Sadaf Malaterre has been in the fashion industry since 2005. She is often referred to as a progressive fashion designer and is known for her unique sense of style. OK! Pakistan talks to the designer about inspiration, early fashion memories, brand aesthetics and more…
How did you decide to become a fashion designer?
Sadaf Malaterre: This is something I always wanted to do so it happened.
What inspires your designs?
SM: Life is my inspiration. Nature is my inspiration.
How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?
SM: It’s simple; you take an art piece from the ramp and make it wearable.
What is your first fashion memory?
SM: One of my aunts’ platform shoes when I was six years old, I think.
How would you describe your brand aesthetics?
SM: Elegant, feminine and always fun.
As a designer, is it possible to create anything that you can imagine?
SM: Absolutely!
What aspects of the fashion industry would you like to change?
SM: The inclination towards bridal fashion.
Does a creative director of a fashion house still need to be a designer or is it enough to simply give direction and represent the brand well?
SM: I believe the creative director should be a designer in some sense.
What is fashion for you?
SM: Fashion is self-expression, it’s a statement, and one must always experiment and have fun with it.
How do you stay updated with the trends in the fashion industry?
SM: You follow what’s happening in fashion globally, but there are times when you just create and invent.
How would you define your personal style?
SM: Always quirky.
How would you relate past and present fashion trends?
SM: I would not.
What are the challenges you faced during your career?
SM: Getting through to people.
What things do you keep in mind when preparing for fashion shows?
SM: No compromises.
What current trend would your like to change and why?
SM: Very big and wide ghair shalwars as they make women look more pear-shaped, and most women on our side of the world have pear-shaped bodies as it is.
Who’s your muse?
SM: Myself.
Shoes or Bags?
SM: Both.
Favourite designer?
SM: Junya Watanabe (Comme des Garçons).
Your go to Label?
SM: Dolce and Gabbana.
Last Book you read?
SM: Lizard by Banana Yoshimoto.
Favourite TV show?
SM: Friends.
Sweet or Savory?
SM: Sweet.
Ideal travel destination?
SM: Some Exotic Island.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
SM: No (hehe).
What is one thing you can’t live without?
SM: Water.
