FROM VISION TO VOGUE

woman @ work

Young and talented, Iman Maqbool Khilji is a fresh face in the fashion fraternity. Her label, IMK, echoes a refined artistic vision and a distinctive creative voice. Her participation in the recently concluded prestigious London Fashion Week 2026 has marked her entry into the global fashion scene.

Iman’s journey into fashion is a story of evolution, instinct and bold ambition. Educated at the prestigious Convent of Jesus and Mary, she went on to study Computer Science during her intermediate years before embracing her creative calling. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Government College Women University, Sialkot - a background that gives her a rare balance of artistic flair and business acumen, an essential edge in the modern fashion world.

At the heart of Iman’s design process lies an artist’s soul. An avid lover of sketching, painting and fashion exploration, she approaches each creation as a canvas - infusing detail, emotion and contemporary elegance into her work. Her designs reflect a seamless dialogue between tradition and modernity, confidence and craftsmanship.

In a candid interview with You! Iman talks about her flair for fashion designing. Read on…

You! What sparked your interest in designing?

Iman Maqbool Khilji: My true design awakening came during my professional training at the London School of Trends, where I completed a Fashion Design Diploma under the guidance of celebrated designer Manish Malhotra. It was there that early appreciation for my work transformed curiosity into conviction. The encouragement I received as a newcomer became the spark that ignited my passion.

You! How long have you been working as a designer?

IMK: I’ve been an arts-and-crafts girl - from sketching to painting to exploring fashion over the years. However, my label IMK was officially born during the transition from 2025 to 2026, marking my journey from working in the studio to launching the official label you see today.

You! What was the first outfit that you designed?

IMK: A structured 3D evening gown. It was a study in symmetry and strength - qualities that still define my work.

You: When did you first showcase your collection?

IMK: My journey began with preparations for London Fashion Week 2026, which marks my official global debut. It is the first chapter of a very big book.

You! Your academic journey spans computer science, commerce and fashion. How have these diverse fields influenced your approach to building IMK as a brand?

IMK: Computer science gave me logic, commerce gave me the blueprint for a sustainable business and fashion gave me my voice. IMK is where a structure meets logic and transforms into wearable art.

You! London Fashion Week is one of the most prestigious platforms in fashion - what does this milestone mean to you?

IMK: It’s the bridge between a dream and a legacy. It’s a moment of cultural exchange - bringing the soul of my heritage to the heart of global fashion.

You! How do you define the brand’s core identity?

IMK: Structural elegance. My main focus was never just to make clothes. I wanted my pieces to speak on behalf of me, showing my hardships and helping my confidence grow.

You! What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while transitioning from a student of fashion to the founder of your own label?

IMK: Learning that a brand is 20 per cent design and 80 per cent resilience. Moving from the safety of a classroom to the responsibility of running a label requires a massive shift in mindset.

You! What do you like most about your work?

IMK: The ‘aha’ moment - when my sketch finally breathes in the form of a finished garment. That sigh is a relief from the daily load.

You! How do you unwind?

IMK: Quiet corners, a fresh cup of tea, a little conversation with the family and disconnecting from the digital world to reconnect with the physical one.

You! What is your most treasured possession?

IMK: My first sketchbook. It is a constant reminder that every great thing starts with a single line and a blank page.

You! What did you like to read when you were a little girl?

IMK: I was drawn to classic fables and poetry. I loved how a few carefully chosen words could carry so much weight and emotion. They taught me the power of minimalism - that you don’t need ‘extra’ to make a statement.

You! Biggest relationship lesson learned?

IMK: Alignment over attachment. Surround yourself with people whose vision for you is as big as your vision for yourself. Sometimes you need to listen to your heart more than to other people. Choose the right people - those who truly know how to comfort you during the hardest times of your life.

You! What’s your biggest accomplishment to-date?

IMK: Securing my place at London Fashion Week 2026, while staying true to my brand’s structural roots.

You! What does a typical day look like for you?

IMK: My day is a deliberate balance of chaos and curation. It begins with strategy, moves through the intellectual rigour of university and finds its heartbeat in the studio. Returning home to the comforting company of my family - the foundation that makes the hustle possible – completes the cycle. This balance isn’t just my routine; it’s the soul of IMK.

You! Who has been your greatest source of inspiration or support?

IMK: It’s a dual inspiration. I look to my father for the entrepreneurial grit and the legacy of leather that runs through my veins; he showed me that quality is a standard you never compromise on. But the ‘curation’ in my life comes from my mother. She supports the dreamer in me, ensuring that even on the longest studio nights, I never lose sight of the person behind the brand. They are the silent partners in every success I achieve.

You! Advice for aspiring designers?

IMK: The industry is crowded but there is always room for a unique perspective. Don’t just design for the eyes - design for the soul.

You! Long-term vision for IMK?

IMK: To become a global house known for redefining luxury leather - proving that structural precision and high fashion can live in perfect harmony.