For a 22-year-old girl, getting an opportunity to showcase her designs at one of the biggest platforms like London Fashion Week (LFW) is no less than a dream come true. Saba Shabnam Khan, who hails from Kashmir, is the only student from International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Hyderabad and she is one of the few Indian designers who presented her collection at the recent LFW.
Khan always wanted to be a fashion designer. Her love for sketches and designs convinced her parents that this is what she wants to do professionally. But for Saba, it has been difficult to be a designer as well as a Kashmiri. “It is difficult because many people think that desinging and modelling are the same thing. Being a Muslim girl and aiming to be a fashion designer itself is a challenge. But thanks to my parents who understand me and respect my work. I want to be an ideal for the Muslim girls who want to live their dreams,” she says.
Talking about her journey from India to London Fashion Week, she says, “In our family, no girl has ever travelled alone to a foreign country. My mother was initially not convinced of the idea but eventually she had to. And there were 40,000 students all across India and only eight were selected. I had never expected this to happen in my life. After loads of difficulties, my garments were ready at the last moment. And the best thing was when I got coverage of all my five garments in Vogue UK magazine. That was a proud moment for me.”
Khan was in Kashmir when she got to know that she was one of the top eight finalists selected to present their works at the LFW. Khan recalls that it was difficult to collect the required material for her garments as Kashmir was going through rough times. She says, “I had only a month to prepare my garments. The Burhan Wani case was going on, which I thought might end up within 2 to 3 days but the situation went out of hand. I felt as if I was into a black and white world with no telephone, no internet and no transport. I remember, one day, I was travelling to a place for getting my embroidery done for the garments, when I was attacked by the protesters. It was a very unpredictable situation plus my parents were in Hyderabad and they were concerned about me. All the other finalists were under the guidance of LFW mentors and I was the only one who was left behind in the chaotic scenes in Kashmir. That was the time when I learnt how to take decisions in life and when you are passionate enough to achieve your dreams then nothing can stop you.”
Khan says that her designs are inspired from her home town of Kashmir. “It is inspired by its nature, art, beauty and culture and everything that I chose to keep it as my theme called ‘Amazing Kashmir’. My inspiration is Kashida embroidery from Kashmir. I have tried to revive this ancient and magnificent art form on fabrics — fabrics such as cashmere, light denim, feather-weight leather, shear fabrics, semi-transparent voiles and flowing crepes, printed silks, a collection that connects nature and modern woman.”
Elaborating about the techniques used in her designs, she says, “In my garments, I have used hook work, aari work, kani work, needle work in pure pashmina, shifon, and handmade cotton. You can sense the beauty of Kashmir through my
garments.”
When asked, what kind of person she would like to imagine wearing her pieces, she says, “Independent, bold, glamorous and sexy. A Fashion icon, who loves nature and is adventurous. My client is sensual, feminine and adores classic and vintage fashion. She is out there to make her presence felt around the world and loves being noticed for her accomplishments and contributions to our society. She is the face of a modern woman and empowered to bring in changes where necessary for a better and more tolerant world.”
Khan’s future plan is to create fashion which should make her country proud. She is also happy to share that Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Union Minister of State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has made her the brand ambassador of India for one of his projects.