Ali Haider launches fashion outlet Qarar
Shahzeb Shaikh
Karachi
The overnight transformation of Ali Haider, once acclaimed pop icon of the country, was really news. He switched to singing devotional hymns from pop and released two reverential albums for the love of god. And now he is back in the news again.
Ali Haider has now ventured into the fashion world. Qarar, named after the former pop singer’s album title, has two outlets: one in Dolmen Mall, Tariq Road and the other in Saima Mall, Dalmia. When one looks at the exterior of the boutique, one witnesses a massive picture of Ali Haider, dressed casually in a kurta with a welcoming trademark smile (for which he has been known and cherished amongst his female fans over the years).
The outlet has been designed by architect Shakeel Haider. The colour scheme of the shop is black, gold and off-white. The ambience is soothing, stylish andcaptivating giving somewhat an Italian architectural look. In a quick chat with Instep Today, Ali tells us about his transition to fashion, his design philosophy and more…
Instep Today: How did this transition from music to fashion happened?
Ali Haider: I was always considered a fashionable person throughout my musical career. Once I quit music, I still wanted to be fashionable and what could have been better than launching a label of my own.
Instep Today: Tell us about the various collections at Qaraar.
Ali Haider: At this point, it consists of party wear for ladies and gents. But our specialty is mainly in bridal wear like shararas and saris. Also, we offer party wears and short kurtis. For men, we offer shalwar kameez and very specialized kurtas which could also be worn with a pair of jeans.
Instep Today: What is your target market?
Ali Haider: As far as the age is concerned, we are catering to youth from the age of 18 to grown up men of all ages. On the ladies side, it is between 18 to never-aunties (laughs). Our prices range from 3000 rupees to 200,000 rupees depending on the quality of material and design.Instep Today: Do you have a design team behind the label?
Ali Haider: Yes we have a very professional team. Shahnaz and Sughra are behind the ladies side. The men side is labeled Haib’s Lab consisting of Sohaib Hassan and myself.
Instep Today: In an already saturated bridal couture market, it willl surely be a difficult task to survive and prosper. How is Qaraar different from all others?
Ali Haider: Well, everyone says they are different from others. So, we prefer people to come and decide.
Instep Today: You have two outlets in Karachi. What about other cities?
Ali Haider: Yes, we have already opened two outlets. We look forward to opening our third branch in Hyderi and in various areas of the city thereafter. We plan on hitting other cities of Pakistan real soon.
Instep Today: How has the response been so far?
Ali Haider: The first three days were brilliant. We are primarily doing bridal couture for men and women. The kurtas for men, which feature light embroidery, have also been selling very well.
What is your design philosophy?
Ali Haider: Elegance with everlasting charm.
Source : Instep Today
