You are an award-winning fashion designer and have showcased internationally as well. Tell us about how you developed an interest in fashion and designing and got involved in this profession. Upon finishing college, instead for opting for a banking or a business career, I started working with my mother Memoona Manan for her label “Rouge” which later changed to Faraz Manan. I have always been interested in fashion, through travel, culture, art and lifestyle. I have an innate love for fashion and all that goes with it. Who did you look up to the most throughout your career? My mother. Tell us about some of your initial struggles and challenges that you faced on your road to success. What did you learn the hard way in this industry? Every profession is challenging but if you set out to excel in whatever field you are in, success follows naturally. I have learnt to positively progress against all odds. You have travelled round the world for your work. How much is Pakistan lagging behind when it comes to the fashion industry? In what ways can we pick up our game? Pakistan has great potential with 60 percent of the nation under 30. The youth of Pakistan is changing the way fashion is shaping. With access to international fashion through the Internet, we are progressing fast. We must have more fashion institutes with international accessibility to fashion brands to cater to the great potential we have in Pakistan. Are you a workaholic? How do you unwind? Yes, I’m a workaholic only because I love what I do. The best way to unwind would be to hang out with close friends, travel and Instagram. I’m a big foodie and an Instagram addict. ‘Every profession is challenging but if you set out to excel in whatever field you are in, success follows naturally. I have learnt to positively progress against all odds’ You have showcased in India numerous of times as well. How is Indian fashion different from ours? India being more than twice as big as Pakistan has a larger fashion industry, whereas, Pakistan is small yet more progressive. Aesthetically, there isn’t much of a difference. They have great sense of colour combination and versatile cuts. Pakistan’s aesthetics and quality in terms of fabric, intricacy of embellishments and design is stronger. Which according to you has been your biggest achievement until date and how have your achievements changed you? International expansion on such a solid and large scale has to be my biggest achievement until date. What is your vision for Pakistan? A strong, progressive and an educated nation. Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? Making Pakistan proud. We at Daily Times, consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours? Abdul Sattar Edhi. What advice would you give to a novice in the industry? I would say join the industry purely for the love of fashion and not for fame or money. Then with hard work, dedication and persistence everything else will follow you. Who do you share the best camaraderie with from the fashion industry? Ather Shahzad. Achievements GLOBAL STAR Renowned fashion designer Faraz Manan is not just a revered figure in his home country, but is also an international name. In 2015, he opened his first-ever international boutique in Dubai. BOLLYWOOD’S FAVOURITE DESIGNER Not only are the Pakistani celebrities seen wearing Faraz Manan on several occasions, but he’s also a hit among international celebrities as well. Faraz has cemented his place in Bollywood as the ultimate fashion designer that the Tinsel Town divas go to. Bollywood’s reigning queen Kareena Kapoor-Khan was Faraz’s muse for his lawn collection. Not just that, but this year, Kareena Kapoor-Khan was Faraz’s showstopper at his Couture Show in Dubai. Last year, Karisma Kapoor showstopped for Faraz at the TOIFA Technical Awards in Dubai. CRITICAL ACCLAIM In 2016, Faraz was named Fashion Designer of the Year at the Masala Awards 2016. Faraz also bagged the prestigious Lux Style Award this year for Achievement in Fashion Design – Bridal.