Why designing?
Q1: What inspired you to get into the field of designing?
A1: it started back in the days when I was designing lawns/linens for Gulahmed , I knew exactly how I wanted my print to look like when stitched, so I went ahead and started styling all the outfits for the summer and winter collections for the company’s posters and TV commercials.
Q2: Do you have professional training, and do you feel it’s essential for a designer to have a professional education?
A2: I am a textile designer by profession, but our course included fashion designing also in Melbourne Australia.
Q3: What inspires you to design prêt wear, instead of formals and semi formals?
A3: I just love prêt wear and seeing girls/women wear an Aisha alam shirt on a daily basis where ever I go makes my day
Q4: What is the over-riding aesthetic in your designing?
A4: My unique cuts
Q5: Is it hard to differentiate yourself from other designers in this saturated market?
A5: not at all! I have a unique sense of style which is diff from all the stuff out there.
Q6: How important is it in today’s world to have a specific identity for your brand?
A6: people come to me because they know they will find amazing cuts, excellent stitching and a great price all in one….. So a specific identity is everything cause that what will draw them to you in the first place
Why prêt?
Q1: Do you feel the off-the-rack market is limited to prêt wear or is it being expanded to semi formals and formals also?
A1: I think it expanded to semi formal and formal a long time back.
Q2: What role do you think price points play in the success of a prêt line?
A2: the right price is EVERYTHING! A woman who wants to pick up stylish readymade clothes for everyday will pick up a shirt in the 3500 to 5000 range in a heartbeat but def not if the same thing is 7000 r.s
Q3: Describe the Aisha Alam woman.
A3: the AISHA ALAM woman is a modern confident everyday woman who loves the minimalist styles and walks like she is on the runway!
Q4: Do you think prêt is defined by a price point or by a sensibility?
A4: price point
Q5: Are you planning to launch your own store or does sticking to multi-brand stores work for your business model?
A5: I would love to launch my own store when the time is right… At the moment stocking at multibrand stores is working out just fine for me.
The business of fashion:
Q1: Is fashion truly a viable business now, or is it still a hobby for most?
A1: it’s def a viable business as there is a designer on every street now!
Q2: Do you think most people in the fashion industry have now adopted a professional ethos or is professionalism still lacking?
A2: I would say the newer lot is very professional.
Q3: What suggestions would you give to a newcomer that will help her develop a sustainable business plan?
A3: Never compromise on quality and Make sure your price is right
Q4: Do you think it’s better to work with a cut and stitch unit or establish one’s own factory unit?
A4: your own unit if you plan to grow really big
Q5: As a mother and wife, do you think fashion is a difficult industry to enter or do you think it’s perfect for a working woman.
A5: Well let me tell you that I have never worked this hard in my life … Stocking at six top multibrand stores across the country requires a lot of professional and organizational skills but I do not think it is a difficult industry to enter at all.. It is difficult to stay afloat once u enters!
Personal style:
Q1: How would you define your sense of style?
A1: modern … Feminine! I am drawn towards simplicity and clean lines
Q2: What colors do you like wearing and what colors do you stay away from?
A2: I love blacks, navy blues and all shades of pink but I really dislike light blue
Q3: What’s your day bag?
A3: coach tote
Q4: What kind of shoes does you like wearing during the day?
A4: wedges
Q5: What’s your favorite accessory for evening wear?
A5: Statement earrings
The textile designer alias fashion designer Aisha Alam talks about her love for designing pret wear in an exclusive interview with Fashion Central.
