Instep: How do you differentiate yourself from other designers?
Fahad Hussayn: I would say my work speaks for itself. It depicts art and architecture and one can actually tell that there has been a thought process going into each one of my pieces. Then I realize the responsibility that comes with designing clothes. As I see it, when a client approaches a designer, they trust them with the most important thing, which is "how do I look?"

Instep: Have you done any fashion shows recently?
FH: I have done a number of collaborative fashion shows and my solo fashion show will be coming up very soon.

Instep: How do you think Lahore influences your design style?
FH: Every city has its own fashion sense. In Lahore's case, less is more and the opposite applies to Karachi and Faisalabad. So my sense of design is certainly influenced by the ambience I'm in.

Instep: Which designer (national or international) has been the biggest influence on you and why?
FH: I think it has to be Alexander McQueen because of the art and drama one can see in his clothes. Just like that, there are some pieces I do for myself only. As a designer McQueen is very bold and one can see that his clothes are not restricted by any leashes and boundaries. Drama speaks in his clothing.

Instep: Being a textile design student, you probably like to dramatise the choice of fabrics you use?
FH: Since I do formal clothing, I generally use chiffons and jamavars as those give the best results. As for my creative collection I do experiment a lot. I use buttons, plastics and self woven fabrics. Colours vary on my mood and atmosphere, hues and tints are common amongst them.

Instep: We see drama in this collection. Tell us about the next line you are working on, the summer 2007 collection?
FH: I'm working on Turkish motifs currently which are more towards the intricate cutwork and architectural type designs. I think Turkish motifs are much understated because of the complex work which requires a lot of time.

Instep: Do you find it challenging?
FH: It took me a long time since I had no formal education in designing; whatever I have learnt so far, from cutting to stitching to designing is through craftsmen. Of course my later art education has helped me branch out in something creative.

Instep: Being part of the fashion fraternity now, have you joined the Pakistan Fashion Design Council?
FH: I think the whole initiative behind the Lahore fashion council is tremendously foolish. It's a bunch of people who want to maneuver other people by overshadowing talent. For instance, they wouldn't like it if a poor fashion educated designer could create better pieces than those who are more experienced. Thus I believe it's of no use because I'm a spiritual person and my thought is that if I have to become a designer I will and nobody can stop me.

Instep: What's the best part of your job?
FH: The fact that a designer becomes a kind of counselor for his customers. They start trusting you with your guidance and ask you what would look best on them. A bond developed between you and your customer and at the end of the day there is nothing better than a pleased customer.

Instep: Do your clothes cater to a certain class or clientele?
FH: No class restriction for my clothes. I despise the thought of class restriction, which is why my clothes range from extremely reasonable to a little on the costly side. I want everybody to wear my clothes, be it a college student or a working woman.

Instep: Have you planned to expand your line from bridals?
FH: Yes most definitely, the work is in progress for the men's collection and also a kid's line.