We all know who Sumbal Iqbal is. She is one of the most talented actresses known for her versatile performance on the television screen. Sumbal has been a part of major drama projects, and she has always given her 100%.
Sumbal is an amazing model. From casual to bridal shoots, she has done them all for famous fashion designers. She recently walked on the ramp for Souchaj along with Bilal Saeed. It was a music walk on the ramp as a showstopper at Hum Bridal Couture Week 2019.
Sumbal looks elegant and beautiful in the pretty champagne color lehenga with golden heavy embroidery. Have a look at the beautiful pictures of gorgeous Sumbal Iqbal.
SOUCHAJ collection focused to promote the Pakistani culture and traditions through fashion, with classic handwork, timeless silhouettes, luxe fibres & exotic colours. Singer Bilal Saeed performed on the stage as showstopper and win hearts of the fashion enthusiasts. Actress Sumbhal Iqbal also graced the ramp as showstopper.
Show One on Day Two of the bridal extravaganza kicked off with Shamsha Hashwani’s debut collection Diwan-i-Khas, followed by Souchaj’s debut collection Shadi Mubarik SS2020 which had trousseau and heirloom pieces for the contemporary bride who wants to stay close to her heritage and roots Next in line was Reema Ahsan who presented her collection Madhubala, creating attires worthy for a bride’s most treasured moments which was followed by Ahsan Menswear Darwesh. Umsha by Uzma Babar was next to present her collection Khwab, featuring ensembles for all occasions from mehndi to baraat.
Day Three of the three-day bridal extravaganza had a brilliant line-up of celebrities walking for the designers – Sonya Hussayn and Ali Rehman Khan walked for Shamsha Hashwani, while Sumbul Iqbal walked and Bilal Saeed performed during Souchaj’s show. The larger than life Resham walked for Reema Ahsan whereas Sana Javed closed the show for Umsha by Uzma Babar. The sensational ex supermodel Iffat Omar walked for Mehdi while Zoe Viccaji and Ali Sethi graced the ramp singing peppy numbers for Anaya by Kiran Chaudhry. The gorgeous Zarnish Khan and Junaid Khan walked the ramp for Munib Nawaz while Mughal E Funk performed for the brand. The finale for the day by Honey Waqar featured Ghana Ali, Mehreen Syed and Mira Sethi.
with a collection titled Shadi Mubarik, the band showed us its massive potential in bridal wear, all ready to give its contemporaries a tough battle to win. We especially liked the short red kurtas with intricate embroideries and embellishments, accessories and the voluminous lehngas. However, singer and songwriter Bilal Saeed, who appeared as showstopper wore a front open mauve sherwani that looked a bit too casual paired with day-to-day wear chappals that spoiled the look. Sumbal Iqbal looked beautiful clad in a fold farshi gharara and long shirt, paired with a vintage gold dupatta.
1. If you could dress any 1 famous personality, living or dead, who would it be?
Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah
2. Subtle brides or extravagant, your preference?
Extravagant! Big drapes with heavy shawls.
3. One pakistani female celebrity you wouldn’t ever want to dress up in your label
I want to work with every face in our illustrious film and television industry. They’re all gorgeous!
4. One celebrity onscreen pair you would want to walk the ramp for you next
Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan
5. One actor who really gives competition in style to your husband
No one even comes close to him
6. High heels or flats?
Flats, for sure!
7. Current favourite colour for bridals
Red
8. Saare or shalwar kameez?
Shalwar Kameez
9. Red lips or nude lips?
Nude
For more updates stay tuned to People Pakistan.
Mehak Junaid, Co-Founder SOUCHAJ is a lawyer by qualification and fashion designer by profession. A perfect combination of both worlds, Mehak is the perfect example of a well-rounded professional.
Here we have Mehek Junaid up close and personal with People Pakistan!
1. If you could dress any 1 famous personality, living or dead, who would it be?
Faryal Gohar
2. Subtle brides or extravagant, your preference?
Old school brides
3. One Pakistani female celebrity you wouldn’t ever want to dress up in your label
As a designer, I am always open to working with various artists so there isn’t anyone out there who I would specifically single out for any particular reason
4. One celebrity onscreen pair you would want to walk the ramp for you next
Marina khan and Behroz Sabzwari
5. One actor who really gives competition in style to your husband
My husband is incomparable
6. High heels or flats?
Flats
7. Current favourite colour for bridals
Tangerine
8. Saare or shalwar kameez?
Saare
9. Red lips or nude lips?
Nude
10. Favourite holiday destination
Cape Town
Source: https://peoplepakistan.com/in-the-spotlight-mehak-junaid-of-souchaj/
Did you stumble upon your career or was it something that you always wanted?
I’m a lawyer by profession and have worked for different law firms before jumping on the entrepreneurial bandwagon. My husband dreamt big for me and he incited me to let go of the employee tag and become and my own boss.
What was your “aha!” moment?
Seeing things falling in the right place and Souchaj growing bit by bit, moving forward inch by inch …. It’s an ahaa every day!!
Who has been the greatest inspiration in your life?
My greatest inspiration has been my better half, “Junaid”. I wouldn’t be where I am today, without his support and encouragement. He’s been the driving force throughout my Souchaj journey.
When was the time you felt completely discouraged and how did you push through it?
Setbacks happens, so expect and accept them when they come. It goes hand in hand with trying something bigger and better.
What was the best advice that your mentor gave you?
Listen to all but do as you want!!
What are the top 3 things you cherish in your life?
What is the #1 thing that is yet to be ticked off your bucket list?
Go skydiving. Which I doubt would ever get off my list.
What does nobody tell you about being the boss?
I was under the impression that being your own boss meant to have flexible working hours and can accordingly manage things your way. However, with great authority comes greatly responsibility; hence you get no time off and have to work around the clock for the business to be prosperous.
Name one boss lady that you admire and how she still inspires you?
There are many but the one woman that I really look up to is Amal Clooney. The list of her accomplishments is never ending. She is a lawyer, a human rights teacher, and a mother of two. She does all this with such perfection, grace and poise that she has become an inspiration for me.
Describe a day in your life?
Well, it’s generally similar exercises each day: waking up early in the morning for kids. After sending them to school, I prepare myself for a long day ahead. I attempt to plan the absolute best I can, for myself and for the business, every single day. As soon as I get to the studio, I sit with my team to review last day working and discuss daily task. I have kept second half of the day for researching and sketching ideas. I try to leave by 6pm so that I can reach back in time to spend some quality time with my children.
Complete the sentence: To me, a #BossLady is…”
Someone simply outstanding in terms of intelligence and individuality.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
No, “failure” as such but challenges yes! But they are the part of life. Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes it meaningful.
Which world leader would you most like to have dinner with?
Jacinda Ardern. A strong headed woman with just the perfect amount of resilience, confidence and empathy is the kind of woman that I would love to have dinner with.
What advice would you give to young girls out there who have dreams and goal like yours?
Courage is your fuel to achieve amazing success in life, follow your dreams and exercise courage. Insure enough time, you will be unstoppable.
Did you stumble upon your career or was it something that you always wanted?
I used to work in the fashion industry for different high street brands. My husband, Shoaib Khan and my brother-in-law, Juniad Malik, encouraged me to let go of the employee log and become my own boss. I have always dreamt big and that is how SOUCHAJ was created.
What was your “aha!” moment?
When I finally left my job and decided to work under my own banner.
Who has been the greatest inspiration in your life?
My greatest inspiration has been my better half- Shoaib Khan. He’s been the most
supportive person whist going forward with the venture. He has pushed me to keep going when I thought I had already reached my limits and has constantly helped and supported me throughout this journey. SOUCHAJ wouldn’t be what it is today, without the support and motivation of my husband as well as Mehak (my sister) and her husband, Junaid Malik.
When was the time you felt completely discouraged and how did you push through it?
I have never felt discouraged but sometimes you do feel low. Nonetheless, we all have moments of inspiration and ways to fuel our creative vibes.
What was the best advice that your mentor gave you?
Don’t listen to what others have to say.
What was the top 3 things you cherish in your life?
1. My parents for being the constant support
2. My son, the shining light of my life
3. Last but not the least, I greatly cherish seeing SOUCHAJ grow every day.
What is the #1 thing that is yet to be ticked off your bucket list?
Scuba diving is definitely on the list.
What does nobody tell you about being the boss?
The biggest misconception everyone has about being your own boss is that you take as many days off as you want. It’s actually quite the contrary, you can’t take any time off or your brand will suffer! We ourselves are responsive for any success or setback that the brand faces.
Name one boss lady that you admire and how she still inspires you?
There are many wonderful women who fall into that category but Victoria Beckham definitely has to be right there. She was named Female Entrepreneur of the year at this year’s Glamour. There is this thing she said that speaks volumes of her humility, ‘Many women look up to me as an achiever, but I’m someone who is still learning something new each and every minute,” This really teaches us how to deal with the rapidly rising success of SOUCHAJ, and how to keep pushing forward without getting too ahead of ourselves.
Describe a day in your life.
Well it’s usually the same activities every day. Wake up early in the morning to send my son to school. Take some time out for myself to get ready for work. Reach SOUCHAJ studio with an everlasting sense of passion, enthusiasm, and a now set of goals and aspirations each day. Mehak and I try to achieve the very best we can, for ourselves and for the business, each and every single day.
This includes putting in the hard yards with co-workers, maintaining a certain standard of work and assuring quality, giving some helpful suggestions to our precious clients, and what not. The day must end with spending some quality time the family.
Complete this sentences: To me, a #BossLady is…”
Someone who is bold, beautiful and stays true to what she truly believes in and aspires to
be.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Thankfully, I haven’t ever faced a “failure” as such setbacks, sure, but nothing too serious.
However, every minor setback just serves as a reality check for us and urges us to improve and get better than before.
Which world leader would you most like to have dinner with?
The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. I really admire him for how understanding and inclusive of their cast, colour, creed or religion. He is the kind of leader every nation needs in this modern world.
What advice would you give to young girls out there who have dreams and goal like yours?
Keep striving Follow your dreams, Enhance your passions. Dream big and work hard. There’s no substitute for hard work and effort. Just keep striving and don’t look back, you’ll reach there eventually.
Deriving inspiration from Pakistan’s culture and heritage, Souchaj has put forward some exceptionally classic and elegant designs which lead to the label winning acclaim in a short span of time. We catch up with Mehr Khan and Mehak Malik to talk about the evolution of their fashion label, Souchaj, the design process and their vision for the future
How did you two come together to embark on the journey of creating Souchaj?
Our husbands supported and encouraged us for something more than ‘round the clock’ jobs and that is how it all took off.
How has your work evolved since you began your own label?
In the past two years, taking inspiration from our rich tradition, culture and heritage, Souchaj has introduced bridal couture and luxury formalwear that exudes class and elegance. True to its name, the brand itself stands for, “Soucha” meaning pure and “Chajj” meaning perfection and love for finesse. During this time, we have not only developed in design and creativity but our systems and procedures have also become more professional and defined. Hierarchy has also developed which is rather flat but very efficient.
What is the best lesson you have learned along the way?
The best lesson that we’ve learned is that there are no mistakes, only lessons. Even if something goes wrong, we take it as a challenge and work it into something beautiful.
The designs that you create are incredible, who and what do you consider your inspiration?
Staying true to our traditional Pakistani roots, we came up with the idea of Souchaj. Our main design philosophy is our classic handwork combined with the use of timeless silhouettes featuring luxe fabric and exotic colours through which the sheer richness of our culture shines through. Our biggest inspiration is nature and besides that, we derive inspiration from pieces of art as well such as sculptures and paintings.
Where do you see Souchaj in the next five years?
I would really want to see our label being associated with originality and purity all over the globe, and for its beautiful name Souchaj, to be spoken only in the upper echelons of the fashion industry.
What is the typical design process like for team Souchaj?
Inspiration doesn’t always just happen at the snap of a finger. The key to creating a great collection is to understand the customer’s needs and preferences. Usually our design process starts with global research and forecasting followed by the local market fads. Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything no matter how beautiful or bizarre it is. The philosophy behind our design process is very much innate and subjective and it remains close to the local roots and culture that is the core essence of the brand.
How would you describe current Pakistani fashion aesthetics?
The consumer in Pakistan is very fashion savvy and completely abreast with the latest fashions trends around the globe. At the same time they value their heritage and tradition so embrace contemporary with traditional very well.
If you could pick anyone from history, (living or deceased, from fiction or reality), who would you most love to see wearing your designs?
I would love to dress Queen Rania of Jordan. There is no doubt that she is one of the most stylish royals in the world.
In your opinion what are the pros and cons of running a business as friends?
Our relationship has only become stronger than before. There are no formalities as we have become more upfront with each other and that has really done wonders for us as a team.
What’s next for the brand?
Success!
Source:http://www.goodtimes.com.pk/souchaj/
Souchaj has created waves in recent years for their brilliant photoshoots featuring eminent personalities from diverse fields wearing their ensembles. With a powerful and bold aesthetic, using regal and gorgeously traditional embellishments, this brand is here to stay! Afshan Shafi catches up with Mehek and Mehr, the designers behind the brand on all things fashion
How would you describe your design journey?
We have know each other for almost a decade before we partnered. Our husbands supported and encouraged us to bring out our ideas into sketches and create works of art.
Do you have a muse?
Our brand is embodied by a woman who is independent, classic and confident. She is not only beautiful but simply outstanding in terms of intelligence and individuality; she is someone who doesn’t bother about trends or follow fashion blindly but has her own eccentric sense of style.
In life, who would you say is your muse?
Meryl Streep is elegance personified; she has carried herself with grace over the years and I think she is a role model for the younger women who aspire to character more than visual beauty.
What inspires you when you’re designing?
As a designer, you never know when inspiration will strike. It can literally come from anything and everything around us. We have no restraints as to what can be drawn from to turn a mere thought into a reality. Creativity is limitless.
How would you describe Souchaj in three words?
Classic
Timeless
Detailed
What was the starting point for your latest collection?
It is our underlying desire to promote our culture and traditions through our creations.Our recent collection is a true reflection of the philosophy of the brand. It integrates a colourful and innovative blend of Pakistani culturesand consists of chic motifs derived from folk art on luxurious fabrics.
What are your plans for expanding Souchaj in the future?
For now, we’re mainly focusing on couture and would want to see the brand being associated with originality and spoken of in the upper echelons of not only the Pakistani fashion industry but also the global fashion arena.
Rapid Fire
Favourite international designers?
Naeem Khan and Ellie Saab
Favourite local designers?
Misha Lakhani, Zara Shahjahan and Elan
Favourite piece of jewellery
Mehek: My recent gift, it’s a ring.
Mehr: A gift of a bangle from my husband
A celebrity you would love to dress
Amal Clooney
Non-celebrity you would love to dress?
Queen Rania of Jordan
Favourite fashion show that you attended in person?
We have attended a few and they were okay.
Favourite high street brand?
Zara
