This year, my love for maxi dresses is on a completely different level. I adore the intricate fabrics rolling down my legs mixed with pleasant summery prints. Whether it is a summer wedding, garden party or a casual day out with friends, a maxi dress can create a sensual and relaxed look for the day.
For more daily fashion inspiration, visit my blog Zunera&Serena.
You’re a very talented woman; working for the Immigration Office, running a fashion blog, being a full-time mother, and having been crowned Miss Pakistan International 2014. Is it a struggle to keep a balance?
I have always had a passion for fashion and enjoy writing about self-awareness and independent thinking in women and young girls. To me, a woman who is aware of her body, knows how to express herself and exudes confidence. Also, being an immigrant working at USCIS Immigration Services is incredibly meaningful to me and last but not least, becoming Mrs. Pakistan was all about breaking social barriers. To me, all these passions are tied together so they naturally balance each other out. Together, they have allowed me to inspire and motivate young girls that they can pursue everything in life.
Earlier this year, a video of you speaking out against the terrorist attacks in Paris was posted on CNN. How has the public responded to the video?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. I have received so much love and support from people all around the world, and some heartwarming messages all the way from France. It also helped start some great conversations too. However, there are always people who strongly disagree with you and some that are completely ignorant, which resulted in death threats for me and my family. I forwarded those threats to local authorities and continue to speak up because I believe freedom of expression is the key to individual freedom.
Have you noticed a specific response from a certain demographic?
I have noticed a big response from extremist Muslims and right-wing media. Both are strong opponents of woman like me. To most extremist Muslims, I do not fit the category of a good Muslim woman because of the way I dress up and right-wing media doesn’t like women like me because they want to paint all Muslims as terrorists so someone like me who is educated, speaks up and has a descent career, would go completely against their fear-mongering agenda’s.
Because you were crowned as Mrs. Pakistan International 2014 and run a fashion blog, have you received judgment or negative responses for voicing of your political opinions?
Yes, I have constantly heard people say ‘but you do fashion’ then why political opinions? As a feminist, the question gets to me every time, because we need to get it out of our mindset that a woman can only do one thing. I am firm believer that you can have multiple interests and be a well rounded woman. We need to not just have out of the box thinking for women but we need to completely remove the box.
You’re a successful fashion blogger along with your daughter. What’s the process look like when you work on a blog post?
It all depends in summer the blog posts are play dates. We usually pick a place or garden where Serena can play around and we capture her looks while she’s running around and also take some pictures of my outfits. However in winter we take pictures right outside our house. The blog is meant for fun, so we keep it very simple.
Why did you decide to start the blog with your daughter?
We wanted to do something as a family and the blog become our creative outlet. To us, blogging is like our family playground, where I showcase my creative style through writing and styling outfits. Serena showcases her personal styles and Sharjeel (my husband) captured this art using his own creativity.
If you could give girls advice about dressing confidently, what would it be?
Embrace your body. New styles and trends are great but we have to know what looks good on us and even more important how it makes us feel. If you are wearing something that is trendy but it doesn’t really make you feel good then dump it. We all have unique style and bodies. Why try fitting into someone else’s definition of fashion.
How would you describe your current outlook on life?
I live and breathe the idea of ‘we create our own reality.’ I always love taking on new adventures but also enjoy the present moment because the truth of the matter is, the present moment is all we have.
Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to the Brown Girl Magazine community?
Do not let anyone define your life and let nothing hold you back, whether it is culture, family or social stigma’s. Become your own person and live your dreams. You will experience high and lows but they all will be your own experiences. Being a brown girl comes with its own plus and minuses. Embrace them all with a smile and love yourself.
Zunera Mazhar is the highest earning fashion blogger in Washington D.C. Her blog, Zunera & Serena, is about fashion, inspiration, confidence and she occasionally includes photos of her five-year-old fashionista, Serena! The blog has been featured on ABC, FOX and she is a featured guest on CNN. She has worked with some of the top designers and retailers in the fashion industry and is the international brand ambassador of “Labels.” She contributes/writes for Self Magazine, AOL’s Stylelist. and POPSugar. When she is not blogging, she works as a program manager for Refugee Asylum and International Operations for the U.S. Immigration Services.
South Asian fashion is nearly always associated with color, glitz, and ornate designs. From embellished bridal wear, weighing as much as the bride herself, to brightly colored sarees, Indian craft and hand embroidery is hard to miss — except when it’s showing up in non-Indian clothing.
South Asian artisans, also known as ‘karigars,’ are the unnamed force behind a designer’s vision. They often reside in rural parts of the Subcontinent and have gathered skill, creativity, and knowledge over generations. During my travels this year, for the launch of my fashion brand Chaa Latte, I witnessed artisans train from as young as seven years old, mastering embroidery techniques by the time they’re in their teens. Crouched over a table in a dimly-lit room, these artisans work tirelessly to adorn yards of fabric with beautiful beads and sequins, or weave glistening gold yarn into silk and cotton with sometimes nothing more than their memory to guide the motif. Some of them have little to no education and have never stepped outside of their village. Yet, hand them thread and a needle and they are among the best embroiderers in the world.
Is Indian hand embroidery as prolific as French lace? I would argue yes, and maybe even more, but without the fame. Established brands and their collections have stood on the craft of these rural artisans for decades but have rarely given credit. Only few Western designers, such as Dries Van Noten and Isabel Marant, proudly celebrate their relationship with Indian craftspeople. Perhaps because of this nearly silent partnership, a label that says “Made in India” or “Made in Bangladesh” does not equate to beautiful, luxurious work — rather, the complete opposite. Fast fashion may be one output, but the true strength of South Asia lies in centuries of incredibly intricate, slow, and artisanal processes.
In a Times of India article, David Abraham of Abraham & Thakore — a well-regarded Indian label — eloquently says that we must recognize the fact that India is one of the very few countries left that can still produce small lot, labor intensive, highly-skilled craft and textiles.
He adds, “And that is the true luxury in a world of growing mass consumerism and an antidote to the very real threats of environmental pollution, global warming and a growing understanding that we need to buy less, pay more for fashion that is more timeless, classic and responsible.”
South Asia’s fashion identity is at a crossroads, and it’s up to designers, especially the younger generation, to build brands that showcase the luxury and painstaking craft of South Asian embroidery, weaving, and the various other hand techniques mastered over centuries. I launched my fashion brand, Chaa Latte, late last year because I believe the true beauty of South Asian fashion is in the subtle, intricate craft and this simply isn’t accessible to North Americans in a way that fits their lifestyle seamlessly. I was set on designing modern pieces for people of all backgrounds, who have a love for art in the form of fashion and have an eye for unique detail.
My first collection encompasses some of my favorite techniques and textiles from India and Bangladesh, including mirror work and silk handloom sarees. The detailing is balanced with simple silhouettes and a neutral color palette. I am now working on my second collection, which will be released in Spring/Summer of 2023.
Like me, many young designers are tapping into their unique heritage to draw inspiration and bring attention to the Western world. I had the pleasure of speaking to two fellow South Asian designers who are making a mark on the US fashion industry, while highlighting their love for South Asian craft. When asked about the role of traditional textiles and techniques in their work, Niharika of Tega Collective responds:
With each collection our designs are co-created with a specific indigenous community highlighting their traditional colors, patterns and natural symbols. Every region in the world has incredible biodiversity so we focus on championing native fibers in South Asia like Khadi (indigenous cotton) and Eri (peace) silk originating from Assam, India.
In a separate conversation with designer Sana Khan Patel, from Aara by Sana, she tells us how she was inspired to start her line:
When a family wedding took me back to my hometown of Lahore, Pakistan, after a long 18 years, I was blown away by the level of skill I saw in the gullys (streets) of Lahore. From fabric dyeing to intricate beading to the quality of tailoring, they did it all so effortlessly and with so much pride. I quickly realized that the artisans simply want to create art but unfortunately, in most cases they are overworked, underpaid and treated extremely poorly. I immediately knew that I wanted to work with and learn from these OG’s as much as I wanted to put them in a position of providing for their families.
It’s the hope that this recognition from up-and-coming brands, like Chaa Latte, will shed light into how much South Asia is truly lending to global luxury fashion and the rich history that makes these art forms unique to our countries.
Making conscious decisions can, and should, go hand in hand with wearing fashionable pieces of clothing. Fortunately, South Asian fashion is making huge strides in the sustainable fashion department, and ace fashion designer Anita Dongre is at the forefront of this change; she’s so dedicated to making environmentally friendly choices in her collections.
Brown Girl Magazine has previously had the honor of featuring her Grassroots Collection; today, we sat down with Dongre to chat about her new vegan luxury line.
Her love for animals is parallel to her love for fashion and she does not sacrifice one or the other. From handcrafted purses to belts, the new collection is made of recycled materials and leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
What inspired you to “go vegan” both personally and product-wise?
I have always loved animals. When I was 13 my best friend talked me into being vegetarian and there was no looking back – Sangita and I continued to work together and since then we have both also turned vegan. When I started my business, I wanted the brand to be an extension of my personal philosophies so being a vegan brand was a forgone conclusion. My personal philosophy is to live a mindful life with kindness. This philosophy extends to respecting all life [so] we have chosen not to use leather for our line of accessories. For years I have wanted to create a vegan line of accessories that was high on quality, fashion, and kindness, and technology has only recently caught up with that desire.
Women have always expressed themselves through what they wear. In today’s time, carrying a bag that reflects their core personality is the default, and yet until recently, there hasn’t been a leather replacement that is cruelty-free and kind to the environment. With material sciences finally having the answer it was imperative to design an accessory line that women, like myself who care both about fashion and a world of kindness, could carry with pride.
What material is used in this new line? Why did you choose it?
With MIRUM® we found a partner who creates this beautiful, plastic-free material that mimics the touch, feel, and age of leather without cruelty. The line also features bags made out of recycled glass beads. We’re careful about delivering high quality [products] and both these materials deliver to that benchmark while being plastic-free.
How many pieces does this new line have and what is the importance of the animal symbols of each?
This collection is inspired by nature, my eternal muse. The Swan mini grab bag draws from a swan’s graceful silhouettes; the birds of a feather cross body bag borrow bird motifs that you see across my collections; the haathi belt uses my favorite — the Indian elephant, [which] is a symbol of strength and humility — every piece in this line of accessories is an elegant statement in conscious luxury living. The Anita Dongre brand has stood for elegance, timeless classics, and sustainability. We have always stood for handcrafted luxury while being mindful of the purpose it serves. These same principles extend into this collection of conscious, plastic-free, vegan accessories. While the shapes of these bags are distinctive, they are also functional – a design approach that extends across all Anita Dongre products.
How to promote sustainability in India versus let’s say New York City:
India’s lived culture is based on the practice of sustainability. From clothes that would be passed down to siblings and then cousins to eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, our practices until recently have always defaulted to conscious consumption. It’s exciting to see the rest of the world adapt to that way of living and [it’s] a good reminder for us Indians to go back to the way we were raised.
Anita Dongre allows her consumers to choose ethically-sourced pieces while letting them embrace sustainability as a part of luxury fashion. Soon enough, such cruelty-free products will be synonymous with India’s (and the world’s) top fashion couture brands. This is definitely not a step, but a huge leap forward.
Photos in the featured image are courtesy of Anita Dongre.
Indiaspopup.com — USA’s premier online destination for luxury Indian designer clothing and accessories — is a global platform for South Asian fashion. It curates inclusive, embracive, and conscious trends and styles from the heart of India to its global shoppers. Founded by Archana Yenna, the company honored South Asian women from various walks of life who are leading the path for future generations. The luxury retailer hosted a ‘Power Table’ dinner at Armani/Ristorante in New York City with South Asian women leading the change in fashion, entrepreneurship, media, entertainment, and journalism.
At Indiaspopup.com, we empower and celebrate women through authentic South Asian fashion and community contributions. As we celebrate Women’s Day, we remain committed to sharing inspiring stories of South Asian women achievers and changemakers. Our recent ‘Power Table’ dinner in New York City celebrated remarkable women — trailblazers of South Asian heritage, inspiring the next generation of female leaders to dream big and chase their aspirations.
The company also honored five South Asian female role models that have been instrumental to the diaspora with their various works in nonprofit, societal causes and community building:
Yenna honored these women for breaking stereotypes and spreading positivity on body sizes, health, confidence, and skin tone. Through her work with Indiaspopup.com, Yenna hopes to help women feel beautiful, confident, and feminine, and make progress toward positive change. In a series of photos shot in New York City’s Baccarat Hotel, dedicated to the quintessence of luxury and excellence, Indiaspopup.com produced a high tea-themed photoshoot to celebrate its honorees. The women wore avant-garde clothing donning some of India’s most prominent designers while sipping tea, dining on canapés, and enjoying one another’s company. Exemplifying Indian royalty, the women championed one another and the power of sisterhood, and shared what womanhood meant to each one of them.
During the two-day festivities, Indiaspopup.com announced their partnership with Sakhi for South Asian Women, an NGO that represents the South Asian diaspora in a survivor-centered movement for gender justice. Sakhi applies a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens with a long-term commitment to mobilizing a future free from violence. Yenna pledged to donate a portion of sales from the month of March to the organization.
Sakhi for South Asian Women is grateful to Indiaspopup.com for uplifting and investing in our work with survivors of gender-based violence. Nationally, 48% of South Asian Americans experience gender based violence throughout their lifetime, and at Sakhi, we have seen a 65% increase in cases over one year. This support will help us address the overwhelming need in our community and continue our commitment toward a future of healing and justice.
— Kavita Mehra, Executive Director at Sakhi for South Asian Women
To learn more about Indiaspoup.com visit their website.
Zunera Mazhar is the highest earning fashion blogger in Washington D.C. Her blog, Zunera & Serena, is about fashion, inspiration, confidence and she occasionally includes photos of her five-year-old fashionista, Serena! The blog has been featured on ABC, FOX and she is a featured guest on CNN. She has worked with some of the top designers and retailers in the fashion industry and is the international brand ambassador of “Labels.” She contributes/writes for Self Magazine, AOL’s Stylelist. and POPSugar. When she is not blogging, she works as a program manager for Refugee Asylum and International Operations for the U.S. Immigration Services.
