Not a fashion week goes by without the participation of this now veteran designer, who has tried his hands with fashion, and been quite successful with it. Of course, by fashion I mean designing and specifically menswear designing for Emraan Rajput. It is indeed not easy to make your presence felt in a market which is saturated by designers and craftmen and I believe the journey had not been easy for this Karachi-based designer either. “Initially, it was so hard owing to the type of circumstances I had to face when I started my own label, because at that time there hardly was a concept about menswear. However, nowadays, it’s not easy to start up your business in the fashion market. When I started off, I remember I had to face a lot of troubles because in Pakistan there is a specific criteria about menswear designing which our gents are not ready to ditch,” Emraan Rajput says, while talking exclusively to Daily Times. The industry seems obsessed with western attire for men. However, Rajput is not the one to follow ‘suit’ both literally and metaphorically. He specialises in dressing men up in sherwanis Having tasted success and recognition, both in his home country and abroad, I like how Rajput is a grounded person, stays true to his signature style and helps elevate others in the industry, those who are newbies and seek help and guidance from him. “Emraan is our biggest support system,” they tell me. The industry seems obsessed with western attire for men. However, Rajput is not the one to follow “suit” both literally and metaphorically. He specialises in dressing men up in sherwanis. I ask him if he is aware of any lobbying between the Lahore fashion market and the Karachi one, to which he says, “Honestly speaking, there is a huge difference between both the fashion markets. So there is an open vision as you can see the work details as well in both.” Is Rajput trying to give a diplomatic and a safe answer? I’ll leave that to you to decide. Having participated in esteemed fashion shows and exhibitions in both Pakistan and abroad, there must a favourite fashion week for Rajput, in which he truly enjoys participating. “L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week is my favourite fashion week as I realised it’s a big platform for our new talent,” he says. I have to agree. PLBW, according to Rajput, gives up and coming designers a chance to showcase their designs on such a prestigious platform. “Yes, it’s a great experience for me to showcase my work and talent internationally because there comes a time in your career when you can avail the opportunity to prove yourself internationally so that’s the best part and a proud moment of your career. Over there, you can engage the international public in your work,” Rajput tells me. He looks back and recalls the lowest low of his career and then the highest point as well. The lowest moment in his life was when he first started out menswear designing and realised there was nobody to guide him or help him out. He had to make his own path and do everything himself. The highest point was he first showcased his work internationally which was met with great appreciation. “Tom Cruise and Chris Hemsworth are actors who I would love to design for,” Rajput says. Hassan Sheheryar Yasin is his favourite Pakistani designer. Rajput will next be showcasing his work in Amsterdam by the end of June. Other than sherwanis, Rajput is an expert in creating Jodhpur suits, waistcoats and stylish shalwars, all with a very rich and vibrant colour palette, embellished with hand embroidery and kundan work. Most of his outfits have modern cuts with traditional style, making them very wearable and ethnic. Published in Daily Times, June 2nd 2018.