I am originally from Pakistan living in Switzerland. So I have been exposed to two sides of fashion. The asian/oriental side and well the more western/ european side. I have always loved Pakistani clothes because of all the colours and detailed embroidery. I love putting on a gorgeous lainga (long dress suit) to go to a colourful wedding full of people full of life dressed in beautiful Pakistani clothes. One designer I like is called Maria Bilal.
Only twenty four years and she is ready to take over the catwalks in Paris, Milan and New York, Maria Belal is an ambitious young Pakistani designer with vision. A graduate of the Pakistan School of Fashion Design, Maria launched her label ‘Maria B’ in Lahore back in March 99. Right after the fashion show, she opened the doors to her new boutique located in the Defence residential area. Her cotton shalwar kameez and embroidered evening wear, all meticulously cut and stitched, were quickly snapped up by trendy Lahoris.
During her four years at the Fashion School, Maria learnt to make patterns, drape and stitch by hand – all that hard work has obviously paid off. Maria’s clothes can be described as chic and modern – they are wearable, well-cut and neatly finished. For the shoot with Meera, she selected outfits off the rack. “I wanted a glamourous look – to depict a lifestyle with a certain image. These are clothes for every occasion; they are laid back and eccentric.” The outfits she has selected – from a cotton sleeveless shalwar kameez to black net culottes to a chiffon sari – embody her look for the modern Pakistani woman in the late 90s.
Unlike other aspiring designers in Pakistan, Maria has been exposed to the international fashion scene early in her career. While still a student, in 1997 she participated in Forcea, a competition in for young designers, in Belgium and walked away with the “Les Etoiles De La Mode” Award. “I had designed some modern, futuristic pieces, but I had used traditional embroideries and indigenous materials. I didn’t expect much, but I did try my best – after all, we were the first batch from Pakistan to participate in this event, she recalls. Maria went home with an award and there was no turning back. She learnt that there was tremendous scope for Pakistani fabrics in the international market and was determined to make her mark globally. As she says with confidence, “I’m a staunch patriot – I want to take Pakistan’s name in the international fashion scene. I want to show people around the world what a great heritage we have. That really is the core philosophy of my business. We want to go into the international market and prove ourselves as a Pakistani brand name.”
Maria’s main goal is to export her outfits abroad – “I want to send haute-couture items such as evening wear, bridal wear etc. to Europe and then eventually to the US.” She knows it is difficult to break into the international market and has given herself ten years to do so. “That is how long it takes for most designers – so it is good that I am starting so young!” She remains undaunted by the global competition and says “you have to aim high – and I do want to get to New York, Milan and Paris one day.”
During her four years at the Fashion School, Maria learnt to make patterns, drape and stitch by hand – all that hard work has obviously paid off. Maria’s clothes can be described as chic and modern – they are wearable, well-cut and neatly finished. For the shoot with Meera, she selected outfits off the rack. “I wanted a glamourous look – to depict a lifestyle with a certain image. These are clothes for every occasion; they are laid back and eccentric.” The outfits she has selected – from a cotton sleeveless shalwar kameez to black net culottes to a chiffon sari – embody her look for the modern Pakistani woman in the late 90s.
Unlike other aspiring designers in Pakistan, Maria has been exposed to the international fashion scene early in her career. While still a student, in 1997 she participated in Forcea, a competition in for young designers, in Belgium and walked away with the “Les Etoiles De La Mode” Award. “I had designed some modern, futuristic pieces, but I had used traditional embroideries and indigenous materials. I didn’t expect much, but I did try my best – after all, we were the first batch from Pakistan to participate in this event, she recalls. Maria went home with an award and there was no turning back. She learnt that there was tremendous scope for Pakistani fabrics in the international market and was determined to make her mark globally. As she says with confidence, “I’m a staunch patriot – I want to take Pakistan’s name in the international fashion scene. I want to show people around the world what a great heritage we have. That really is the core philosophy of my business. We want to go into the international market and prove ourselves as a Pakistani brand name.”
Maria’s main goal is to export her outfits abroad – “I want to send haute-couture items such as evening wear, bridal wear etc. to Europe and then eventually to the US.” She knows it is difficult to break into the international market and has given herself ten years to do so. “That is how long it takes for most designers – so it is good that I am starting so young!” She remains undaunted by the global competition and says “you have to aim high – and I do want to get to New York, Milan and Paris one day.”
