Alina Anwar, the founder of Alina Anwar Couture in Dubai, has become the first Pakistani woman to dress some of Hollywood and Bollywood’s biggest stars. She’s the first Pakistani woman designer to dress Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Saweetie, Tinashe, Najwa Karam and Camille Vasquez. Alina’s love for fashion started at a young age, influenced by her mother and grandmother. In this interview, she opens up about her design style, where she finds inspiration, and the ups and downs she’s faced along the way as she keeps breaking new ground in the fashion industry.
Harper’s Bazaar (HBZVN): How would you describe your unique designing style, and what sets it apart in the fashion industry?
ALINA ANWAR: I believe quality is the most important aspect of my brand, and I never compromise on it. We source the finest fabrics from Paris and Milan, and I always ensure that the final product is flawlessly finished. My striking and versatile collections are designed to enhance the wearer’s features without overshadowing them. I aim to empower women, making them feel beautiful and confident, which I believe sets me apart in the fashion industry.
HBZVN: How did your upbringing and watching your mother and grandmother dress for special occasions influence your journey into fashion design?
ALINA ANWAR: I’ve always been fascinated by fashion, and it’s been my passion since I was young. Even as a child, I enjoyed designing dresses for myself and learning about fashion through magazines and catalogs whenever I had free time from my studies. I always knew that when I grew up, fashion would be my career. My mom has been my biggest inspiration in starting my own label. Her elegance and character motivated me to create my own identity in fashion. I’ve always looked up to her as an inspiration to launch my brand, empowering women through powerful dressing and guiding them toward personal freedom and endless possibilities.
I also loved watching my mother and grandmother dress for special occasions. My grandmother had a deep knowledge of technical details in sewing, and she would sometimes sew her own clothes. I enjoyed watching her, and I believe that’s what inspired me to follow my dream and pursue a career in fashion design.
HBZVN: You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, from Mariah Carey to Toni Braxton. How did you first begin building relationships with these celebrities, and what has the experience been like?
ALINA ANWAR: I believe I was fortunate that stylists approached us and chose my outfits for some of the biggest names in this competitive fashion industry. I think it’s always the hard work and the quality that speak for themselves. I have never compromised on the quality or the finishing of my brand, which is why it is consistently worn by A-list celebrities, including Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton.
HBZVN: Can you tell us about some of your favorite designs that you’ve created? Are there any specific gowns or suits that hold special meaning to you?
ALINA ANWAR: My favorite design is the off-white suit that lawyer Camille Vasquez wore for a magazine shoot in 2022. I thought it was both incredibly classy and chic. In general, I love designing power suits for women because they exude confidence and empowerment when wearing them. Another favorite is the plum sequined gown that Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor wore in 2019 for an award ceremony. This piece holds a special place in my heart as it was the first time a celebrity wore one of my creations.
HBZVN: What inspires you when designing a new collection or working on a custom piece? Do you find inspiration from personal experiences, culture, or something else?
ALINA ANWAR: I find inspiration in everything—whether it’s a window display or the scenery around me. I love the creative process and the freedom to experiment with colors and different fabrics when designing a custom piece. I also draw a lot of inspiration from traveling to different countries around the world. Each country has a unique culture that inspires me to incorporate new ideas into my collections. For example, I designed a collection in 2019 after being inspired by a stroll through Hyde Park in London.
HBZVN: Your career has been incredibly fast-paced, particularly as the youngest designer to dress such high-profile stars. What challenges have you faced in the modern fashion industry, and how have you overcome them?
ALINA ANWAR: Challenges are a part of everyday life, and I believe we encounter them at every stage of our careers. Nothing comes easy in life, but how you handle and overcome challenges is what truly matters. The most difficult period so far has been during Covid, when we had to keep the entire team motivated and positive. Things were uncertain and unpredictable, yet I always remained confident that this phase would pass and we would get back on track. Celebrity placements and sales slowed down a bit, but I believe that having the right people on your team and working together is the key to business success. When you have the right team, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals.
HBZVN: You’ve become a trailblazer not just in the UAE but as the first Pakistani woman designer to dress both Hollywood and Bollywood stars. What advice would you give to young women in your country who dream of a career in fashion?
ALINA ANWAR: I’m proud to represent my country on a global stage and to be making history for Pakistan’s fashion industry while empowering young women to pursue their own dreams. I believe that you should always follow your passion. When hard work is involved, success is inevitable. I also believe that choosing the right people for your team is something every young entrepreneur should consider when starting their own business.
HBZVN: In addition to your work, do you have any hobbies or activities that help you relax or inspire your creativity outside of fashion?
ALINA ANWAR: Besides work, I enjoy exercising. I love practicing yoga, playing tennis, and doing intense weight training throughout the week, even with my busy schedule. In fact, my mornings always begin with a healthy exercise routine. I’m also passionate about learning new languages, and I love traveling because I find it to be a great learning experience. It enhances my creativity and provides inspiration for my upcoming collections while I’m on holiday.
HBZVN: How would you describe your personal fashion and beauty style? Do you have any favorite designers or beauty products that you love to wear?
ALINA ANWAR: My personal style is simple, yet elegant and chic. I love wearing suits in various colors, all designed by my label, Alina Anwar Couture. Personally, I prefer minimal makeup—just enough to enhance my features. My current favorite beauty product is the eyeshadow from Dubai-based brand Arooba Beauty, which launched last year. It includes skincare ingredients, and I love using it because the texture is amazing, and it lasts longer on the eyelids.
Alina Anwar’s contacts: Instagram: @alinaanwarcouture | Website: www.alinaanwar.com
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