Fashion student and influencer Habiba Rahman takes us inside her closet
My personal style in three words
My personal style is comfy, girly and laidback
My favourite creation
I love each and everything I’ve ever made but I think my favourites have to be all the bucket hats I’ve made (just because I wear them so often); and the JW Anderson cardigan I made because it was a labour of love!
My top 5 wardrobe essentials
Sneakers with a platform because I’m tiny
A white chikankaari kurta; I can’t survive summer in Lahore without it. Plus, it can be dressed up or down in so many ways!
A pair of jeans that fit just the way you like it
A plain white tee
A plain white button down in a poplin cotton
My favourite vintage item
Everything I’ve inherited from my Dadi and Nani is so special to me. Recently my Nani gave me the most beautiful fully hand worked saree from her bridal trousseau. The best part is the kaam is all saccha so it looks brand new!
My top 5 shoe essentials
Definitely platform sneakers because they give me a sneaky bit of height!
A pair of Doc Martens; they go with everything ????
Some form of shiny high heels to survive shaadi season
High top Converse are another classic
And of course, a pair of khussas. All my favourites are from Khussa Mahal in Liberty, Lahore
My most prized possession
I don’t have a particular prized possession – it’s important not to get too attached to material things as they come and go.
Running a small business is no easy feat.
A small business owner is responsible for overseeing every aspect of their business. This ranges from the creative side to the very different, business side of the small company
Listed here are 6 unique, small businesses that have been knocking it out of the park!
1. Simana Shop
@simana.shop
This clothing brand specialises in lounge wear. Most of their pieces are locally handmade from natural fibre. With a built to last ideology, this brand is part of the slow fashion revolution. This means that their brand identity resonates with a minimal environmental impact. The production (including packaging; handmade paper tags) and usage of their products promotes sustainability. This brand’s minimalist approach and solid colours caught my eye. My personal favourite has to be the ribbed sweater pants. Their products are perfect for the current fall and upcoming winter season. Comfortable yet chic, wear it on a winter morning while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
2. Chanoor
@chanoor
This brand uses textile material to make handmade, lightweight jewellery. From intricate embroidered pieces to thread bangles, all items can be categorised as unique and one-of-a-kind. For all the brides-to-be, the gota bangles might just be the perfect fit for you. Look beautiful without having to compromise on safety! Moreover, these pieces can be worn with both — eastern & western outfits.
3. Wild Yeast
@wild.yeast
For all the carb-o-holics out there, you need to get your hands on these handmade artisan breads! My personal favourites are definitely the sourdough, focaccia bread and the dark chocolate babka. This small business keeps updating their menu with mouth-watering items. Recent add-ons include apple pie jam, chilli oil, pesto rosso and basil pesto. Isn’t bread just the best?
4. The Kandle Co.
@thekandleco
This small business specialises in handcrafted and aesthetic looking candles and reed diffusers with a variety of scents to choose from. All materials used to make the products are ethically sourced, recyclable and plastic free. I, myself, am a repeat buyer of the “double espresso shot” candle. The owner’s perspective was to focus on the power of scent. And that’s exactly what this candle did for me — it’s a part of my everyday feel good self-care routine!
5. Khussa Gar
@khussa_gar
When you think of something different, turn it into an income generating business and are super good at it! This is how I’d like to describe this quirky, small business that specialises in hand-painted traditional khussas. With the customisation option available, these khussas can jazz up and add an ethnic twist to any outfit. If any of my friends are reading this, (hint hint), I want this for Christmas!
6. Pk Fashion Fairy
@pkfashionfairy
This small business makes Balochi inspired handmade items including kurtis, shalwars, ralli, and neck pieces etc. However, what really caught my eye are the boho style, vintage bags etc. Colourful, super fun, vibrant and quirky!
Dermatologist, laser specialist and aesthetician Dr. Amna Ahmar of skin clinic Cleo shares her guide to a no-fuss skin routine
Step 1: Sunblock
The first, most important step is the use of sunblock. I’m sure you hear this a lot and to be honest, it is the most important skincare step — one you should never miss! It’s never too late or too early to start add it to your routine. In my opinion, any sunblock should work fine but my favorites include: Cleo Sun Screen, Neutrogena sunblock , Neobrella sunblock, Supergoop, and Shesidox
Step 2: Double Cleanse
Due to the high level of pollution in Pakistan, our skin needs a deep cleanse daily. We’re exposed to smog, dirt and dust all day. The sebum builds up under our masks too. A double cleanse takes literally 2 minutes! Wipe off all the gook on your skin with a Micellar water, followed by a Face Wash. We offer 2 face washed in The Skin Theory products: Acne Wash for oily/acne prone skin and Va Va Voom Face Wash for dry to combination skin.
Step 3: Moisture
No matter what type of skin you have, whether its oily, dry or combination, needs that extra dose of hydration. The artificial environment we live in dries up our skin. Try finding a non-comedogenic, light weight moisturizer. My top favorites would be Cleo Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser, Cleo Moisturiser, CeraVe moisturizer and Physiogel lotion.
Step 4: Skin Nutrition
Identify your skin’s need. If you think your skin is dull and lacks glow, add Vitamin C to your regime. If you have acne prone or oily skin, the daily niacinamide serum is the way to go. If you have started noticing irregular texture and wrinkles, incorporate retinol.
Lastly, always remember to apply product on your lips and neck as well!
Start with a single step and gradually build a regular skincare routine. Even though you might see social media full of complicated routines and different serums, the trick is to keep it simple and be regular!
Influencer Sophiya Khan tells us her take on social media, mental health and more
On social media
For me it’s a very positive tool which revolutionized the digital marketplace and created a lot of opportunities for home based workers. At the end of the day it is just a tool which can be used to do good like connecting people, making marketing for small businesses easier and more cost efficient. However, it can be used for the bad. Such as using the platform to spread hate, target individuals, promote negativity etc. So just like any other tool this new age world may give us, it’s up to the individual on how they make use of it.
On family
The most important word in my vocabulary. Family for me is not just a bunch of individuals. It’s also a feeling, a sense of own & belonging. I have found family in some of my friendships and in some of my work relationships. My family is the most important theme in my life, which I’m sad to have started valuing a little later in my life. Be it the family you’re born into or the family you choose – or maybe even a little bit of both – they give you a sense of belonging no other relationship can.
On mental health
It’s the most important version of health that one must take care of. Every morning begins with a thought, just like we end every night with certain thoughts. The first step would be to recognise the power our own thoughts have over our realties and how detrimental they are to shaping our long term lives. Regardless of your own assessment of your mental health, it is absolutely essential to have healthy mechanisms in place to process our thoughts in a productive manner so we can therefore improve our quality of life seamlessly. As well as the role we play in others.
On marriage
Like any other partnership, it’s a choice you make to embark upon a journey with another. If the partnership is able to adapt through tests and trails, improve and grow, I would say it would be worth investing more of yourselves in. However, it’s very common and totally ok if the partnership doesn’t seem to be working out. As an experience on it own, I feel it is a beautiful chapter to embark upon, as we only discover ourselves more in relation to others.
On pets
To be able to care for and receive love from a being so pure and innocent is one of the most rewarding experiences in my opinion. In total I have been privileged and lucky enough to have cared for 5 cats & most recently 2 dogs. Each one of them brought their own unique personalities into my life and made it a better place.
There is charm to be found in traditional Afghani jewelry, especially in its power to make even the simplest of outfits stand out. We love the versatility of Afghani jewelry; wear it to a wedding, with a plain black western top or even a three-piece shalwar kameez, there are plenty of options for all tastes and moods.
Ayesha Omar always has her wardrobe in check. She pairs this black top with a checkered skirt. Comfortable yet trendy.
Amna Hassan Tahir pulls off this bright sweater and coat. We especially love her Chanel belt. Her black heels tie the look together.
Amna Baber stands out in this smart casual look by pairing this cheetah print hot pink top with a light denim.
Sona Rafiq rocks a monochrome look pairing a white oversized shirt with leather pants.
Fatima Hassan sure gets comfortable with this green oversized sweater and simple black tights. Her block heel make the look even more trendy.
Kiran Malik never fails to make a bold style statement. She pairs these contrasting colours together making them stand out. Also, we’re completely obsessed with those neon shoes!
The TV sensation gets candid about acting, anxiety and his journey in Lollywood
Let’s start with your childhood. What was life like growing up?
We were 2 siblings, me and my sister. We grew up in Islamabad. Growing up we were raised by my mother and my grandfather. It was good. It was interesting. I was a big cricket fan. I spent most of my time playing cricket out on the street and I used to love comic books. I used to read lots of comics. Specifically, DC comics. So yeah, it was great.
You were also in boarding school for a while. What was that like?
Yes, I was sent to boarding school in ‘94. I was there till ‘97. I was 9 years old. Of course it is tough. There’s a change of routine. You have to wake up at 5 in the morning. So yeah, it was tough; but I guess every boarder who goes to boarding school has to go through that.
You even wanted to pursue cricket as a proper profession at one point and that didn’t work out. How come?
It didn’t. Actually my grandfather wanted me to compete my studies. He thought that cricket was such a big commitment and that it would interfere with my studies so he wanted me to focus on my studies first.
I read somewhere that your family was not okay with you becoming an actor. How did that feel?
It didn’t feel great. This is back in 2004 when I made the decision I wanted to do this. There were huge fights at our house. Till 2015, it was a constant struggle. Because you know, in our culture, media and actors are looked down upon. Whenever you get the question: ‘Beta what do you do?’ You go like I’m a director and an actor and people go like, ‘No, what do you actually do? What’s your actual job?’ So people don’t even consider it an actual profession or job. There was a lot of back and forth. I was really rebellious. I would sneak out for shoots and stuff. I was locked out of the house so many times by my dad because he’s like if you’re coming back from a shoot you’re not entering the house. But eventually, I feel, most of my family members and family friends who thought oh ye tou zindagi kharab kar raha hai saw me succeed and somehow they were automatically okay with it. It’s such hypocrisy. You think how are you okay with this now? It was a long 10 year journey where I felt like I had no support. The only support I actually felt — and I even spoke about this before — is Poppy (Shayan) She was the owner of Kuch Khaas in Islamabad. At the time, in 2011 I was very ambitious and I was struggling. She gave us home. She made all of us – me, Obi, Shahana believe that we belong somewhere. That we were capable, we were talented, we were creative. She gave us the platform and that’s the only support we got.
You were also a filmmaker at one point.
I still am. That is what I want to be known as. Acting is something that I’m doing. I enjoy acting but I want to primarily direct and make films and stories.
How is filmmaking different from acting? What do you prefer?
I mean I definitely prefer filmmaking. I love telling stories. I’ve always wanted to be a filmmaker; but it’s just the kind of stories I want to tell, they’re not commercial. My creative side doesn’t agree with taking on projects that are super commercial and specially if it’s a narrative that I don’t agree with. That’s one of the reasons I still haven’t done an all out commercial film. I’ve done shorts, I’ve done other stuff but commercially I haven’t. Hopefully, one day inshaAllah.
Your first project as an actor was Janaan. How did that happen?
Actually, no. Fun fact, my first feature was Gol Chakkar. It was a film that was shot in 2010/2011 and that was a total indie project. I had long hair and a beard and kajal in my eyes. I played this character called Shera.
How did you go from there to Janaan? How was that experience?
I mean, there was a 5 year break in the middle where I was just directing music videos and then this movie Janaan came about.
What was your experience like working at a proper Pakistani movie set?
It was interesting. It was intimidating at first. I wasn’t really involved in Janaan because I had a very small role. I was there for 4-5 days maximum. It was intimidating at first and it was also interesting.
In 2019 you starred in your first TV serial Aana, how was that experience different from movies?
It’s so interesting because I had done Parchi and Janaan. Janaan was a great experience. Parchi was very hectic. There were long hours of shooting. I was also DP for that, so for me it was really, really tough. We were running no sleep. We were shooting 36 hours straight. After that, I was doing this drama and I was let go because the production thought I was over weight. We had shot for one whole week, and after that they told me we’re letting you go because you’re over weight. I thought maybe I had made a big mistake choosing this career when this happened. Suddenly, I got a call from HUM saying they wanted to cast me in a production. By that time, I was in depression so I was just eating all the time. At the point that I was let go from the first production, I honestly don’t think I was overweight but I started eating and gained like 30 kilos. So when I got this call from HUM, to play this guy called Altamash I was like have you seen me recently? But we had time. The shoot was supposed to start after 2 months but somehow got delayed by a couple of months and by that time I had lost weight. You know, one thing about HUM is that it’s always felt like home. Even my first drama, I felt so comfortable working with them. They’re all so nice and they’ve always felt like family. They’re very understanding.
Your TV serial Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay with Mahira Khan is a big hit but people hate your character. Do you get a lot of hate because of that?
I get a lot of messages saying we hate you Aswad. You need to be hanged. It’s very freaky. They think they directly talk to Aswad. They say things like Aswad you’re horrible to Mehreen. It’s interesting that people get so involved that they cannot differentiate between what’s real and what’s not.
What is Mahira like as a co-star?
It was great working with Mahira. Even Kubra. When you come on set with these guys it doesn’t feel like you’re shooting with big stars because they’re so down to earth. They’re so grounded. By the end of it, it was just like a little family. When we had breaks we were just talking, laughing and joking around.
Out of all of your projects, which one was your favourite?
My favourite project is something we shot recently: Umro Ayyar. It’s just been a passion project. I’ve been an Umro Ayyar fan since I was a kid. Growing up reading comics like DC and then Umro Ayyar was just like like that. I remember when I was in boarding school there was a bookshop there and Ama used to buy me these books: Umro Ayyar stories and Tarzan and Manu ki kahaniyaan and she would read them to me. I never thought that I would even be in a project that’s Umro Ayyar. Being a superhero fan, being in that environment on set was just such a huge pleasure. It was an amazing feeling. So that’s probably one of my favourite projects.
Tell us more about Umro Ayyar…
It’s just amazing. When I was offered this movie it was during quarantine. Asfar, the director, mentioned this project to me back in 2019 because they were working on this project secretly. So it took them a good year to do the pre-production. He had mentioned that he was doing something and that he might get in touch but I had forgotten all about it. September 2020, I get a call from him asking if I can meet him. We sat down at the office and he told me that there’s a project; a movie called Umro Ayyar and I said I’m in. I didn’t even ask what role, I just said I’m in. It was an amazing experience working with all these people. Faran Tahir is such a great human being and such a great actor. He was in Iron man. I saw that movie and I couldn’t believe that I was going to be acting with him. I had some action sequences with Faran Bhai that I just couldn’t do because I was so intimidated. But Faran Bhai was so kind. He was like, no this is your job. You need to do this. Sanam is a great actor too and I’ve mentioned this so many times in the past. The two actors that I would love to work with are Sanam and Sajal. Sanam I got to work with. Ali Kazmi is a great actor and even Manzar Sahab. It’s just amazing to work with all these people.
You recently got married. How’s the married life going?
Its amazing. We were friends before we got married. And I think that friendship really matters. There’s never a dull moment these days. We’re always joking around. We’re cooking, we’re eating, we’re watching movies. So, its amazing. It’s a great time that I’ve spent in the last month.
Does your wife ever get tired of all your travelling and working? Does she ever come with you?
No no. She tou actually says go, work! She can’t travel because she has work. I have really bad flight anxiety. I try to drive to Karachi every time I have to do a project. This time around I can’t because there was a really short notice. I have to take a flight. So I said to her, “Listen, I can’t do this alone. Can you come with me?†So I’m dragging her with me because I can’t do it alone.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Again, I don’t know. I mean, I wish and I hope that I keep doing what I love doing and that I keep doing projects that people love. But again, I don’t know what’s going to happen in 5 years. In 2018, we never thought we would be in a pandemic in 2020. So, you never know what’s going to happen. But I’d really like it if in the next five years I get to make my feature and I get to do some interesting projects.
What advice do you have for young people who wants to be actors/filmmakers but might be struggling right now?
There are so many kids that are filmmakers and they come up to me and tell me they don’t have opportunities and they’ve struggled for a couple of years and say they want to quit. I keep telling them all of them, I say listen, do not quit. It took me 11 years to kind of, somehow, be in the mainstream media. It was a long journey. You need to put in the hard work. Don’t lose hope. Don’t be disheartened. Work hard and don’t sell out and InshaAllah you’ll get there.
Photography: Naba Khalid
Wardrobe: Rici Melion
Hair and Styling: Nabila Islamabad
Coordination: Mahnoor Zahid