Nabeel & Aqeel talks to FashionCentral.pk

Posted on Dec 24th, 2008 | Comments (6)

Nabeel & Aqeel is a famous Pakistani designer brand and making waves in international fashion market. FashionCentral.pk had an exclusive interview with Nabeel & Aqeel.

"There is always a fire inside us to make Pakistan’s name to be symbolized with quality" Nabeel told fashioncentral.pk

Interview Excerpts:

1. The initial years how tough were they?

In 1999 launching a fashion designer brand for men did trigger anxious thoughts, but then faith and purpose constituted the motive power and it was the strong faith and an unflinching purpose that directed our path, and at Nabbel & Aqeel, we were forceful in our vision and judgment and as a result our minds were eased of fear of probable disaster and we set out to accomplish with perfect calmness our targets of winning over men who were eager for branded kurta shalwar, ackan, shirt, suits, ties.

2. The business cycle is not easy to endure, especially for newcomers. Can you name a Guru who guided you?

Our parents, undoubtedly; yes, they are our Gurus.They kept us stimulated and all along enhanced our appetite for achieving customer satisfaction. Great was the thirst to come up with innovative touches in wearing apparel and thereby earn joy and peace.

3. The turning point, when did that happen?

After getting degrees in Business and Economics we wanted to start a new business on modern ideas and unique market strategies. It’s been 10 years since Aqeel and I embarked on started our journey in fashion business when we started a European style, multi brand, Fashion store “Wardrobe” in Lahore and introduced the latest collections of world’s top fashion brands including Valentino, Versace, Canali, Gianfranco Ferre, dkny  and Burberry Golf.

We showed Nabeel & Aqeel’s Debut collection in 1999 in Lahore which became a hit and was all sold out. Since then Nabeel & Aqeel continuously strives to successfully add more fashion lines into our collection. Presently we have Ready to wear Collection, Jeans Collection, Wedding Collection, Cocaine Collection, Home Collection, fusion Collection, Jewelry Collection etc.

4. Do you consider yourself a celebrity?

Not exactly, in fact it is professional excellence that we seek and our desire in this regard is insatiable. There is always a fire inside us to make Pakistan’s name to be symbolized with quality. We want to excel more into our profession and would like to make Pakistan’s name proud in the world of fashion through our collections and designs.

5. Do you feel flattered about your status as a leading designer?

Of course but at the same time it puts more responsibility on our shoulders to do more and to be able to take this fame into the fashion world.

6. When you see your dresses looking good on an individual, how do you feel?

We really feel happy and proud to see our dresses on individuals at different occasions. We love to see those individuals who are already very stylish celebrities and style conscious people with international fashion exposure in Nabeel & Aqeel couture.

7. In case of a dissatisfied customer, do you accept criticism; ever lost your temper?

I believe accepting criticism and dissatisfaction by anybody helps you to reduce the same problems in future and it helps you become better.

8. Please share with us the highs and lows of your commercial career.

We believe God gives you highs and lows to realize us that our hard work and consistency in our profession is the only way to lead us to success. Everybody have highs and lows but MashaAllah with Allah’s rehmat and our parent’s prayers we are happy and stable in our field.

9. What thrills you?

Any exciting and challenging venture in style, fashion and arts.

10. Pakistan made textiles; do you accept the quality of the cloth?

Well Pakistani textiles are good quality but we at Nabeel & Aqeel are using the best possible fabrics from the world’s best rated companies. We did try in past and would love to use Pakistani textile productions in many of our ready to wear collections. 

Personal:

1. Any sweetheart?

Yeah and I guess every loving person has a sweetheart

2. Your competitors in business, are they a threat?

We don’t feel threat from any competitor. Infact competition is healthy as it forces you to keep your pace fast and helps you to achieve your goals.

3. Any heroes that you adore?

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for his amazing leadership and iconic personality.

4. Your days must be filled with work; how do you relax and unwind yourself?

Our routine is very hard and we always have long days starting from factory to office to head office to boutique and to clients appointments. We relax with family members and selected close friends.

5. Do you like yes people as team members?

Yes is good. But we like honest people who dare to address and point out the real issues and problems facing in our organization. Because we believe in highest standards in quality, production and services.

6. Ever consider changing your line of business?

No we both have passion for fashion and designing. In fact a lot of new ideas are in our minds all the time how to enhance our fashion house and how to grow in future locally and internationally.

7. Are you training people eager to learn?

We always hire people who have urge to be somebody in their respective field, weather they join us as accountant, as designers or as sales persons and we give them proper training with international experiences of case studies.

Future:

1. How do you see your work, five years from now?

We want to add more related lines into our fashion house and make Nabeel & Aqeel the best fashion house of our country. We want to see Nabeel & Aqeel at Harrods, Niemen Marcus, Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue and stores of that standard worldwide. We Would  love to dress international celebrities in Nabeel & Aqeel for special occasions and events.

2. The current state of economy, IS it bothering your plans?

Economic conditions are not good all over the world and everyone is facing difficulties in expansions. The current state of economy is not here for the 1st time, we have seen difficult times in 1999 and 2001 but I am very hopeful with right direction and God’s will we will be out of this crises and Pakistan will be back on its feet very soon.

3. Pakistan’s image abroad, certainly top designers like you can help to improve it.

Very true, Pakistani designer’s who go abroad to show the collections at international fashion shows and fashion weeks do positive image building of Pakistan as peace loving nation. And I always build Pakistan’s positive and image as a nation of poets, artists, painters, and stylish cultural values to the people where ever I participate weather in a conference, in a college or at some high end fashion event abroad.

Source: - fashioncentral.pk

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