Fashion industries all over the world are hostile territory, especially for new comers and it's even tougher for new designers like Mahin Hussain who cross out commercially viable options of designing fashion clothing and opt for a niche market in designing accessories. But this London College of Fashion graduate has proven that when you're passionate about something, you will succeed. Of course, it goes without saying that Mahin - now out with her third collection featured in the Style pages of this issue of Instep - had tremendous support by her namesake Maheen Khan, who not only offered her retail space at her Karachi flagship store but also assisted in getting her name out there.

Last week Mahin (Hussain) took her latest collection of leather bags to Dubai, for the Woman Boutique Show, attended by over 50 designers worldwide including Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Rocky S from India as well as Usman Dittu, Maria B, Nickie Nina, Zara Shahjehan and Huma Adnan from Pakistan, amongst others. Instep got in touch with Mahin to ask her about the experience…

Instep: Would you say the exhibition was a success?

Mahin Hussain: I came back very happy. This was my first exposure to the foreign market and I have to say it was a great experience.
Instep: Was the exhibition attended by a lot of locals and what kind of response did your bags get?
MH: It was pretty big; it was well publicized in Dubai and also well attended. Sabyasachi Mukherjee did really well (we hear from sources that he sold out the collection of saris that he had bought) but even all the designers from Pakistan did exceptionally well. I think Nickie Nina and Zara Shahjehan were a huge success.
A lot of Arab women took interest in my bags; they loved the colours, which I think contrasted well with their black abayas. The clutches made the popular sales amongst Arab women because they were looking for something more formal. It was my first time so I hadn't a clue as to what to expect but I'll definitely be more prepared next time. As for the foreigners, they thought the big bags were extremely trendy. Like I said, I came back very happy.

Instep: Did you feel the impact of recession?

MH: I would have to say that the recession has had its impact on sales but then again, when we translate prices from the rupee to foreign currency, our products appear comparatively inexpensive to the Arabs. They were amazed that my pure leather bags could be available at such reasonable prices. Plus, I think that retailing from Dubai is always more lucrative - even during recession - than retailing on one of your best days in Pakistan. The market is generally more profitable there.

Instep: Did you rent your own stall?

MH: No, we were at Maheen (Khan's) stall under the banner of the House of Maheen. She didn't go herself and we were representing her. I have to say that Maheen's Gulabo line did well too. A lot of people picked up the signature rickshaw t-shirts and the colourful kurtis.

Instep: You are three collections old now. Do you think it's time to expand a little into independent retailing?

MH: I would love to but it boils down to the finances. I am catering to a niche market here so its not going to be easy. But I would love to retail from Dubai, especially at one of the popular multi label boutiques there.

Instep: Have you even considered branching out to designing clothes since you have a very unique sense of style yourself?

MH: I don't see myself getting into designing clothes but yes, I will be diversifying with various other accessories like wallets etc. I will branch out within my label.