Zubair Shah

Zubair Shah is a fresh face in the fashion fraternity whose designs, featuring solid cuts and colours, appeal to both men and women. In just five years, he has established himself as a recognised designer. Known for his focus on western wear and bold concepts, this unisex designer launched his label in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, the brand has seen rapid growth, gaining popularity among young celebrities who frequently showcase his designs on red carpets, at events and beyond. Zubair has participated in various fashion shows including Fashion Couture Walk 2023 and Winter Fashion Gala 2025.

Zubair is an accountant by profession but designing clothes has been his passion. “I am formally educated but fashion educated me differently. My real training happened backstage - under pressure, under lights, under deadlines. Give me fabric and I will transform it into something stylish,” says the talented designer.

In an exclusive interview, Zubair shares his likes and dislikes with our readers…

What made you interested in designing clothes?

I have been obsessed with transformation and design since my college days, so choosing to design clothes felt like a natural path for me.

When did you first show your collection?

In 2023. It was then I realised I don’t just design clothes - I design moments.

What is your design philosophy?

If it doesn’t make you feel powerful and noticeable, it doesn’t leave my studio.

You are a unisex designer - what do you enjoy more: designing for men or women?

I design attitude. The rest is tailoring.

What type of clothes do you design for women?

Clothes that whisper luxury but speak authority.

What do you like best about designing clothes?

That silent second when someone looks at themselves and says, “This is me but elevated.”

What was the first outfit that you designed?

A structured formal piece. I don’t believe in ‘casual beginnings’.

How would you define your own sense of style?

Sharp lines, controlled drama and just enough mystery.

What is your favourite thing in your closet right now?

A black tailored jacket. Black doesn’t compete; it dominates.

Who are your favourite designers?

Sabyasachi, Rizwan Beyg and HSY define heritage; anything else is just expensive fabric. While Armani masters the sharp silhouette, true fashion lives in the avant-garde. If a designer isn’t projecting raw, unapologetic imagination, they’re simply making clothes, not art.

Your most valuable possession?

My vision. Trends expire but vision doesn’t.

What is the best purchase you’ve ever made?

Believing in myself before the industry did.

What bores you the most?

Safe fashion. Safe people. Safe conversations.

You are crazy about…

Details. I can notice a crooked seam from across the room.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Anywhere with ambiance. I like my food plated the way I like my shows - curated.

What are your healthy habits?

Protecting my peace. Drinking water and stepping away when I need clarity. Creativity needs oxygen.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Someone intelligent with strong presence. Beauty gets attention; intelligence keeps it.

Song that always gets you on the dance floor?

Anything dramatic. I don’t believe in subtle entrances - even on the dance floor.

What’s the last thing you got as a gift?

A fragrance.

What books are on your bedside table?

Not books, but the latest fashion magazines - to keep up with what’s happening in the fashion world.

The last film that made you cry?

I literally don’t remember. Probably, a true story or a movie full of heart touching moments.

Last picture you took?

A backstage snap taken minutes before the show started. Chaos looks beautiful when you control it.

You get super uncomfortable when…

I am surrounded by fake people.

First pay cheque?

It wasn’t big but it felt like freedom. I still remember the pride.

How do you like to spend your Sundays?

I like quiet Sundays so I can focus on my future work. Big visions need silent rooms.

First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I check my mindset before I check my phone.

What is one thing that always cheers you up when you are down?

Creating something new - even a sketch. Design resets me.

If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?

The golden couture era when fashion was art, not algorithms.

What is one thing that is close to your heart?

Photography. It is like poetry in motion. I am naturally good at capturing moments.

The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…

Consistency is sexier than promises.

What are you currently working on?

Expanding my fashion platforms and preparing

to launch my flagship outlet on Tariq Road, Karachi

- a space that reflects

my aesthetic in its purest form.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Running a fashion house that doesn’t chase relevance - it defines it.