Pakistani fashion brand opens in London’s luxury heart

LONDON: In a ground-breaking move for Pakistani and South Asian fashion, leading fashion designer Mohsin Naveed Ranjha and entrepreneur Malik Asad unveiled their new design studio in the heart of London Regent Street, the capital’s luxury fashion district.

This marks the first time a Pakistani couture brand has established a permanent presence in the global fashion hub, sharing with the world the unique style, culture and heritage of Pakistan and South Asia. Bollywood actress Sonam Bajwa and dozens of leading Pakistani and Indian society figures attended the opulent launch which had hundreds of people queuing outside the studio to see the glamour on display inside the newly unveiled studio – showcasing richly-made, colourful designer clothes.

The first ever of its kind project has been brought to Mortimer Street, just off Regent Street, by the creative director Mohsin Naveed Ranjha, managing director Abubakar Naveed Ranjha and fashion ecosystem pioneer Asad Malik. They said their MNR studio is set to redefine luxury and elegance – offering a wide range for both men and women. Mohsin Naveed Ranjha and Asad Malik told this correspondent they had decided to set up in London after a thorough market search. They were convinced there is no better place than London – and Regent Street, Oxford Circus, Bond Street area – to have their studio to cater to the British Asian community in the UK as well as expanding Pakistan’s fashion footprint to more diverse audiences. Lots of their clients are from India, including a large number of western-based Indian Punjabis, and Bangladesh and London would be the most suitable places.”

Bollywood’s Punjabi powerhouse actor Sonam Bajwa people in London have been asking her about buying quality clothes for their special occasions. The actor said: “Now people don’t have to go to India and Pakistan to buy clothes for their weddings. Mohsin is in huge demand in India and overseas. Mohsin’s journey is so much more than fashion. It is a representation of culture and community which inspires and uplifts.

Mohsin Naveed Ranjha said he was full of sentiments of pride and accomplishment. He said he wanted to come for a long time to the London hub to show Pakistani craft to the world.

Cresset CEO Malik Asad said the London launch was based on market research. “It’s all about credibility and good intentions. We are the people behind positioning fashion brands in Pakistan on the global landscape in terms of strategy.

Ranjha is among South Asia’s premier designers, whose fashion has been seen in Hollywood, Bollywood, and Pakistani stars alike, including Tan France, Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan, Karan Aujla, Jhanvi Kapoor, Mahira Khan and Maya Ali.