Fatima Ashar, the visionary behind the acclaimed fashion house Fatima Ashar Official, has carved a niche in couture that combines elegance with innovation. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for timeless fashion, Fatima’s creations embody sophistication and individuality. Her collections reflect a deep passion for high-quality craftsmanship and a modern interpretation of traditional aesthetics, making her one of the most sought-after designers in the industry. Fatima Ashar continues to inspire with every piece, bringing her artistic vision to life and setting new trends in luxury fashion.

Tell us about your journey into couture. What inspired you to specialize in bridal and formal wear?

I’ve always been drawn to heritage craftsmanship and traditional techniques and bridal couture felt like the perfect way to celebrate that artistry. Creating bespoke pieces for such significant moments allows me to blend tradition with modern design, making each bride’s experience uniquely special.

How would you describe the aesthetic and philosophy behind your designs? 

My designs are deeply rooted in the celebration of heritage craftsmanship, with a strong focus on floral patterns and animal motifs. I love bringing these elements to life through intricate hand-painted designs, blending tradition with modernity. My philosophy is to create pieces that tell a story, capturing the beauty of nature and art while preserving the elegance of timeless craftsmanship.

Your bridal collections are known for intricate craftsmanship. What makes your designs stand out from others in the industry?

What sets my bridal designs apart is the level of customization we offer. Each piece is tailored to reflect the bride’s unique vision, allowing her to be part of the design process. From intricate hand-work to personalized details, we create one-of-a-kind outfits that blend tradition and individuality, ensuring every bride feels truly special on her big day.

Walk us through your creative process. How do you go from an idea to a final couture piece? 

Inspiration can come from anywhere, a beautiful landscape, a color palette in nature or even something I come across while scrolling through social media. Once something catches my eye, I start by sketching out initial ideas and experimenting with patterns or motifs. From there, I collaborate with my team to select fabrics, colors and embellishments that bring the vision to life. Every step, from the first sketch to the final stitch, is carefully thought out to ensure the design feels cohesive and unique.

Do you have a favorite collection or a particular piece that holds special meaning for you? Why?

My latest collection, Naaz-e-Ulfat, holds a special place in my heart. It came after one of the toughest years of my life and I was able to channel all that emotion and energy into creating something truly beautiful. Each piece represents resilience, love and a deep connection to my craft, making this collection not only my favorite but also incredibly meaningful on a personal level.

Bridal wear trends are always evolving. What trends do you think will define the upcoming wedding season?

For me, trends are all about what my brides desire when curating a special outfit for their big day. Whatever makes them feel comfortable and beautiful is what I focus on. Whether it’s a specific color palette, unique cuts or intricate details, I work closely with each bride to bring her vision to life. Ultimately, it’s about creating something that reflects her individuality and makes her feel truly special.

How do you balance tradition and modernity in your designs, especially when creating bridal outfits?

I always prioritize traditional craftsmanship techniques like zardozi, marori, vasli work and even chattapatti in my designs. However, I love blending these with contemporary elements, especially in color palettes and cuts. Each collection allows brides to celebrate their heritage while expressing their personal style. It’s all about creating outfits that feel timeless yet fresh, making each bride’s experience truly special.

What role do fabrics and embellishments play in the identity of your brand? Any favorite materials you prefer to work with?

Fabrics and embellishments are at the heart of my brand’s identity. I work with a variety of materials but I often find myself drawn to raw silk, net and tissue for their beauty and versatility. Intricate handwork and fine detailing are essential to my designs, as they bring each piece to life and showcase the craftsmanship I value. Ultimately, it’s about using quality materials to create unique, luxurious pieces that resonate with brides.

Can you share a memorable experience from working with a bride? How do you ensure the bridal look reflects her personality?

Each bride is special to us since we offer full customizations. Every bride walks into our studio with a unique vision and leaves with the dress of her dreams. We guide them in choosing the right fabrics and shades, ensuring that every detail aligns with their preferences and personality. It’s incredibly rewarding to see each bride’s excitement as she tries her dream bridal, knowing we’ve helped her bring her vision to life.

What challenges do you face as a couture designer in Pakistan, and how do you overcome them?

As a couture designer in Pakistan, one of my biggest challenges is sourcing high-quality materials and skilled artisans familiar with traditional techniques. I overcome this by building strong relationships with reliable suppliers and constantly exploring new innovations in the industry, ensuring my designs remain relevant while honoring our heritage.

Your jewelry business, Kundun.co, complements your couture work beautifully. How do both ventures inspire each other?

My jewelry business, Kundun.co, lets me play with different gemstones and unique designs, adding a fresh layer to my creativity. While couture is all about fabric and silhouette, jewelry focuses on showcasing the beauty of stones and intricate details. This balance between the two inspires me daily, allowing me to create pieces that complement each other beautifully.

With increasing international exposure, do you have plans to expand your couture or jewelry brand globally? 

Absolutely! With the increasing international exposure from my exhibitions in Dubai, Doha and the USA, I’m excited to expand my couture and jewelry brands globally. I already have an international clientele that appreciates our craftsmanship, and I look forward to reaching even more customers who resonate with my aesthetic.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers wanting to enter the world of bridal and formal couture? 

My advice is to find your own personal aesthetic and stay true to it. It’s essential to experiment and evolve your style but maintaining a core identity will help you stand out in a competitive market. Focus on honing your craft, understanding fabrics and techniques and listening to your clients. Remember, the best designs come from a place of passion and authenticity, so let that shine through in every piece you create.

Lastly, what can we expect from your upcoming collections? Any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?

In my upcoming winter collection, you can expect a stunning selection of heritage pashmina shawls, including Shikargarh and Sui Jama, alongside elegant winter silhouettes perfect for layering. I’m excited to unveil this collection soon, and there’s a special showcase in the works that I can’t wait to share with everyone.