Interview
From time to time in our ‘beauty talk’ section we feature different celebrities who share their experiences, achievements and beauty secrets with us. This month You! talks to Farah Talib, who designs beautiful ensembles...
Farah Talib Aziz has been designing clothes for over 15 years now. Farah has always been a creative person being involved in clothes and fashion. “I learnt how to cut and tailor couture pieces in my early teens followed by a variety of hand embellishments and embroideries including shadow work, crochet, ribbon work, which I would use to create my own statement pieces. However, I never had the confidence to start an individual label but appreciation from my family and friends really pushed me to start taking my work to a commercial level,” shares Farah who has her studio in Karachi. This week this talented designer shares her experiences and beauty secrets with our readers...
You! What is your design philosophy?
Farah Talib: My design philosophy is to highlight natural beauty and femininity using natural motifs featured on soft, pleasing colours. We believe in using the highest quality fabric and embellishments to create classic pieces that can be worn for generations.
You! What type of clothes you design for women?
F.T: We design different collections that cater to women of all ages and backgrounds. We have ready to wear collection consisted of digital printed kurtas on pure silk fabric. We also do fusion separates that focus on more contemporary cuts. Our formal line has classic pieces as well as festive colourful block prints that are perfect for wedding season! Our bridals are customized and bespoke; we have a range of classic farshi ghararas as well as French lace encrusted more classic western inspired looks.
You! Why do you think women should wear designer clothes?
F.T: I think that designers should have a variation of collections at different price points that cater to a diverse audience and make it more affordable and attainable. Brides should be able to wear their ideal designer outfit on their special day as every girl should feel as beautiful as she possibly can on her wedding.
You! What are the difficulties faced by designers in getting their work done?
F.T: I find it difficult to work efficiently given the mentality of our workmen. Although I have a very strong team that I am very grateful for and work with as a family, it is very tough to convince them not to take days off randomly, be at work on time and not slack off. It is also difficult to find hardworking persistent and efficient workers to grow our team as not everyone can be trusted and employed.
You! What are the high points and low points of being a designer?
F.T: I am a very private person and I hardly go to industry events. I like keeping a low profile and don’t like to be recognized or spotted. I feel very grateful to God for the respect and fame he has given us but I don’t like to be put in the spotlight!
As a designer you put your work out there and it is nerve wrecking to see how people will react to it.
As for the low points are concerned, it is very heartbreaking to see horrible copies of your work that you spent hours sampling and creating, in the shops of other high end designers as well as local markets.
You! What will be the latest trends in summer?
F.T: I love soft colours for the summer! Karachi summers are too gruelling to wear dark harsh colours. For this upcoming season we have decided to retire our signature pastel shades and venture out into new shades such as Wedgewood blue, lavender grey, subtle lime green. I also see a lot of contemporary cuts as well as western inspired edgy but feminine cuts going to be popular in summer.
You! Do you think there is potential for new designers in our fashion industry?
F.T: Of course! It is no doubt a very saturated market but there is always room for fresh young blood that brings new ideas and visions.
You! What are you currently working on?
F.T: We are currently working on our SS16 lawn collection and ready to wear range, it’s an exciting new project.
You! Your favourite international labels...
F.T: I am a big fan of Elie Saab and my all-time favourite label is Oscar de La Renta.
You! What are your future plans?
F.T: We plan to bring the brand forward in to both a commercial ready to wear market as well as introduce our new luxury bridal collection.
You! What is your philosophy of life?
F.T: To live, love and work sincerely with an honest heart and pray for the best result.
Beauty corner
You! What is one cosmetic you cannot do without?
F.T: My moisturizer.
You! When stepping out, do you wear makeup all the time?
F.T: I hardly wear make up!
You! When it comes to cosmetics, which brand you usually use?
F.T: Estee Lauder, I have been using it for decades!
You! Your make-up bag consists of...
F.T: Lipsticks in natural shades, moisturizer, blush, and eyeliner, my perfume is also an essential part of my makeup bag.
You! Your favourite local stylist or beautician
F.T: I am a regular at Mahvish Salon.
You! Your favourite perfume...
F.T: Chanel No 5.
You! Your beauty regimen...
F.T: To cleanse my skin thoroughly before bed.
You! Do you use anti-ageing creams?
F.T: The Revitalizing Supreme range by Estee Lauder.
You! Do you believe in treatments like Botox?
F.T: I have always wanted to try Botox but I have severe reservations about it.
You! Are you fond of using too much makeup or you prefer a good skin with minimal amount of makeup?
F.T: I believe in natural beauty with minimal make up and a natural lipstick.
You! Where do you go for your make-up shopping? Any favourite outlet?
F.T: I love shopping for make up in transit at any international airport! I feel like I get the best prices and great advice!
You! What is beauty to you?
F.T: Beauty to me is a natural look that is complemented by a warm and kind personality.