Daily Times

LAHORE: Young couturier Mohsin Naveed Ranjha is all set to showcase his new collection today (Friday) at the Bridal Couture Week – Gold Edition in Karachi. Mohsin Naveed Ranjha of MNR Design Studio says his bridal collection for this year promises to be spectacular, unique, classy and one-of-its-kind in the traditional line of clothing.

Mohsin hails from Gujranwala, a historic city known for its love for food and wrestling, and belongs to a family of textile traders. “My interest in the textile business was natural as my family was involved in trade since many years. My formal education in fashion and textile helped me realise my goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur, which further motivated me to launch my own brand. Although the initial period of struggle was difficult, as I had to face a lot of opposition, mostly due to the fact that designers from small cities are not appreciated so often, but through consistency in approach and rigorous hard work, I was able to evolve a team capable of competing with the very best in business,” he affirmed.

Prior to the launch of his brand in 2013, Mohsin also worked with a few renowned fashion designers in Lahore to gain practical market experience in order to understand the norms of operating a business in the industry.

Mohsin admits that Lahore no doubt is a bigger market as compared to Gujranwala but doesn’t downplay significance of the latter, as dearth of quality designers gave him a chance to explore the untapped market of Gujranwala. “After establishing a strong foothold in my hometown and Islamabad, I now plan to open a retail outlet this year in Lahore as well, as making a name in the provincial capital and competing with the stalwarts of the industry would not only help me learn more as a designer but would also increase the outreach of my product,” he assumed.

On a query, the fashion designer said that it was difficult for him at first to adjust to the overall mindset of the industry, as designers from smaller cities were generally not welcomed and mostly discouraged. “Work should be the criteria of judgement and not the place of the designer’s origin. Designers from big cities have better access to modern trends and lifestyle as compared to us, which makes it difficult for young designers and entrepreneurs from smaller cities to penetrate in the market,” he opined. However, he was confident that if one is talented and showcasing quality work then there is no stopping him/her.