Iqra & Zaynab- Interview

Iqra & Zaynab have caught everyone's attention in a small span of time. Their classic cuts, chic designs is what sets them apart. Gorgeous jumpsuits and palazzo pants that are a must have in every fashionista's wardrobe. 

Tell us a little about yourselves. Who are Iqra and Zaynab?
Basically Iqra & Zaynab are two 21 year old best friends who are currently studying English Literature and Marketing. Iqra happens to be the literary one, somehow managing to bring the poetic element within the designs whereas, Zaynab manages to target market, design and make strategies. This way together they make the perfect duo where one's quality helps the other.
How did you two merge? What`s the story behind the name "Iqra and Zaynab"
We were and are best friends, so you know how we merged together. After a recent visit to Turkey, Jumpsuits has been one thing we preferred to focus on for starters. As long as brand name is concerned, we realised it's best to keep the brand name original and simple. Iqra & Zaynab, that is who we are, so Iqra & Zaynab it is. 

Shammal Qureshi (Interview)

When and where were you born, and where were you schooled?

I was born in Karachi August 9^th 1982, the year of the dog in the Chinese calendar. I’m a Leo. I went to CAS when I was a kid, and then I was in Bay View High. After that I went to Le’cole in Karachi, and finally I was in the UWO (University of Western Ontario) in Canada. After that I got my hairdressing training from London at the T&G New Oxford Street Academy. I was there for three years, though my education was only 1 year. After that I worked two years at [the] T&G Salon in Sloane Square.

       When did you first realize you wanted to become a hair stylist and how did you start it?

I was in London with my mother and father and I remember we were walking around Christopher place. And I saw some really cool looking guys and girls walk out onto the street. One of them turned around and she had Toni&Guy on her T-shirt and I just casually said, you know, why don’t I become a hair stylist. My mum turned to me and said, ‘Why not.” That was that.

       What do your parents do and what was your family life like?

I grew up with a Malaysian mother and a Pakistani father in a very open minded family setting. As well as them being my parents I always regarded them as friends too.  I was quite rebellious growing up and my parents always had the patience to deal with me. I have one sister and we’re very close.

Khurram Waqar (Interview)

Name: Khurram Waqar
Nickname: kW
DOB: 23rd July, 1975
Favorite quote: Just Do it!
Inpirations: There are too many. As a human being, it starts from my parents and my wife. In terms of guitar, picked it up because of one man only i.e. Slash.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a musician trying to make things work without compromising on my beliefs.... :) Trying to do the best I can do under the circumstances.
Study/professional background?
I have done my Masters in Information Systems Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
How old were you when you started playing guitar and what kind of guitar was that?
I believe it was the winter of 1991. Don’t even ask about my first guitar. It was given to me by a dear friend and the strings were like at least 3 inches above the fret board if not more. But my passion was such that I still played on it and learned how to control my bends. So hats off to it no matter how bad it was.

Maliha Abbas (Interview)

Name: Maliha Abbas
Nickname: Mala
DOB: 11/11/1995

Favorite quote: Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.
Inspirations: No one inspires me.
Tell us a bit about yourself? 
I am a self-taught artist and a photographer. Art and photography is in my blood I guess because my father is a fantastic artist and photographer even though he is not an artist or a photographer by profession. I am a positive person and I believe no one needs a teacher for anything! I mean think about it, everything was created by someone who didnt had a teacher to teach em and thats why i try to figure out things on my own. Allah has blessed us with that ability.
You could be said as an all in one art package, ever got a compliment like this and how do you feel about it? 
I get that a lot actually. I am glad to hear that of course but I do what I love and when you love something you do it to the best of your ability and that’s what I try doing with art and photography.
Is a person born artistic or does he/she develops the skills as the time passes?
Personally I feel that a person is born an artist. Art is a thing that no one can learn and no one can teach. People can help and suggest what to draw and how to draw but art is more than a technique of drawing stuff. I think some parts of art can be learned like drawing but painting and other stuff is a talent that one is born with.
How long have you been drawing, painting or doing any sort of art for? 
Art has been a part of my life since I was a little girl, I actually don’t even remember how long has it been since I fell in love with art.