beauty talk
Armed with an MBA degree, Faryal Naqvi has been creating beautiful ensembles since five years. She formally launched her label ‘Niya’ some four years back. According to Faryal, designing clothes has been her passion since her modelling days. “I was a model back in ’90s.
Those were the days. Fashion was evolving and I got a chance to work with super models like Iraj, Bibi, Vaneeza Ahmed etc. I did a lot of fashion shows and modelling assignments. Even then I wanted to design something of my own,” shares Faryal. “Then I got married. I left modelling and started teaching. However, I couldn’t kill my designer instinct. Now that my kids are slightly older, I can pursue my dream wholeheartedly,” she adds. According to Faryal, her label offers smart choices to homemakers and working women who want to look chic their urban life. “I am passionate about reviving our age old traditions through our designs and pigments,” she comments. Let’s find out what are some of the beauty secrets of this talented designer and what she has to say about her work...
You! What is your design philosophy?
Faryal Naqvi: To be a timeless, classic brand, with pieces that fit into your wardrobe, your mood and your palette at any point in the year.
You! What type of women you cater to?
FN: I cater to those women who do not have the time and patience to buy, design and get it stitched. I also give extra material as show patti or pipings to my clients who buy unstitched material and design it for them too. I have the aunties, as my clients, who enjoy the cool two pieces; we have working women who prefer undertones with no nonsense designs and the bubbly chirpy gharara and gypsy skirt girls.
You! What type of clothes you design for women?
FN: We design formal wear and casuals for the smartly dressed woman of today.
You! What do you like best about designing clothes?
FN: I enjoy the colours and the embellishments one can add to dress it up or down.
You! What was the first outfit that you designed?
FN: I designed a blue and black kurta. It had a different front and back with a monochrome Chevron print on the neck patti and sleeves.
You! How would you define your own sense of style?
FN: I wear what I sell. It's simple straight cuts, not too flowy and comfortable.
You! What is your signature embellishment and fabric choice?
FN: We only use organic material at Niya. My personal favourite is polka dot or Chevron Patti, sometimes also the chata-patti and gotta.
You! What is the inspiration behind your latest collection?
FN: Summer tones, lots of yellows, oranges, limes and purples along with our regular ones.
You! Tell us about how you developed your aesthetic?
FN: It’s always been there, probably polished thanks to my interest in art, music and culture.
You! Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them?
FN: I do a sketch then attach cloth samples.
You! What seasonal looks and colours are you expecting this summer?
FN: I have followed the Pantone palette. We are trying to develop a pigment from brinjals to get a beautiful lilac periwinkle.
You! Do you think we should follow the trends blindly?
FN: No. Trends can often be a waste of money because they might not actually suit your style or body shape. They may also not be generally flattering, practical or appropriate.
You! What is the one piece of clothing that you shy away from wearing and why?
FN: Short sleeves.
You! What are the difficulties faced by designers in getting their work done?
FN: We usually face difficulties getting our new lot on time. Our block prints are made of hand chiselled wooden blocks that break after a few times. Getting new block is expensive and time consuming.
You! What are the high points and low points of being a designer?
FN: High points are characterised by extremely unique clothing designs, high profits, high-quality fabrics, unique designs, and embellishments. However, low point for us is winter when we barely sell.
You! How long does it usually take for you to design an outfit?
FN: Depends, sometimes a few hours.
You! What are you currently working on?
FN: Due to personal reasons, we have taken a break from pret but we are working on a line of funky ghararas with chunay huay dupattay.
You! What kinds of future plans do you foresee for your brand?
FN: We hope to go international soon, might collaborate with Phangan Community Garden, Thailand to work on ecological printing.
You! How do you manage to strike the right balance between family and work?
FN: I am blessed to have a lot of support. My crazy day starts with teaching at school, afternoons I spend with selling my products. Weekends and holidays, I usually plan and design. The Almighty has been kind.
How old you were when you became obsessed with makeup?
When I began modelling back in 1994.
What is one cosmetic you cannot do without?
Lipstick.
When stepping out, do you wear make up all the time?
Not really but occasionally I do.
When it comes to cosmetics, which brand do you usually use?
M.A.C, Maybelline, Lancôme and Nars.
What’s in your beauty bag?
Eye liner, paint brush, blush and a few lipsticks.
Your go-to lipstick:
Sephora.
When applying makeup, what do you dread the most?
Eyeliner going haywire.
Do you go to salon regularly for your facials?
Yes.
Your favourite local stylist or beautician:
Used to be Shaheen Syed and Saima.
Your favourite international stylist:
Ilaria Urbinati.
Your preferred spa or salon:
Neelos.
Signature perfume:
Sunwater Lancaster.
Your beauty regimen:
Wash face with just water, sometimes gram flour.
Do you use anti-aging creams?
Not as yet... I think I should.
Do you believe in treatments like Botox?
No.
Are you fond of using too much makeup or you prefer a good skin with minimal amount of makeup?
I like to wear makeup according to the event.
Where do you go for your makeup shopping?
Only through online agents.
Do you use whitening creams?
Not really.
What is beauty to you?
It varies from person to person.