In a world where trends shift overnight, Sofia Badar has built a name on timelessness. Since officially stepping into the fashion industry in 2007, she has steadily evolved into one of the most distinct voices in Pakistan’s luxury pret and formal wear space.
Known for her heirloom-worthy craftsmanship, fluid femininity, and a design philosophy rooted in slow fashion, Sofia creates garments that are not just clothes, but stories — pieces that women carry with them as part of their personal histories.
In this exclusive conversation with Good Times Magazine, the designer opens up about her journey, inspirations, challenges, and the philosophy that sets her brand apart.
Journey & Inspiration
Sofia, tell us about your journey into fashion — when did you first know this was the path for you?
I formally stepped into fashion in 2007, but the seed was sown long before. I grew up surrounded by a love for textiles, craft, and tradition. Designing wasn’t just a choice — it was the most natural extension of who I am.
What inspired you to start your own label, and how has the brand evolved since its inception?
I wanted to create pieces that felt timeless yet relevant — garments that become part of a woman’s personal history. Over time, the brand has evolved from bespoke bridals into a label known for luxury pret and heirloom-worthy formals, while still holding on to that same emotional connection.
Who were your biggest influences growing up, and do they reflect in your work today?
I deeply admired designers like Bunto Kazmi, Umar Sayeed, and Faiza Samee — masters of craft who told stories through fabric. Their ethos of respect for tradition and detail is something I consciously weave into my own work.
Design Philosophy & Aesthetic
How would you describe your design philosophy in three words?
Heirloom. Slow Fashion. Heritage Craftsmanship.
Pret luxury and formals are your forte — what draws you to these categories specifically?
They’re the perfect space between tradition and modernity. Luxury pret and formals allow me to experiment with silhouette and detail while still creating pieces that mark life’s most important moments.
What elements do you believe make your brand’s pieces instantly recognizable?
A mix of refined detail, fluid femininity, and a sense of poetry in the way fabrics fall. My pieces are designed to feel luxurious but also deeply personal — you recognize them by the way they make you feel as much as by how they look.
Craft & Collections
Can you walk us through the process of creating a new collection, from concept to runway/showroom?
For me, it begins as an image in my head — a color, a silhouette, or even a fleeting memory. From there, it’s about building layers: choosing the fabric, sketching, experimenting with embroideries, adding or subtracting textures, trinkets, and details until the final garment matches the vision. Every collection is a journey of editing and refinement until the story feels whole.
What fabrics and techniques do you love experimenting with the most?
I gravitate toward pure silks, airy chiffons, and organzas — fabrics that carry both structure and movement. In terms of craft, hand embroidery remains my favorite playground; it’s where tradition meets modern design.
Which collection or piece do you feel best represents you as a designer?
Every collection has a part of me woven into it. But the ones that linger in my heart are those where heritage meets a modern edge — they feel like the truest reflection of my creative spirit.
Clients & Fashion Industry
How do you balance commercial appeal with creativity in your designs?
That balance is the eternal challenge. I focus on staying true to my creative instincts while keeping a pulse on what my clients actually want to wear. For me, commercial viability never means compromise — it means finding beauty in functionality.
Who is the Sofia Badar woman? How would you describe her style and personality?
She’s confident, elegant, and self-aware. She dresses to honor herself, not trends. Her style is an effortless mix of grace and strength — she knows her worth and chooses pieces that echo it.
With Pakistan’s fashion scene growing rapidly, what sets your brand apart from others in luxury pret and formals?
I don’t chase fast fashion or momentary trends. My brand is about timeless heirloom quality — pieces that outlive a season and become part of a woman’s story. That commitment to slow, soulful fashion sets me apart.
Challenges & Growth
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a designer in this industry?
For me, the greatest challenge has been marketing creativity — translating deeply personal work into something that speaks to a wider audience while staying authentic. It’s a delicate dance of vulnerability and visibility.
How do you deal with the pressure of trends while staying true to your brand identity?
I listen, but I don’t follow blindly. Trends may inspire detail, but the foundation of my work is always heritage and timelessness. That grounding makes it easier to filter out the noise.
Where do you see your brand in the next five years — locally and globally?
I see it anchored firmly in Pakistan but with a strong international footprint — capsule collections, collaborations, and global showcases that carry the essence of our craft to new audiences.
Personal Touch
What’s a day in your life like outside of the studio?
Outside the studio, my day is about balance — early mornings in the gym, cooking for my loved ones, long walks, and quiet time with my son. My life is built on structure, but it’s also filled with rituals of joy and gratitude.
Do you have a personal favorite outfit from your own collections that you wear on repeat?
Yes — a classic ivory silk tunic with hand embroidery. It’s versatile, timeless, and reminds me of why I started: to create beauty that lives beyond occasions.
If you weren’t a designer, what career do you think you would have pursued?
A chef, without a doubt. Cooking and feeding people is one of my love languages. For me, design and food share the same essence: creation, nurture, and memory.
Style & Advice
What’s one fashion rule you swear by — and one you love breaking?
Rule I swear by: invest in quality over quantity.
Rule I break: wearing “occasion wear” on ordinary days — every day is worth celebrating.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the fashion world?
Don’t chase instant recognition. Learn your craft, respect your journey, and let your voice evolve. Fashion is not just about clothes — it’s about storytelling, and the most powerful stories come from authenticity.
