In a conservative society like Pakistan, designer Deepak Perwani has carved a niche by revolutionising the world of fashion, says Ranga Rajah

Deepak is known to be a bold designer. The reason behind Deepak's success, they say, is that he knows the right formula. But the designer thinks the main reason is because he designs for himself. He says he needs to satisfy his own creative ego. And that he doesn't follow the market, because he expects the market to follow him. Here are some sound bytes from the man himself who has designed for our very own Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi.

Do you thing fashion has become bold in Pakistan?
I think Pakistan has become bold; fashion is just a part of it. Like I said earlier, the progression of a society is measured by the clothes worn by its people. So yes, Pakistan has come a long way and this era has so far been the best in terms of the thought process, liberalisation, and of course fashion. I think the best part about being a designer in Pakistan is the freedom you demand and the freedom you get. The evolution of thought processes (of people) is what has made Pakistan significant globally, and that is due to its fashion industry.
Besides the models and film stars in Pakistan, who have you dressed?

Well, besides models and film stars I have dressed almost every music band of Pakistan in the last decade. Be it Junoon, Awaz, Hadiqa Kiani, Strings, Fusion, etc they all have gone through DP (Deepak Perwani). I have also dressed numerous politicians, diplomats and others.

If you get to design an outfit for any Indian film star/celebrity, who would you choose?
Well, Indian film stars, well I can't say (maybe) Mr. Bachchan because I'm sure everyone wants to do that. Though I have had the pleasure of designing for Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi, it would be a pleasure to do so again.

How according to you has fashion evolved over the years globally as well as in the subcontinent?
Well, globally fashion has evolved tremendously as in couture being out and ready-to-wear being in. Also, fashion now has permeated every aspect of the Western culture. It's also played down over the years, fashion is still expensive, but it's not in your face. Awareness has grown tremendously.

Proof of this is the fact that old fashion houses like Balenciega have been revived, Louis Vuitton and Bally, popular for their bags and travel accessories, now have their own clothing lines as well. Jeans or denim is now a part of couture, so yes, fashion has seen it all and it's going to be great in the future too. As far as the subcontinent goes, now fashion is not East or West, it's a part of the larger global village.

Be it a Parisian fashion house or Italian or Japanese or Indian, they all have access to each other and the same goes for the consumer. The subcontinent itself has seen the likes of Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Rohit Bal and Ritu Beri. In the past, they might have been considered as designers from the East, but are now considered designers, period! No cast, no creed, no religion, that's what makes fashion what it is. Having no boundaries, when there are none to begin with.