sana hashwani biography
Today India looks at our industry; their prt market is not as organised as ours. They wont. When I moved to New York, something about Pakistan kept calling me back. You have to be careful about how quickly you expand and how much dead stock you carry, because it is a drain on finances. Karachista | Pakistani Fashion & Lifestyle Mag, Karachi Eat 2017 the good, the bad and the ugly, Wedding wear on a budget an insiders guide to fabrics and craftsmanship in Karachis Bazaars, Weaving Green Pakistans first sustainable fashion line by Sapphire, Local teens give back with innovative educational games, LSA 2020 the Lux Style Awards 2020 go virtual but dont skimp on the glam, Breaking Barriers-Behind the Veil of Coke Studio With Zara Madani. What is so great about having your own stores is that you can deliver on the trust value of your brand and in this way control your image. At that time she was opening her current salon. In 1985, Hashwani made a successful bid for the majority shares of Pakistan Services Limited, which then owned four Inter-Continental Hotels across Pakistan, the hotels were re-branded as Pearl-Continental Hotels. While Sadaf feels going through the strenuous process of becoming a doctor was not that difficult, since she came from a family on doctors, getting into a male dominated field was a bit of a challenge. I used to be on a call every other night, so Id leave home at 5 am and Id come home the next day at about 2-3 pm. SANA SAFINAZ: Sana Safinaz was founded in 1989 by the two women Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer. Now, the only important thing for girls is not just looking good and getting married. There is no doubt in the fact that when Sehrs daughters grow up, they will be her best reflection and much more. News Desk. Its something we have to change. But managing to complete her CA despite all the odds was Shaguftas miracle moment. Today we own 14 shops 15 if you include our online retail this in just two and a half years; I dont think anyone has had that spurt. Retail is a very tough business and it will take a long time to become solid. If you can dream it, you can do it.. With around 30 stores nationwide and a brand that ranks in the top three in terms of ready to wear in the country, Sana Safinaz not only command respect and recognition but they keep proving themselves worthy of it. This is a country of nearly 200 million people; unofficially Karachi has a population of 28 million people, Lahore approximately 11 to 12 million. SM: No. Sana and Safinaz are in a pretty amazing position and theyre both pretty amazing themselves, considering the position Pakistani fashion is in these days. Just be confident and believe in yourself. Some of the teachers that taught me are still there and they are my mentors, she says. When you have that kind of commitment, your product is naturally much better. Your focus changes once you become a mother. If a customer buys one of our products from another store, there is no guarantee they will refund your money. Amin A. Hashwani. Iqraa Hassan Mansha started off with a very small boutique hotel in Lahore and has recently opened the state of art Emporium Mall, which she calls her gift to the people of Lahore. All you have to do is get a monthly facial and a good face wash. You dont need to be lavish. For a young girl stepping into the workforce today she has two things to say be positive and own up to your mistakes. Sana and I have no knowledge of retail; we are learning day to day. Personally, shes always had the drive to contribute something to the world, and feels everyone else should also. We started when the industry was at zero. A: Twenty-five years ago, did you have a vision of how SANA SAFINAZ would play out? As a surgeon, a woman has to understand that if she is not able to be there at all times for her children, it is because someone else needed her more. It was truly amazing seeing the response the audience gave to both shows and I felt exhilarated. We steer the conversation back to fashion and the fact that theyve just gone and revolutionized wedding wear in Pakistan by launching a range of ready to wear wedding wear. In 2021, "Mahay" collection, broke all records ever made in fashion industry with ever highest sales worldwide. Now, Paperazzi is on its 160th issue and the pressure is on. In fact, were looking forward to it! If you come up with something this year, you cant do it the next, because the copiers will be doing it, so you have to keep rethinking your way forward. We started retail, not knowing a thing about it. SM: You have to keep on tweaking the model because it is not a science that has been worked out in Pakistan. "If you want to grow, no. You need to be very liquid because you have to keep re-inventing your stores and opening new ones. This week, our Ponds Miracle Women mentor is Sana Hashwani, the co-owner of the high end fashion empire Sana Safinaz. Fashion fades, only style remains the same. A: But it was your time with Lakhany Mills that made your name. When youre older you shrug it off and say, so what if missed the first step whats the big deal? But what you need to do is push yourself harder, organize yourself, and prioritise what is important. In 1978, he launched the Holiday Inn hotel in Karachi in 1981 and later in Islamabad. [4], In 2014, Hashwani published his best-selling memoir Truth Always Prevails. I also free- lance for fashion houses from time to time to remain hands on with my skills, says Seveen. That is quite unbelievable if you think about the overcrowded marketplace designers stand and compete in today. "Its the business of fashion that keeps driving us," Safinaz Muneer continues. Read More: Daughter of Sana Safinaz's owner Zevair Hashwani tests positive for COVID-19. Once we reached our 100th issue we knew that we were in control and we could do this.. SH: Its the nature of the business. Her weekends were taken up by jewelry and allocating enough time to it was challenging. Education matters. Indeed, to have a daughter as loving and as strong as Sehr, it takes a devoted mother and exceptional parenting. Elite people with excellent financial resources making products for elite. Do not fall into that rat race, love yourself, be focused, tell your subconscious you can and it starts bringing it together. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. It reaffirmed to me that I am capable of doing anything I want to. Thank you Shagufta for teaching us it is never too late to start anew, for teaching us to have faith in ourselves and embrace each challenge with a stride. This is about two Pakistani women designing for Pakistani women, and when you get that instinct down to a pat, there is very little that can throw you off track. quite shameful designs that 99% people in the country cannot wear, and cannot afford. In 25 years we have taken the brand from couture to prt and this says a lot for us as a brand. That creates a nice balance and helps me unwind., While Iqraa always seems to be on the top of her game, she too, has had her moments of weakness. At 8 p.m. just before I put my boys to bed, I have a slight silent nervous breakdown, she laughs, and giving the due time to my work and to my children is probably the toughest thing for me. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. He is also Chairman at Karachi Cotton Association and on the board of 11 other companies. Safinaz is sitting with a young Italian girl, married to a Pakistani and hence having moved to Karachi when I walk in; she's helping her understand the market dynamic so she can start her own label. Amin A. Hashwani is Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director at Landmark Spinning Industries Ltd. I had a lot of issues with the pregnancy. Women today are educated, talented and accomplished, and these traits go hand-in-hand with being financially independent. She was much older and that allowed her to become calmer and wiser. Today, Mehr is the publishing editor of the popular and trend-setting weekly Paperazzi. She somehow picked herself up, suffered a minor concussion yet overcame it through positive reaffirmation. However, this is a learning process and a very young field in a young country and Safi and I have learnt from mistakes that someone 10 years from now will not make. I decided to go to US for training and when you went into residency, for every 6 men there was maybe one woman taken in, she explains. Years ago I would go to a wedding and would think about how good the bride looks, the groom could probably have been better and whether or not the decor is nice. Our lawn business has been going for the last six years and it is galloping now. Your time is not necessarily your own and having the support of your family is imperative. Join Facebook to connect with Sana Hashwani and others you may know. Pakistani's popular clothing and accessories retailer Sana Safinaz on Monday condemned rumours that their CEO Sana Hashwani has contracted the novel coronavirus. Pakistan barely has any trade schools or any sort of government support, and despite that, we see so many pioneers emerging. But along with their sense of evolution, its also their attitude that has dictated their success. There is no long hard work challenge story here. Came straight home into quarantine as any responsible adult who has travelled abroad should do. Change was something that she used to fear but has learnt that accepting and adopting change is, in fact, healthy. Despite all her achievements, Shagufta is no stranger to self-doubt. SM: In this business PR is very important. She would go round and round the roundabout to see it. Simple things work., Living in Karachi, were all aware of city conditions and how calm can turn into chaos in a matter of minutes. Sana Safinaz are true innovators and trailblazers in all their business and creative endeavors and have set the bar high for the business of fashion in Pakistan. Here one has to nurture and build teams which understand the brand. Chartered Accountancy was such a challenge for Shagufta. However, luck was not on her side and she failed to find a job. But while striving to make her own mark in the world, she never forgets her responsibility as a mother. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview. SM: In retrospect I think that had we had business degrees we would have been savvier, although our baby steps toward the bigger picture worked for us. According to an American-business magazine' Forbes, ' 2020 he is 7th richest Pakistani with a net worth of 1.5 billion US dollars. Sana and Safinaz on their 25 years in the industry, maintaining product quality, and dealing with copied designs. In the general populous there still isnt acceptance. She admits surgery is a difficult field to be in and balancing professional and personal life is not an easy task for a woman who decides to pursue it. Sana and Safinaz are the most non-political and pleasant people in the field. For example, if there is a bleed on a shirt, customers can return it to one of our stores and if the complaint is legitimate, their money will be refunded. Men dont think they need to take of their skin but its just dirt and must be cleaned up! Sana Safinaz is famous for introducing the traditional eastern designs in most modern and innovative way that make remarkable impression over the fashion industry of the country. It was like climbing a mountain. We were just numb; we were just doing what we were doing. "Our first ever show was a disaster; I remember Safinaz cried after it. Prt accounts for only 10% of the market, but what it offers is convenience; it makes the brand accessible and opens up new avenues. We never think ahead of ourselves; we take one step a time. If you start thinking like that, youll be able to figure out your way through any situation. She is someone who values the lessons life has to teach. A: What are the main challenges for fashion as an industry? SH: The growth is so tremendous, you cant think about any other business. Sana handles prt entirely on her own. Miracle Woman Seveen Muneer is cheerful, affable and just the right blend of tradition and modernity. SH: Profitability is something we will definitely see. Abroad, when a designer retires, the design house goes and finds the next top designer. When youre younger, little things seem big. She did not have a plan B for her career and the only option she had was to switch to commerce. Why are you asking a racist, I want to ask her?". The clothes are beautiful. You learn to deal with problems as you go along. She spent some time in Sri Lanka and noticed that they had a ministry for floral decoration. SM: With bridals and light evening wear. Nothing is impossible. I know how to strike the balance between being their teacher and also their friend. Being human, she obviously gets tired and drained out. According to rumors, Owner of Clothing brand Sana Safinaz, Sana Hashwani, and her kids are tested positive for coronavirus. Tremendous scope; it is now about engaging and we are at the stage where the public is engaging with us. Its exhausting! Rich getting richer. Mehr recalls that once the binding of the magazine wasnt done properly and it was falling apart and I was having a panic attack. Working for them has been one of the best decisions I ever made.. However, the company was nationalised in 1973. You need a strong and independent team with retail knowledge. We have just entered the prt field and it is a tremendous challenge. "I flew into Karachi on Sunday from London. An amalgamation of the ideas put forward by Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer, the brand, which is now 27 years old, revolutionized the market time and again, and has been a constant pathbreaker in what couture and fast fashion means in Pakistan. What is the use of it? A: How much are you affected by the small players who copy your designs? Sana Safinaz are true innovators and trailblazers in all their business and creative endeavors and have set the bar high for the business of fashion in Pakistan. Be proud to be brown! There was a point when we went into a lull. After her evening yoga sessions, she spends half an hour in a nice long bubble bath which helps her unwind and rejuvenate. She is taking care of other peoples wellbeing and saving lives. SAFINAZ MUNEER: SANA SAFINAZ is a powerhouse, although a lot of people still havent really picked up on this. She was in a relationship with a man named Ismail Khan. SH: Contained maybe; but it is a big business. Linked companies : Jubilee General Insurance Company Limited - Landmark Spinning Industries Limited. We have done some of the biggest homes in Pakistan. By 1970s, it had become Pakistan's largest cotton trading company. Again it was not a big vision; we said lets start this and see where it goes. Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer shared their challenges, innovations and marketing strategies. At the end of the day when I go home, I am motivated and excited to see them, she explains. When I did it, that moment gave me power and courage. She started working when she turned 19 and married her high school sweetheart 15 years ago. She started working when she turned 19 and married her high school sweetheart 15 years ago. As far as her Miracle Moment is concerned, it was during her Masters degree when she was one of the 15 students who were chosen to showcase their thesis project to a wide audience at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. When you are young, you are fearless; you are at the beginning of things and you experiment. I come from a family of very hardworking women. I am a mother of twins and with that I am working with my mother in law, helping her in her business as one of the most prestigious fashion designer houses in Pakistan. We broke into different avenues and levels which is why we sustained our position.". "What are you going to do? Would ve been a story if lower or middle class girls had made it. Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) is the highest honour given to any civilian in Pakistan to recognise their achievements and outstanding services for the country. Sanas favorite remedy is getting massages, even if she has to call someone home to get it done. It is a time when fame and fortune is favouring the commercial favourites as opposed to the creative experts. Today, Shagufta is a mother of two lovely children, trustee of a charitable organization and much, much more. The number of Corona virus-infected in Pakistan has risen to 646, Sindh has reported the highest number of 292 cases, Punjab 152, Khyber . I dont think the government realises the severity of the problem copying is a huge issue; it is an industry wide problem. @F. Shah I guess they design for the niche, not for general public. Sometimes getting it all done is really hard. However, while going back to your roots brings to you a sense of familiarity and comfort, it has its own challenges. There are times when you will have to choose between motherhood and work. Sadaf felt weak at the time of the birth of her first child, just like any other working mother would. "And thats actually the reason why things have taken off. A: How do you escape this? A chain of Sana Safinaz retail outlets opened in 2013 across Pakistan providing the latest in trendy and contemporary ready to wear clothing of both western and eastern aesthetic as well as unstitched designs, accessories and footwear. [1][2], Born in Karachi, Sind Province, British India into a Sindhi Khoja Shia Muslim family. "That was my baby. But its not just their achievements which make them so inspirational, its their attitude. In Pakistan, there is no proper system but Bina also sees this as a great learning experience. She had learnt her lesson. Sana Khan with Aashka Goradia. Its very involving and you have to be on top of your game. "When youre being humble and moving from point A to point B and youre not jealous of others and concentrating on what youre good at, I think thats the reason for our success, too.". It was crass. ", "I couldnt sleep for a month," Sana then recalls the many times her lawn campaigns were targeted for being elitist or racist. They have . When the mother works, it reflects in the mindset of her children.. No one is going to order an expensive bridal outfit without talking to me; if I am not available, people come back another time. A large family; 4 siblings, very hands on parents and a lot of love that goes around. But the industry has won accolades and made fashion shine. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Included on the apparel side is the brands latest venture in retail. Making it into a professional business is the key.". She had just begun her career when her baby started falling ill very frequently. Some moments are yours and should just be yours so I try and do that. In May 2011 in a press conference, he expressed his support for Pakistan and its institutions, particularly military and expressed confidence in the abilities of Pakistanis. A long story of the reason for infection was also shared on social media. It has become her family and where she draws her strength from. ", "Plus, we encourage young designers," Sana adds on. Oskar Schindler (28 April 1908 - 9 Oktober 1974) adalah seorang pengusaha, pengilang yang terkenal menyelamatkan orang Yahudi dari dimasukkan dalam kem-kem tahanan semasa langkah pembunuhan ramai dilakukan Parti Buruh Jerman Sosialis Nasional yang memerintah Jerman dengan mengupah mereka dalam kilang . The ministry set trade schools in the right areas, where eager girls would come to learn. Nishat Hotel is however, closer to my heart and since it was my first project, it taught me a lot, from brand building to how people think and function, says the multi faceted Iqraa. With prt, Shamoon (Sultan) has created millions of jobs, and with more and more companies following the trend, a massive amount of employment has been generated. Before Pinterest and the internet, references came from books, museums and other sources. "The minute we dont have it we start to get bored. There is no doubt that this talented artist has many more feathers to put in her cap in the years to come. She strongly believes that whatever happens, happens for a reason. Number of locations. Do they also have a succession plan in place, I ask? SM: Look at the number of Fashion Weeks taking place every year. hard work and inspiration for others.Ladies of my country please come forward to do great jobs unlike the men who have miserably failed in every field. I tested positive Sunday night the day I arrived and have been in quarantine since the flight. Her magazine is something that has shaped her life. I miss you.. Shaping them into free thinking girls in a world where there are so many norms to follow is my miracle moment. Sehr is an amazing mother, values all her relationships and is extremely dedicated to her work. She is glad she made the decision to give more time to her family and now is busy being a good wife, daughter and an arts instructor. PHOTO: FILE Designer duo Sana and Safinaz were spotted at the launch of their pret store in Lahore on June 3. Safinaz is married to Sana's brother. Then 18 years ago we went into lawn and five years ago we started doing lawn totally on our own. While she loves her work, Sehrs Miracle Moment is her set of twins. With so much misinformation being disseminated via various channels (mainly looking at you, WhatsApp) in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the latest celebrity to become a victim of false claims is Sana Hashwani of designer duo Sana Safinaz. In lawn you can take a legal route because theres too much money involved. We can generate our own electricity, our own water, youre not particularly supported as small businesses, all of us are floundering and working out how to do things for ourselves. Other countries have a proper structure, they have unions and councils. If, for example I take inspiration from a 15th century Turkish motif I see in a book and then expand or merge it with something else, I have owned it. Sana and Safinaz are the most non-political and pleasant people in the field. . There are moments of weakness, she admits, when one is on the go all the time, trying to do so many things simultaneously. "We are sharing Sana Hashwani's test results in order to dispel the rumours that she has Covid19. Managing what is indisputably Pakistans most aspirational fashion brand, Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer talk about 27 years in the business and what it is that keeps them going from strength to strength. KARACHI: In an exclusive interview with . I consider myself a work in progress. Sanas journey began as a student in New York. The business of fashion has become tremendously exciting because its highly challenging. Somewhere between her studies, family, and career she lost sight of herself. In fact she entered this field because of her own skin troubles. Therefore, after graduating with a Masters degree in textiles from Central Saint Martins in London, she returned to Karachi and carved a special place for herself in the textile sector. It is so liberating. March 23, 2020 March 23, . Hashwani studied at the University of Karachi and in 1960 founded the Hassan Ali Company along with his brother AHSAN IQBAL YOUSUFZAI. Tomorrow is my daughters 7th birthday and the first day of a fashion week. I want to build on the strong foundation laid by them, bringing innovation and fresh outlooks to the designs. That is the crux of the matter. SH: Another issue is QC (quality control) because the fabric comes from the textile mills and it is out of your control, but we have to deal with it. Every Monday morning, I feel I cant go on anymore. But Mehr manages to pull through every time and the cycle continues. The next one I do, I will do with a gallery. SH: We worked for Alkaram for three years and then we did a three year stint at Lakhany where we designed lawn under the SANA SAFINAZ by Lakhany tag. They respect me a lot., For this young artist, financial independence is of utmost importance. SH: This happens. Sana has selected women that have aspired against the odds with hardwork and dedication. Hashwani studied at the University of Karachi and in 1960 founded the Hassan Ali Company along with his brother AHSAN IQBAL YOUSUFZAI. Thats why Sana Safinaz today has a very young dynamic.". That was such a challenge for me, to become something that matches up to the expectations and successes of the rest of the women I am surrounded by, Seveen proclaims. They both turn up to work in their own designs, everyday, and are actually - even at their age - their own best models. Before, I would worry about the gender and looks of the baby. "Weve outgrown different phases. I will miss the fashion week and it will not be the end of the world. Mehr gives maximum time to her children while they are up but after their bedtime its all about self-love. When youre unhappy, put on a nice big smile, tell yourself Im happy and your physiology changes your psychology., The dynamic Salina is a proponent of work-life balance. You cant make this work alone; its not possible. Celebrity News Coronavirus Pakistan . The duo is all set to launch its first Muzlin collection of the year and their ubiquitous luxury lawn is right around the corner too. SM: We dont want to be the face of SANA SAFINAZ. But 27 years cant all be smooth sailing. That way she wont have to compromise. SH: Not at all. Public asset : 397,260 USD. While helping out others through her yoga sessions, she ensures she keeps her mind at peace too. She always wanted to be known for her own work rather than being recognized as the cousin or the sister of someone successful. Both women started off in the largely male dominated industry of fashion and retail and sought to a targeted niche market of a largely higher socioeconomic clientele. If we are careless as an industry, the impact is huge. Iqraa believes that with changing times, standing up on your own feet is imperative for every man and woman. My work brings about so many positive changes in me. With lawn we could have simply hit the cruise button and stayed there; we would not have gone into retail and been very happy. With jewelry Ive brought in to Pakistan the biggest challenge has been dealing with the customs and shipping departments. In fact every day there are moments of weakness. LIMITED. Sana rocked this off-shoulder crme printed tunic with a pair of straight black pants. How much is enough, I wonder, as Sana Safinaz continue talking about their endless reservoir of ideas. Saadia Qamar March 20, 2011. If the government doesnt step in and legitimate people keep getting hurt, they will say it is not worth it. I wouldnt have been here, giving this interview, if it wasnt for them.. SH: The secret is to be passionate about whatever you do and 25 years on we are as passionate, if not more, than when we started. There isnt an iota of insecurity in what shes doing; Safinaz is generous and is going out of her way to help. Keep checking this space for updated trends, products and what's in store related information! She feels the older she gets, the more she needs to give herself a break and relax. It is the little things that bring the greatest of joys in life and it is the willpower that knows no obstacles. The same goes for interiors; people are not interested in our team designing their house, they want to talk to us; they want our vision.