ALINA ANWAR | THE PAKISTANI DESIGNER DRESSING THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN
In a world where fashion often flirts with the fleeting, Alina Anwar designs with a deeper intention — to empower, to elevate, and to embody strength with style. The Dubai-based designer, proudly rooted in Pakistan, has carved a couture empire that drapes the world’s most celebrated women in silhouettes that speak louder than words. From the bold intricacy of her craftsmanship to the quiet power of her personal story, Alina is not just creating garments but crafting legacy.
With clients ranging from Mariah Carey to Deepika Padukone, and ambitions that stretch toward icons like Beyoncé and JLo, Alina’s journey is stitched with both discipline and daring. Her philosophy? That fashion should not only make you look powerful, but feel unstoppable.
Strength is owning your story with grace and conviction
In this exclusive interview with HELLO! Pakistan, Alina opens up about identity, ambition, the business of fashion — and why being a Pakistani woman in couture is her ultimate strength.
Your designs speak the language of power and femininity. How do you personally define strength in a woman — and how do you translate that into couture?
Strength is owning your story with grace and conviction. I design to reflect that — silhouettes that command presence, and details that speak of resilience, power, and unapologetic femininity.
You’ve dressed some of the world’s biggest names. Do you remember a moment where you truly felt, “I’ve made it”? Or is that still evolving?
Every milestone feels like the beginning of something bigger. Dressing icons like Mariah Carey or Deepika Padukone was surreal — but I believe evolution is constant. I’m still waiting to dress Beyonce, JLO and Cardi B in one of my creations.
As a Pakistani woman making waves in Dubai and beyond, how do you carry your heritage into your work — especially in an industry that often leans heavily Western?
My Pakistani heritage is woven into every design- from detailed craftsmanship to the values I uphold as a woman in fashion. Being based in Dubai, I’ve learned to merge cultural richness with global sophistication. You don’t need to follow Western trends to make an impact; you just need to own your story.
I’m still waiting to dress Beyoncé, JLo and Cardi B in one of my creations
What was the very first sketch or design that made you feel you were on to something special? Do you still look back at it?
It was a rose-pink gown I designed for my mother- elegant, graceful, and timeless, just like her. Seeing her wear it with pride made me realise the emotional power of clothing. I still look back at that piece as the beginning of everything.
In the luxury fashion world, creativity and commerce often collide. How do you navigate that balance — between art and business?
For me, creativity is the soul and commerce is the structure. I lead with vision, but I make decisions with strategy. True luxury lies in mastering both and taking wise decisions at the right time.
You don’t need to follow Western trends to make an impact; you just need to own your story
You’ve built your brand from the ground up. What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about the fashion industry or entrepreneurship?
That it’s all glamour. Behind every sequin and spotlight is relentless discipline, sleepless nights, and sacrifice. Fashion is a business- and building a brand takes resilience, not just a good taste.
Fashion can be a powerful tool for identity and transformation. Was there a moment in your own life where fashion changed how you saw yourself?
Absolutely! The first time I wore one of my own designs, I no longer saw just a young girl with a vision, but a woman with purpose. Fashion gave me clarity, control, and the courage to take up space.
Fashion gave me clarity, control, and the courage to take up space
What does your creative process look like — from inspiration to runway? Is there a ritual or routine that anchors you?
My creative process always begins with how I want a woman to feel in the piece. From there, I draw inspiration from architecture, music, and the women around me. Once the vision is clear, I immerse myself in sketching, fabric selection, and structure. My aim is to empower women through powerful dressing and to set them on a path to personal freedom.
If you could dress one historical or fictional woman in Alina Anwar Couture, who would it be — and why?
It would be Audrey Hepburn- a timeless icon of grace, intelligence, and understated power. Her elegance was effortless, yet she stood for so much more than beauty. Dressing her in Alina Anwar Couture would be the perfect fusion of classic femininity and quiet strength- everything my brand represents.
Behind every sequin and spotlight is relentless discipline, sleepless nights, and sacrifice
The pressure of perfection is high in your world. How do you stay grounded? And what keeps you creatively alive?
I stay grounded by remembering why I started- to empower women and create something meaningful. My creativity is fuelled by powerful women, and the idea that fashion can transform not just how we look, but how we feel. That purpose keeps me going.
You've inspired women across borders to dream bigger. Who inspires you?
My biggest inspiration has always been my mother. Her quiet strength, elegance, and resilience shaped not only the woman I am but the brand I built. She taught me that true style isn’t loud — it’s powerful, graceful, and rooted in authenticity. Everything I create carries a piece of her in it.
What advice would you give to a young Pakistani girl who’s been told that her dreams are “too big” for where she comes from?
I would tell her: your roots are your power, not your limitation. Always follow your dreams and
passion. I started from the same place, and today my designs speak on global stages. Believe in your voice, work hard, and walk with grace- because where you come from is exactly why you will go far.
My roots are my power, not my limitation
Social media has become a runway of its own. How do you approach visibility in the digital age while keeping your brand essence intact?
For me, social media is a stage- not just for visibility, but for storytelling. I don’t chase trends; I stay rooted in my brand’s essence: empowering women through elegance, strength, and purpose. Every post is curated with intention- to reflect the same sophistication and authenticity that defines my designs.
What has Dubai given you that you think you might not have found elsewhere — and what do you still carry from Pakistan every day?
Dubai is my second home- a place where I grew up that gave me a global stage- the freedom to build a brand that speaks to the world. But what I carry from Pakistan every single day is my resilience, my cultural richness, and the values instilled in me by my roots. Together, they shape everything I create.
When you're not designing, dreaming, or running your brand — who is Alina Anwar outside the atelier?
Outside the atelier, I’m a very active person- I love traveling around the world, learning from new experiences, going to the gym, practicing yoga, and playing tennis. I also deeply value quality time with my family and friends. That balance keeps me disciplined and driven in everything I do.
Interview: @sublimerantr
Outfit: @alinaanwarcouture
Makeup: @aroobabeauty
Photographer: @_felinafelina
Location: @lumalocation
Muse: @alinaanwarkhan