Join us for an engaging podcast series where we delve into the world of Pakistani American fashion designers who are revolutionizing the industry. Designers Shamaeel Ansari and Zainab Salman will share their journeys into fashion design, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative processes from concept to completion. We’ll explore how their designs have evolved over time and uncover what makes their brand distinct in the competitive landscape of Pakistani fashion. Our designers will share memorable career highlights, favorite aspects of their work, and strategies for balancing creativity with business acumen. Hear firsthand about effective strategies for business growth, navigating competition, and the experiences and lessons that have shaped these designers as entrepreneurs.
Our panelists include:
Shamaeel Ansari is a Pioneer in the Fashion Industry of Pakistan that continues to forge South Asian fashion’s esprit de corp. Founder of a high-end luxury brand under the name of Shamaeel Ansari since 1987 that carries a signature attitude towards its clothing, reflection, and its expression. She has worked across a network of international trade fairs such as Market Week NYC, Heimtex Germany, and Magic U.S.A which led her to bring Donna Karen to Pakistan while developing products for companies such as Club Monaco, Canada, and Eddie Bauer. Pioneer in Pakistan’s designer lawn market through collaboration with the Crescent Group of Industries from 1998-2004 and Sitara Group from 2009 to 2013. She led the lawn industry for the international supply of Mass Apparel Fabric (Shamaeel-Sitara Premium Lawn) and ranked for three consecutive years among the Top 5 in the lawn market.
Zainab Salman spread her wings in 2011, she has established herself as one of the leading designers targeting Asian, Middle Eastern and European markets. Embracing the beauty of the strength of feminine narratives, Zainab Salman is known for her empowering silhouettes that are exquisitely handcrafted with fine embellishments, embroideries, cut-work and appliques. Her work has touched its zenith of success both nationally and internationally. Zainab Salman’s forte lies in the blend of exaggerated cuts and ruffled tailoring with a fusion of colors and rhythm. Zainab started her journey as the founder of the brand 10 years ago. She holds a degree in specialization in Fashion Marketing from the pioneer fashion institute of Pakistan, PIFD. To pursue her dreams further, Zainab went to the home of haute couture maisons, Paris and got her training from Mod’spe that eventually carved her way in the global fashion industry. Zainab’s exposure in the world of art enabled her to channel her creative power and narrate a bold and powerful identity that is the soul of empowering and feminine voices, Zainab Salman Studio.
Saqafati Jashn: Celebrating Heritage, Art, and Expression, is a vibrant webinar series dedicated to the rich tapestry of Pakistani heritage, culture, music, and fashion. This series aims to illuminate the diverse cultural threads that weave together the nation's identity, offering participants an immersive experience in traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. Join us to learn more about Pakistan’s unique heritage and get inspired by the stories, sounds, and styles that define our cultural landscape.
The podcast will be released on our YouTube page on Friday, August 23.