s gaze, woven into my designs.

Who or what has been your biggest muse in your journey as a designer?

My biggest muse has always been the emotions that connect people—love, passion, self-discovery, and the fleeting moments that define us. Beyond that, the individuals I design for inspire me. Their unique stories and personal styles push me to create designs that feel as special as the people who wear them.

 My biggest muse is the emotions that connect us—love, passion, fleeting moments, and stories that define individuality

Launching a fashion brand is no small feat. What was the spark that led you to take this leap?

Starting this venture brings a smile to my face. This dream began at 16, though life initially led me toward architecture and my family business. Despite success, I always felt something was missing. Taking a bold leap, I stepped into fashion with nothing but passion and a vision. Today, I can proudly say this journey has been the fulfillment of a dream once scribbled in the margins of my mind.

How do you approach balancing timeless design with modern trends in your creations?

It’s about mixing classic influences with new perspectives. I draw inspiration from enduring styles but add fresh cuts and techniques to create something relevant yet lasting. Tradition and modernity work together in my designs to bring pieces that feel fresh yet familiar.

 Balancing tradition and modernity means crafting pieces that feel fresh yet familiar, enduring yet innovative

What challenges have you faced as a designer so far, and how have they shaped your creative vision?

Transitioning from architecture to fashion was a steep learning curve, especially with patterns and garment construction. My enthusiasm often leads to complex ideas that challenge my team. Additionally, my commitment to eco-friendly practices has added to the difficulty, but it also pushes me to stay creative and focused on building a sustainable future for the brand.

 Transitioning to fashion came with challenges, but it also fueled my creativity to push boundaries and embrace sustainability

Do you feel social media has played a big role in shaping your brand’s identity and audience?

Absolutely. Social media has allowed me to connect directly with people and show the stories behind my work. It’s a space where I can share my creative process in real time, making the designs more accessible and meaningful to a wider audience.

 Social media has been a game-changer, allowing me to connect directly with people and share my creative process in real-time.

If you were to experiment with a completely new direction in your designs, what would it be?

I’d love to explore a fusion of technology and fashion—integrating wearable tech with traditional elements. Imagine garments that change based on the wearer’s mood or interact with the environment. It’s an exciting frontier, one that could redefine how we think about clothing and function.

 If I could sum up my brand in one outfit, it would be Tranquil—a piece that captures the vision I had long before I entered this industry

Do you have a dream collaboration or project you’d love to take on in the future?

There’s a love story I would love to depict through my work—the timeless tale of Mahiwal, as told in Par Chana Dey. It’s an old-school romance that speaks to me deeply. As for collaborations, I hope to work with the actress from Raees. Her presence is inspiring, and I’m sure we’d create something magical together.

What excites you the most about being a part of Pakistan’s fashion scene today?

It’s the way tradition and modernity are blending in unique ways. The industry is growing, and the creativity is inspiring. Watching fresh talent emerge and redefine what fashion means in Pakistan excites me. I’m proud to contribute to this evolving landscape.

 Experimenting with wearable tech excites me—it’s about creating garments that interact with the environment and redefine fashion’s purpose

If you could sum up your brand in one outfit, what would it look like, and why?

It would be Tranquil from my first collection, The Blank Canvas. I sketched it years before I officially entered the industry. It’s special because it embodies the original essence of what I envisioned for my brand and remains one of a kind.

Interview: Sundus Unsar Raja

Shot by: @wajahearts & @anasshaheenfilms