Shamaeel Ansari – The Last of Her Kind

by Shahjehan Saleem

The Pakistani fashion industry is a living testament to the power of ever-changing trends, and each mushrooming brand is a proof of it. However, amidst it all, there are still those who have preserved the craft by keeping it all about research and about the intricacies of couture. Shamaeel Ansari is one such example.

Crossing three decades in the Pakistani fashion market, she has been a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the art of fashion, history, and culture, owing to her brilliance and expertise.

Now, talking about this skillset and her sartorial repertoire, Shamaeel Ansari sits down for a tête-à-tête with Diva…

Crossing three decades in the industry. How have you managed to retain your aesthetic?

The Shamaeel brand is one of the pioneer brands of Pakistan, having crossed 3 decades. My mantra for design is putting forward that which means something. A classic inspiration a grounded textile narrative. Staying within the realm of ones passion within the process brings out the best results.

What changes have you seen in the fashion industry?

The fashion industry has now second fast moving . Shifting consumer preferences have changed the industry. The need for variety has brought forward many new designers. Collections change rapidly, and this is a positive aspect of bringing forth creativity and to keep the ball working. It is important within this period to maintain originality. Social media and online selling has expanded the exposure, but it is important for a brand to maintain its identity and unique legacy.

You are one of the few designers who is known for researching on fashion. How important do you think that is?

Research is the overall strategy one chooses to integrate different components in a coherent way. What inspires one ? What is the stream of conscience? What is the turn around aspect? It is the blue print for your design, and the ability to research rings forth knowledge that opens many doors to creativity. It works in keeping the brand’s uniqueness.

Your legacy has been enshrouded by your love for grandeur and oriental opulence. How will you continue that legacy?

Orientalism is one of my deepest passions however the brand has and will be always reflecting many sartorial odes, how the Shamaeel product is and always will be applauded us for its originality.

You have represented Pakistani craft internationally for years. What feedback have you gotten and how has that excelled your work?

My career and brand reflects my uniqueness in expression. The Shamaeel brand is the only brand that created history with maximum number of solo shows, from 1990 to date. In sartorial locations, in sync with the collections, philosophy and theology. The Shamaeel customer stands apart as does the brands history. No limitations – my own ideology and my own expression.

Where do you see the Shamaeel brand in this new decade?

New decades are a journey. Moving forwards with new ideas, yet standing out as being individual in the world of ShamaeeL

Shamaeel Ansari: A Beacon of Elegance and Innovation! Top Fashion Designer In Pakistan 🌟✨

Proudly highlighted in the Pakistan Times USA newspaper, Shamaeel Ansari is celebrated for her extraordinary journey and unmatched contributions to the world of fashion. Her visionary designs and cultural artistry have set new benchmarks, earning her the prestigious title of the Best Fashion Designer from Pakistan. As a true pioneer of fashion in Pakistan, Shamaeel has made significant strides in the international market, particularly with her Western-inspired designs, making a notable impact in the USA business scene.

Explore how Shamaeel Ansari continues to shape the future of fashion with her unparalleled creativity and craftsmanship. Don't miss this article—a must-read for anyone looking to learn about Shamaeel's inspiring journey and her commitment to excellence in fashion.

Discover why Shamaeel Ansari is hailed as the top fashion designer in Pakistan and how her innovative designs resonate globally.

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Stories dedicated to Women’s Day tend to be littered with certain catchphrases. There is talk about breaking glass ceilings, smashing the patriarchy and making a mark in a man’s world. While these phrases are all true, they are also so ubiquitous that they seem downright generic. There are, after all, far more creative ways of describing and celebrating the achievements of women.

Armed with a background in finance and corporate law and with a strong creative streak, she has paved a path that has veered from apparel to developing home textiles and catering, and from a loyal local clientele to a consistent export business.

Her trajectory can quite literally be utilised to form a timeline tabulating the evolution of Pakistani fashion. From founding her high-end luxury label back in 1987, Shamaeel forged ahead with solo fashion shows and exhibits around the world, dabbling with lawn, ready-to-wear, luxury-wear and bridals, mentoring up-and-coming designers and chairing the Karachi-based Fashion Pakistan Council for some time.

Some of the most memorable benchmarks set by Shamaeel are reminiscent of Pakistani fashion’s heydays. Her Orient Express show back in the early ’90s, for instance, took place at the Karachi Railway Station, with models making an entry on an old steam engine.In yet another memorable solo outing, back in 2017, Shamaeel opened up her home to a select guest list, setting up installations in different rooms, drawing on Turkish history for inspiration.

“From about 1987 to 1998, I would be showcasing my collections in solo shows,” recalls Shamaeel. “I think that I am possibly the only Pakistani designer to have staged so many solo fashion shows. Maintaining a distinctive creative signature with my brand has always been very important to me but, at the same time, I am a businesswoman. I have navigated ups and downs and overseen every aspect on my own, ranging from production to the advertising aspects to retail, sampling, finance, research and export. It goes to show that with the right education and motivation, a woman can run a business just as well as a man.

” She continues: “Simultaneously, I have always been very willing to train others. As chairperson of the Fashion Pakistan Council, I would try my best to encourage promising new designers and I also regularly work with the Hunar Foundation, training the girls there on designing fabric products.”

Shamaeel adds, “A love for fabric and texture runs in my genealogy. My great-grandfather had been one of the very first men to manufacture and retail pure silk in Mysore, India. Personally, even while I studied finance, I enjoyed visiting museums, reading about cultures and history and, eventually, taking inspiration from them when I turned my eye towards fashion design.

“As a result, my collections have always been rich in history, inspired by works of art and literature, carefully curated to exude regality and individual expression. In these 37 years, I feel happy that I have not let my signature get diluted. When a woman walks in wearing my design and it prompts the people around her to recognise it as ‘A Shamaeel’, I consider it quite an achievement!” she smiles.

Step into the enchanting realm of Pakistani fashion, where the name Shamaeel Ansari shines brightly—a true icon renowned for her elegance and sophistication since 1987. Celebrated as the “czarina of style,” Shamaeel stands as one of Pakistan’s most distinguished female designers, firmly establishing her place among the industry’s finest.

Shamaeel Ansari: A Trailblazer in Pakistani Fashion and best known as Top Fashion Designer In Pakistan.

Shamaeel Ansari is not just a designer; she is a pioneering force who has shaped Pakistani fashion for over three decades. Her remarkable journey cements her status as one of Pakistan’s premier designers and a leading female figure in the fashion world.

What distinguishes Shamaeel is her seamless fusion of style and grace. From Casual Pret to Luxury Pret, Formals, and Wedding Couture, her seasonal collections present a diverse array, capturing the essence of top women designers in Pakistan.

Shamaeel Ansari’s designs transcend borders, resonating on a global scale. Her brand captivates fashion enthusiasts in India, the USA, and the Middle East, solidifying her reputation as one of the top fashion designers in Pakistan.

Every creation by Shamaeel Ansari is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has rightfully positioned her brand among the top ten fashion designers in Pakistan, setting a standard for outstanding design and quality.

Founded in 1987, Shamaeel Ansari’s brand continues to redefine the fashion industry. With a legacy steeped in sophistication, the brand remains at the forefront of the global haute couture scene. As the top fashion designer in Pakistan, Shamaeel Ansari continues to blaze trails, leaving a lasting impact on the ever-evolving landscape of Pakistani fashion.

In a world where fashion transcends mere clothing, Shamaeel Ansari stands as a beacon of timeless elegance. Her journey, from 1987 to today, is a testament to her enduring influence, making her a true icon in the world of Pakistani fashion.