The prestigious Woolmark Prize regionals will be hosted this July in Dubai for the second time. Woolmark is well-known for supporting emerging talent and textile innovation within the fashion industry. DDFC, as the nominating body for the UAE and GCC, is helping organize and coordinate such a momentous award.
The nominees are coming from India, UAE, Pakistan, Bahrain and Lebanon and will be competing to pass to the finals. Their stories, unique views and artistic proposals are worth sharing.
MEET THE WOOLMARK PRIZE NOMINEES
ANTAR-AGNI
Name of Designer: Ujjawal Dubey
Country: India
Menswear or Womenswear? Menswear.
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far..
- Named 30 under 30 list by Forbes India.
- Won Elle Graduates 2016 (Designer of the year).
- Named under 50 Most Influential Young Indians by GQ India, 2016.
- Won Grazia Young Fashion Award, Menswear 2015.
How would you define the style of your creations?
The brand believes that fabric has its own character waiting to be explored and the label Antar-Agni is a reminiscent of the same. We merely help the fabric speak its language making it as raw and natural as it gets. The majorly androgynous styles use muted and neutral tones with relaxed silhouettes. Cuts and drapes play a crucial role in the Antar-Agni garment.
The brand pushes to bridge the gap between occasion and daily wear. We have tried to keep the Indian sensibility alive with new age cuts. Being an ecologically conscious brand, we focus on the use of natural and hand-woven fabrics; least amount of wastage of resources is a major concern.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
The inspiration comes from the never settling nomads of India (both from the temperate and cold regions). The not-so-defined organic motifs of the half moon, stars, regional artworks, symbols etc. In a subtle contrast on a dark background is reminiscent of the nomadic travel stories of the dark sky and bright stars along with the multilayers from the cold region nomads. Functional tie-ups and coarser counts of fabrics along with nature inspired motifs add to the rawness.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of?
Fabric is my Hero. There is nothing better than a fabric with great character to push you to create beautiful things from it.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
For us, handloom has always been the king. There are grass root innovations that are constantly happening. Even the ancient processes keep us in awe of how beautifully they married the technical and ecological.
One of the very recent development which is quite striking is the leather derived from mushrooms.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years?
Having introduced a completely different genre of clothing in the country for men, we aim at this consistent effort towards the new age menswear clothing and of evolving at every step. It’s the strong belief we work on, along with this sense of aesthetics that involves local soul and global appeal. With these values. we aim to reach out to more and more people and take the story forward, making it one of the most desirable labels globally.
Website: www.ujjawaldubey.com
Social media:
Instagram @antar_agni_ujjawaldubey
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/antaragnibyujjawaldubey/
BODICE
Name of Designer: Ruchika Sachdeva
Country: India
Menswear or Womenswear? Womenswear.
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far…
Ruchika Sachdeva has been featured on the Forbes India list of 30 Under 30 (2015), been the recipient of Vogue India Fashion Fund (2014), Grazia India Award for the Best Urban Collection (2013) and Elle India Style Award for Breakthrough Designer (2012)
How would you define the style of your creations?
Bodice explores the reinvention of classics through modern tailoring and the use of indigenous textiles woven by local artisans. Transitional wardrobe staples are developed through the pursuit of innovation, that are unassuming yet compelling. Designed and constructed for longevity, we are attentive to details and the oddities that make all the difference.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of? Who comes first in your mind? Out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it?.
For us, it’s a process that happens side by side, not one before the other. Often woven by hand, India’s regional textiles are stripped to the essentials. We are drawn to natural fibers, especially the varied characteristics of cotton, wool, and silk. Each is diverse and distinct; crisp or mellowed by age, revealing a yarn’s unique texture and subtle gradations in color. Bodice approaches sustainability with consciousness and interest, focused on ensuring our practice and product are as ethically developed as possible.
Website: www.bodice.co.in
Social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodicebodice/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bodice/
DHRUV KAPOOR
Name of Designer: Dhruv Kapoor
Country: India (New Delhi)
Menswear or Womenswear? Menswear.
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far…
Vogue India Fashion Fund 2015 ; Elle Graduates Top 5 (Initiative by Elle India for emerging design talent).
How would you define the style of your creations?
The brand lays its foundation on diverse inspirations, cultural references, and twisted modernity. Our rebellious take on structure, fabric and form are designed to correlate and compliment fearlessness.
The collections focus on our multidisciplinary approach by juxtaposing design and attention to detail, with an emphasis on tailoring and an eclectic use of materials including custom-developed fabrics. The brand ideates to mix and match the great tradition with a sense of detachment.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
New Romantic | Fall Winter 2017-18
The new “mind-set”, full of bright young things, wishing to overthrow the establishment with their alternative vision of the world: post nostalgic and rose tinted, part broken and towards post-punk.
It focuses on individuality, attempting to create alternative scenes. The collection puts forth a 1980’s underground vibe, like leaving the infamous parties in London hosted by Steve Strange and going straight to work. It comprises of multiple belief systems: new and old, historical figures or even a future world. Each look retains the purpose to inspire or provoke, engage, or enrage and to share the common aim “to create” an alternative landscape fuelled by simple desires. It revolves around the concept of putting things together, belonging to multiple genres, similar to creating a look from second-hand shops, army and navy surplus finds or simply knocked up on the sewing machine backed by individualistic taste with a sense of detachment and decisiveness.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
I personally feel there is only a little that you can change or innovate in a silhouette; hence textile innovation becomes the basis of it all. I frequent the fabric fairs and I am amazed looking at all that innovation. From classic laces to hi-tech knitwear, a combination of traditional techniques using hi-tech material (fiber) never fails to impress. It’s magical!
A large part of our research revolves around fabric development. We update or introduce 2-3 new textiles every season. The process is the best part. We have to constantly try till we achieve what we want and at times it yields surprising results during the process.
On our recent visit to the Woolmark office, we got the opportunity to browse through the Wool Lab reports. My current favorite is Merino Perform (a wide range of sportswear inspired, hi-tech textiles developed using Merino wool) and laminated/ coated textiles that we are currently using.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years?
Our 5-year plan contains a large list of countries or new territories that we plan to penetrate. Other than expansion, the brand is working on developing a leather goods and footwear line. We recently added a diffusion line, retailing at a commercial price point, we are therefore looking at a widespread expansion of the same. We are also trying to work on flagship stores and hopefully achieve the same soon.
Website: www.dhruvkapoor.com
Social media:
Instagram – @dhruvkapoor
Facebook @teamkapoor
Twitter @team_kapoor
Pinterest @Pin_kapoor
HEMANG AGRAWAL
Name of Designer: Hemang Agrawal
Country: India
Menswear or Womenswear? Womenswear
How would you define the style of your creations? Contemporary garments which take root in the woven textile heritage of India.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection? Our last collection was titled “Varak” which took inspiration from the metal-leaf work to create garments using pure metallic handwoven textiles.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of? Who comes first in your mind? Out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it?.
For us the textiles and silhouettes go hand in hand right from concept stage. Based on the look we want to project, we design and develop our own textiles first.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
These are interesting times where on one hand we have the finest textiles being created using the traditional skills of a handloom weaver, on the other hand we have technological advances (for eg. 3D printed textiles,) which go beyond any conventional textile wisdom. For a designer, it is very important to be abreast with both and create a balance between the two in her/his collections.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years? A brand, which presents Indian textile heritage to the world in a contemporary form by striking the right balance between traditional skills & modern technology.
Website: www.hemangagrawal.com
Social media:
Instagram www.instagram.com/hemang.agrawal/
Facebook www.facebook.com/hemangagrawal.page/
MATAR
Name of Designer: Hind Matar
Country: Bahrain
Menswear or Womenswear? Womenswear
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far…
In 2015, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities commissioned me to be the sole artist representing Bahrain to design a capsule collection at Milan Expo 2015 and won the Silver Medal for best Pavilion Design. This same year, my label, MATAR won Cadillac Design Challenge Fashion Prize. This award champions innovation and leading womenswear designers from the Middle East.
How would you define the style of your creations?
I would define the style of my creations as the embodiment of ancient meets futuristic drama. I create innovative global glamour by fusing the historic mainstays of endemic multi-cultural style with my vision and interpretation of future form developed through our technological needs paired with fashion’s ever-present desire for a daring elegant aesthetic.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
Each season we pull inspiration from various native cultures around the world. The latest collection was inspired by the fusion of fabrics and rich textures of the traditional tribal dress of the native Bedouin paying tribute to freedom. From the “no limits” outlook we instinctively feel during childhood to the infinitesimal, limitless nature of the cosmos, the collection was a window onto MATAR’s worldview.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of? Who comes first in your mind? Out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it?.
There is no more intimate relationship than that of my creations and the fabric with which they are made. One does not exist without the other in its purest form. My process is very organic and either may precede the other. Sometimes I find a fabric that I must put into form and other times I have an inspired form that must find the appropriate fabric to express the full integrity of my idea.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us?
We are in the most radical period of change our world has ever seen making innovation vital in the global marketplace. Technology and the creative process are paramount in our rapidly changing world. All industries are groping to find the best ways to create products elevated enough to be relevant tomorrow. It is no secret that the consumer has become dependent and truly inseparable from his/her personal technology devices. The exponential growth of technology in the world has created the perfect moment for the tech-based fashion products and smart textiles that we are determined to bring to market.
Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
There have been some impressive innovations in the realm of nanotechnology, developing conductive advanced material with so many possibilities. This technology allows for simple and durable integration of electronics into apparel providing for detection, transmission, and protection of electronic signals in a soft/flexible format. Its unique construction provides designers complete freedom to design smart garments with integrated stretch and durability.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years?
Part of MATAR’s DNA is constant evolution. This year will be MATAR’s debut jewelry collection launching with an event hosted by Italian Vogue in NYC featuring the world’s emerging jewelry designers. By 2019, handbags and small accessories will be introduced and we plan to include innovative footwear by 2020. I have always been inspired by scents and my ultimate goal is to have a full range of signature scents by 2022.
Website: www.hindmatar.net
Social media:
Instagram: @matarstudio
KHADIJA RAHMAN
Name of Designer: Khadija Rahman
Country: Pakistan
Menswear or Womenswear? Womenswear.
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far …
I am successfully working as the director of the Pakistani ready to wear giant GENERATION, which has won 4 Lux Style Awards for Achievement in Pret-a-Porter during my tenure.
How would you define the style of your creations?
You could say I’m somewhat of an explorer, although inevitably sub-continentally inclined, my style of work revolves around challenging the conventional definition of any article of clothing.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
While in retrospect the collection was deemed a silent protest demanding the redemption of the Lahori festival of Basant, but really it was an exploration of the shape and silhouette of the Pakistani attire, a study of the origin of its various foreign influences, deconstruction of staple styles and redefinition of others.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of? Who comes first in your mind? Out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it?.
For me, it has always been all about the fabric, I’ve found it so intriguing how a subtle change in its construction, like the thread count or mix of fiber changes the entire language of its form. My work gravely depends on the structure of its backbone, which is the fabric.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
While I am more of a traditionalist in terms of my fiber of choice, I cannot commend enough the surgence of ethical fashion that is coming to the forefront recently. People are beginning to question how much they’re wasting, what is the environmental impact of their creations, and what steps they can take to minimize unethical practices in the entire chain. This is something I strongly stand behind, and will always continue to do so.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years?
Hopefully on the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement in my home country.
NOUR NAJEM
Name of Designer: Nour Najem
Country: Lebanon
Menswear or Womenswear? womenswear
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far …
Part of the best curation prize ensemble at the International Fashion Showcase 2016- London, UK.
Lebanese Laureate for the Maison Mode Mediterranee Open my Med prize 2017
How would you define the style of your creations?
Confident, feminine, delicate, sensual, free, functional… my creations breathe wellbeing, they’re all about giving women confidence and validation as means.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
My latest collection was inspired by blessings:
Baraka
A Tale of Blessings and Silver Linings
Life is a Gift.
Every birth, every presence, every coincidence…
Carries its share of wonder and hidden blessings with it
For those who want to see, for those who want to believe
Every day, every sunrise, every nightfall…
Except somewhere between dusk and dawn we lose track:
We get distracted by the challenges,
And get entangled in webs of a messy, unkind world.
Every moment, every meeting, every person…
We overlook opportunities, the possibility of a new outlook
The promise of a different path, of a more forgiving perception
We lose the ability to see the beauty and wonder of how things come to be
We become jaded; find the negative and the disbelief in everything.
We shove our ability to trust and have faith
In life, in ourselves and in others, deep in our unconscious mind.
Thinking it will help protect us from life, from ourselves.
I had a vision of serenity, faith, acceptance, and humility,
Where tension and resistance are nothing but distant memories.
I saw simple and minimal lines that long for freedom,
In complete communion with gifts of our present existence.
Soft sensual cuts charged with historical and cultural codes
And rimmed with handmade ornamentation.
I felt soft and natural fabrics; some opaque, others translucent, raw, fine, plain…
completely reconstructed and repurposed materials that merge all together,
Allowing room for breath, movement, appreciation, and self-expression whilst still maintaining
The unspoken mystery of things coming together and stories unfolding.
I noticed light and airy colors, engorged with the luxury of simplicity and the mysterious tale of a warm summer day in the orient.
I visualized women embracing the reality of their being,
Accepting the present moment and celebrating the blessings that come with it .
Women conscious of the gift of life.
Even if everything around it doesn’t make sense.
Women telling tales
Of blessings and silver linings
Baraka
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of? Who comes first in your mind? Out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it?.
I have a love affair with fabrics. Did you know that weaving and fabric in general symbolize the mystery of existence? The perpendicular woven threads are interpreted to be the intersection of time and space and thus their existence stands for the present moment and place: a sort of “you are here right now” mindful reminder.
I love fabrics, different textures, materials that give us different ways of expression. But what I love most, is to create my own fabrics. For every collection, I develop a set of handmade fabrics using ribbons, threads, or even adding to existing fabrics.
When I work around a theme, I want everything to resonate that theme: colors, textures, motifs, patterns… all following a certain philosophy of taking everything down to the smallest possible denominator, and having even that spell out the idea I’m going for. I guess I start by giving myself a lot of options when building a collection, and then when I have the final drawings in front of me, I just know exactly what to pick from earlier selection.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
I think fashion and textile innovation are delving more and more into sustainability, up cycling of different materials and really being conscious about the ecological toll the fashion industry has had on the world. However, I’m afraid we’re still not entirely conscious of the social sustainability aspect of it all. But it’s about time we wake up to that. Have you seen the documentary: The True Cost? It’s scary!!
My favorite innovation lately was how they embed essential oils into textile fabrics. I thought this enhances the experience that we as designers would want to give our customers tenfold.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years?
I see my brand establishing itself as a luxury Ready to Wear brand, with a distinctive modern oriental identity, while reviving and transmitting artisanal crafts and empowering women. Over the next five years I would like to see NOUR NAJE M expanding its sales to Europe and the US through strategic sale points, backed by the right PR and Sales.
Website: http://nournajem.com/
Social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nournajem_thelabel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nour.Najem.thedesigner
Facebook 2: https://www.facebook.com/NourNajemluxuryfashion/?pnref=lhc
TIMI HAYEK
Name of Designer: Timi Hayek
Country: Lebanon
Menswear or Womenswear? Womenswear.
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far…
In 2010, I won the Liberty Art Fabrics Award, where my winning print design was sold at the renowned British department store, Liberty & Co in London.
In 2011, I completed a Diploma in Professional studies, working for Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in Paris. Other placements include Alexander McQueen and Mary Katrantzou in London.
Two years after graduating from Central Saint Martins I launched my eponymous fashion brand with the help of the Starch Foundation.
In 2015, I opened my first studio boutique in Beirut.
In 2016, I exhibited with the Starch Foundation at the International Fashion Showcase at the Somerset House in London, where I came highly commended as best designer.
How would you define the style of your creations?
Fluid, textured, with a feminine twist.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
I recently created a cruise collection inspired by the free-spirited Brigitte Bardot dancing in her Vichy skirt, wedding frills and youthful new beginnings.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of? Who comes first in your mind? (if out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it).
The fabric always comes first. I have to see and touch the fabric before creating anything. It’s a very instinctive and visual process.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
I’m fascinated with innovations in the fabric industry that reduce waste, such as creating sports shoes out of ocean plastic (Adidas) or companies that specialize in niche and unique fabric production while keeping their unique craftsmanship and history alive.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years?
To continue creating inspiring designs.
Website: www.timihayek.com
Social media:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/timihayek/
THEOREM
Name of Designer: Nitin Chawla
Country: India
Menswear or Womenswear? Menswear.
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far…
Best Graduating Design Collection Award at NIFT (National Institute of fashion Technology), Kolkata, India.
How would you define the style of your creations? Casual Sportswear takes on a more tailored look, updating Athleisure staples with fit and fabric. Essential Practicality, Meticulous attention to detail and sharp tailoring are the key features of the garments. “Story telling & Expression “are the two tools of our Design philosophy, with powerful contrasts forged between the “Natural & Manmade” and the “Crafted & the Technical” and thus, sees new methods of dressing emerge.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection? The latest collection took inspiration from the so called the gym-to-street apparel. It depicted a symbiosis of Active clothing and fashion together, thus blurring the line between fashion and sports, whilst also developing innovative functional textiles.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of? Who comes first in your mind? Out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it?. The relationship between the creation and the fabric is a co-design (Co-operative design) approach. Neither of the two can be separated and there has to be a sense of harmony between the two, for an amazing collection development.
While working on my collections, I usually start with the sketching first and it gradually proceeds from there. Then we start with our initial fabric sourcing / developments in the form of swatches. At few instances, we have first sourced/developed the fabrics as well. It is not a fixed notion to choose fabric first or vice versa, it is the process, which directs the entire collection development.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately. Fashion and Textile innovation is a co-design approach or a collaborative design process. New innovative ideas in Textiles (fabrics/yarns) definitely pave the way for fresh perspectives and progressive developments in fashion. It can open up a whole array of possibilities that would have a huge impact on the world of fashion, with increased environmental awareness leading to significant innovations in sustainability as well.
One of my favorite textile innovations lately, which I came across on the internet, is the launch of new eco-efficient textiles at Techtextil, Frankfurt held recently. As the textile market continues to look for innovative solutions to help reduce its environmental footprint, Invista’s Cordura brand, in partnership with DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, has launched a wide variety of eco-efficient & durable fabric technologies that incorporate high performance coatings and membranes based on plant-based materials.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years? In the next 5 years, I foresight an expansion of our brand presence, by reaching a wider clientele and getting a widespread international exposure. We foresight an expansion to our retail chain supply and our brand being stocked in the world’s best stores. This in turn would help in the growth of all our associates – the co-operative societies, our weavers, craft artisans, tailors and all our associates would be indirectly supported.
Also, regularly participating at the Men’s fashion week in Paris.
Social media:
Instagram: @theorem_official
Twitter: @nitinc_
Facebook: Theorem @theorembynitinchawla
VAROIN MARWAH
Name of Designer: Varoin Marwah
Country: UAE
Menswear or Womenswear? Menswear.
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far …
Most stylish man of the year by Ahlan 2015.
How would you define the style of your creations?
I would say they are minimalistic and futuristic. I believe in classic cuts with a creative edge.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
My latest collection- ONE was my way of expressing that we all belong to the one HUMAN race and this expression of unity is the only thing I feel we need to propagate keeping the current situation of the world in mind.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric it’s made of? Who comes first in your mind? Out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it?.
It’s almost like the case of ‘what came out first the chicken or the egg ‘ My creations go through a different mood. At times, I have followed my vision and looked for a fabric and the other time found some amazing fabric and created magic out of it. It completely depends upon the need and mood of the hour.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
Designers have a responsibility not just to create new designs but also to push forward innovative new textiles. This is the way the fashion industry moves forward together. New opportunities are created for the people who get involved in making fabrics and the same time the world gets to experience a new fabric in a design/garment. It’s a very healthy marriage and way forward in terms of fashion. My favorite ones are usually the fabrics that suit UAE’s climate, linen blends always excite me and wool denim as it’s a good fit for menswear silhouettes.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years?
Sustainability is the key to our industry and I see myself working more and more towards sustainable Fashion. I see my brand being available in more countries, representing the UAE as well as moving the brand into to the international market.
Website: www.varoinmarwah.net
Social media:
Facebook- Varoin Marwah
Instagram – Varoin Marwah
Twitter – @varoin
ZONIA ANWAAR
Name of Designer: Zonia Anwaar
Country: Pakistan
Menswear or Womenswear? Womenswear.
Prizes, Awards, or Achievements so far …
Gold Mannequin Trophy- Distinction in PIFD Graduation Batch 2007- 2011.
Lux Style Awards Scholarship 2010 for academic performance of the year.
Nominee of Woolmark Prize 2016 and 2017.
How would you define the style of your creations?
Zonia Anwaar’s signature style and authenticity expresses feminine individuality using practical silhouettes that can be carried by women from different zones of world.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
We presented Zelliij S/S17 at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week few weeks ago, a floral and mosaic fusion inspired by work of Maalems (Master Craftsmen) of the Moroccan Berber with geometric patterns in eloquent palette with monochromatic streaks bonded with hand drawn rosettes to give this spring the well-deserved vividness!
For Woolmark Prize 2017 we are coming up with an entirely new capsule collection defining our style.
What is the relationship between your creation and the fabric is made of? Who comes first in your mind? Out of the fabric, you develop your design or you have an idea and look for the perfect fabric for it?.
Honestly, It´s different every time, sometimes looking at a fabric make your mind design a quick silhouette in mind and other times it’s a 2D sketch in front and we are looking for the best textile match to achieve that in a 3D garment! It’s a creative process can go both ways.
What are your thoughts on fashion and textile innovation? Where do you think it is going to take us? Name your favorite textile innovations lately.
Designer wear is an integral part of fashion and textile industry, one of the most vibrant and creative business sectors in our continent. The past few years have seen significant changes within this industry when it comes to innovation in print, textile surfaces, textures and blends of fabric, amalgamation of both textile and fashion to bring the best end product for consumers. Body mapping technology is going to take fashion forward.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in the next 5 years?
Fortunately, as a young entrepreneur I had opportunity to set goals from the beginning of my professional career. My vision was to have a mass retail project as it needed experience, signature style and business module. I would like to further excel in my craft and hopefully will keep on successfully interpreting my concepts by introducing those to market and be able to cater to clients all around the world. So, a short term plan would be to open a store and get hold of bigger fashion platforms to present our creations, really looking forward to Woolmark Prize regional round to give our business mentorship in terms of expansion and development.
Website: www.zoniaanwaar.com
Social media:
Instagram @zoniaanwaarofficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZoniaAnwaar
