NevFashion, like any other business, is infested with the bug we refer to as nepotism. And then there's the lobbying system which makes even the most talentless, famous; while the talented have to stay on the peripheries of fame. And to make a name for yourself despite all such obstacles says a whole lot about the person. Nadya Mistry is one such instance who has proved to the world that if you have been blessed with talent no power on earth can rob you of your right to make it big. And make it big is exactly what this girl has done… All on her own! Her fate is not in the hands of some movers and shakers of the industry; neither does she enjoy a support group comprising a leading choreographer, a famed make-up artist and a host of other renowned personalities. Nadya's parents, her brother and her friends form her support group.

She is one of those few designers who have studied abroad. Nadya got her degree in France some years back before settling down in Karachi. The hallmark of Nadya's creations is her super color combos. Not many designers have the heart to become experimental with their color and cut. That's where Nadya outdoes all. And it is this individuality that makes her creations a favorite with her clients in general and the young, fun loving lot in particular. Recently, she was on a trip to India, being an active participant of the Bride & Groom show. The show in Nadya's words "Rocked." And why wouldn't it? Of all the designers from Pakistan, Nadya's creations were greatly hailed by all including the Consul Generals of some countries. Her choice of colors, her cuts, silhouettes, and her weaves, all were spellbinding for the foreigners and Indians alike. Here we pin down the girl in question and check out what she's been up to ever since!

RM-Let's start from the present… How was your Bride and Groom experience in India?
NM- It was a fabulous experience. I love going to India. The show was brilliant. Took lots of orders, got great coverage in Delhi Times, and made prospective contacts…what more could I ask for?

RM-Was it your regular collection that you had taken for the exhibition?
NM- No, it was a new Wedding collection that I made especially for the show. It included both the Nadya Mistry Bridals and the Mistry MAN lines. The collection was inspired by the Belle Epoque: ruffled collars, ball gown-type lehengas, extremely long tunics, jackets, sherwanis, etc.

RM-What is your kind of fashion - the Nadya Mistry style?
NM- I'm an extremist, so you will see extreme contrasts in my style. I can be very classic or totally trendy. I love playing with the magnificence of the past and the innovation of the future.
RM-Nadya Mistry is one of the most under estimated designers in Pakistan. Do you agree with that?
NM- Well, I feel that I don't kiss anyone's behind and don't indulge in compromising acts; maybe that's why I'm not offered as many shows as other designers. I like to create fashion and am not interested in its politics. If that means fewer shows, I really don't care. I churn out clothes everyday and my boutique is centrally located. So people have access to Nadya Mistry's designs every day of the week! I'm very lucky and blessed to be supported and promoted by the print and electronic media.

RM-One feels there's an international appeal in your creations. Then why are people in Pakistan miserly in appreciating that fact?
NM- How many people in Pakistan actually know fashion to appreciate it when they see it?

RM-What is the hallmark of Nadya Mistry creations?
NM- Bold, evocative, outstanding!

RM- We see a lot of bright colors in your apparel. Does that fare well with your Pakistani clients?
NM- Color is big everywhere nowadays. I have a great affinity and love for color. I also dream in color. I don't know if everyone does! I feel our climate and skin tone can easily afford color and we should not hesitate to indulge in it.

RM-How has your experience with the other designers been?
NM- I like working with the younger designers. They are more secure and less political.

RM-The one person who is most critical about your work?
NM- Me!

RM-Your strongest supporter?
NM- My family: my brother, my father and my mother.

RM-Are you amongst the approachable designers or are you choosy about meeting clients?
NM- I am very easy that way. My clients can easily take an appointment and see me at the boutique for consultation or orders.

RM- Are you catering to the international market as well?
NM- Absolutely! That's how I started out and that's what I do best. I cater to both the eastern and western markets in UK, USA, Paris and Milan.

RM-Do you do bridals for the filthy rich only or are you accommodating towards people with a low trousseau budget?
NM- I make clothes for everyone. I don't like to limit my market in terms of money or age. Our bridals can start from 40k and go on to any astronomical figure depending on
the client's budget.

RM- You have a degree in fashion. Tell us about that and how did you think of going into fashion designing?
NM- I was always interested in designing clothes. When my parents saw this inclination towards fashion they encouraged me to study designing. I was applying to colleges in USA when my father suggested if I wanted to study fashion I should go to the hub of fashion. And that's how I ended up in Paris, in an institute called L.I.S.A.A., from where I did my B.A. in Stylisme/ Modelisme.

RM-What other facets are there to Nadya Mistry that your fans are unaware of?
NM- Well there are many sides to my personality that don't necessarily come out in interviews or small talk. Let's see… hmmm…I'm a crazy, whimsical person with many moods, many ideas, lots of opinions. I'm ambitious, passionate, and romantic. I enjoy people, love traveling, reading and watching movies. I love my family and am very close to them. Work is my second priority but again a very major one.

RM-What was it you always wanted to be?
NM- I always wanted to be a designer. Since I was very young I have also been interested in Space and Astronomy and at some point wanted to become an astronaut too I guess. Would still love to go to the moon!

RM- Ever been in love? What's the feeling like?
NM- Many times! Being in love is a lapse in judgment fueled by fairy tale expectations and lots of hormones!

RM- Are you presently in love?
NM- No!

RM- Where does marriage figure in your life?
NM- It is an exercise that I thought would fulfill me but I overcame my urge - the guy has to fall from the Heavens

RM-Your future plans?
NM- Although I'm ambitious and want to do too many things, I like to live life one day at a time. I trust the universe to open more doors for me and God to watch over me.

RM- Your last words before we wrap up?
NM- Fashion is just entertainment in Pakistan. If it was a serious industry then things would be less biased and more professional. The mafia that everyone talks about is just a bunch of selfish people whose only aim is to get themselves recognized at the expense of other designers and the government. They think they rule the press and can get away with anything. That's not true. Just because you know one writer and one editor you do not own the fashion industry. Like the Fashion Council for instance… the same 7 people are forming a private limited company funded by other designers whose careers they wanted to control. These same people are everywhere, winning all awards, getting all the shows and now trying to scheme designers into joining their company and funding their retirement plans. This is not on. I have gone public with this information. Although many designers are aware of the schemes of these directors they don't want to come out and say it in public. I'm not scared of anyone. These directors are now resorting to dirty games and are attacking me personally as they obviously have nothing to say in their defense. I'm fighting on technical grounds and cannot stoop to their level.