Altaf Maaneshia, a famous Pakistani designer who is making it big internationally, is best known for his modern luxurious designs and outstanding precision with patterns and cuts. Altaf’s designs are an array of inventive and futuristic pieces of art. His debut appearance as a guest designer in ‘America’s Next Top Model’, along with Alexis Borges, Betsey Johnson, Maxwell Amadeus, Kiara Belen and Mitch Stone-Altaf, where he was seen styling the models on the extremely popular show marveled all the watchers back home. It was the very first time a Pakistani designer met with such exposure in the international fashion front. Maaneshia shows are a treat for any fashion lover, with A-list celebrities like Kim Kardishain, Kylie and Victoria Secret’s Alessandra Ambrosio seated in the first row- he mesmerises his audience with his skillful craft, playing with every possible medium of fabric to create a master piece. His clothes are stocked in different multi brand stores around the world, including the famous Harvey Nichols. Altaf has designed for many International celebrities; stars like Rachel Reilly and Laverne Cox are his most recent clients. His work has been showcased in magazines like Women’s Wear Daily and Glamour. Altaf Maaneshia’s work and fame makes us all very proud! We had the privilege to interview the man behind the show himself when Maaneshia gave an exclusive interview for the Daily Times readers. How and when did you enter the field of Fashion? I come from a village and we were far from city life all my childhood. Most days were spent under a tree, playing or studying. There was no concept of fashion or art, yet I loved to draw on the sand and on the tree trunks. I would gather junk and create sculptures. Even as a little child, I would mix and match outfits, cut and stitch to customise my own clothes. After shifting to Karachi, I discovered the Art and Fashion field. That is when I got admission in Asian Institute of Fashion Design (AIFD). I later moved to Italy and did my Masters from Polimoda and then started work and projects with H&M, LVMH, Nordstrom, Patrizia Pepe. And today, finally I have my own Luxury retail Brand called, “Altaf Maaneshia” Maaneshia has designed for many international celebrities; stars like Rachel Reilly and Laverne Cox are among his most recent clients. His work has been showcased in magazines like Women’s Wear Daily and Glamour Any designers you take inspiration from? I take inspiration from many things around me. I do an in-depth research on any designers for Fashion forecast. I admire Dolce Gabanna, Lanvin, Alexander Mc Queen in Luxury RTW brands and H&M, Zara, Uniqlo for fast retailing brands. What is your most proud achievement? Too many to count, but it was a proud moment when the international media recognised me as the first Pakistani designer at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) who showcased his collection at Lincoln Centre amongst all the other big names of the international fashion industry. I also had a whole show with Betsey Johnson. ‘We need to own our rich heritage of traditional embellishments and design, bringing our skill to the international fashion market’ From Pakistan to New York, what were some important things you learnt on the way? Too many fears can keep us from reaching our dreams. You don’t have to know too many people, just one right person and you are good to go. A lot of us think that we need to have a godfather or an influential background to make it big, but that really isn’t so. I made it into the fashion world without the help of any source and anyone can do it if they work at it with passion. What does the Pakistan Fashion Industry need at the moment? I think our designers should now collaborate with international designers to create a bridge between the Eastern and Western fashion industry. We need to own our rich heritage of traditional embellishments and design, bringing our skill to the international fashion market. Altaf, do you have any advice for young designers? Be strong in faith, pray, work hard. Think big, act small. Published in Daily Times, March 16th 2019.