THE LOCKDOWN FASHION

Months ahead of getting her degree certificate, an engineer decided to choose a different career path. She flew to London and studied fashion and back home she set up a school that struggled hard to stand up and then came lockdown. Saba Gul details the entrepreneur’s struggle

- Saba Gul

When models walk the ramp donning Kashmiri pherans, Zardori silks and the Pashminas, it only acknowledges the future of Kashmir’s heritage. Kashmir crafts have never aged, not at least in last half a millennium.

But it is very uncommon for a Kashmiri woman to choose a career in fashion and interior designing, at least small within Kashmir market. People attribute it to negatives of conservatism and mindset issues regarding government jobs. The trend, however, is changing.

AN ENGINEER IN MAKING

Insha Qazi, a mother of two is one young, talented woman who preferred fashion and interior designing over her engineering career. Born in a well-to-do Rajbagh family, this presentation convent schooled girl moved to a boarding school to study outside Kashmir.

“The boarding school at Jaipur was an enriching experience for me as I became more disciplined and familiar with different people belonging to diverse cultures,” said Insha. “It also boosted my morale and belief in myself.”

Appreciated by her teachers for being creative, her parents wanted her to be an engineer. “At that time, I was young and didn’t know what else to do,” Insha admitted. “I opted for civil engineering and was enrolled in the SSM College.”