Interview By Sarah Aslam

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Interview with Syeda Saher Zaidi 

 By Sarah Aslam

Introduction: Syeda Saher Zaidi has a Bachelor degree in textile design from CEAD, MUET and she is currently doing post-graduation from AIFD, Iqra University, Karachi and working as a professional textile designer at Al-Zohaib textile. 

1. What inspired you to be a textile designer? 

Saher: Since childhood I loved doing creative things and artistic stuff, so that is why I decided to be an artist. But the main source of inspiration was my elder sister who was studying textile designing, from there on I decided to become a designer.

2. As a student of textile design, do you think Pakistani universities offer quality education for the design industry? 

Saher: No, I don’t think that Pakistani universities are up to the mark when it comes to the education of design because what we study and what we do practically are two different things. The institutions don’t provide a very good quality education because it lacks experimentation. Although the process itself is good and we get to learn new things but there should be an addition of other subjects that relate to practical life applications.

3. What is it like to be a part of one of Pakistan's largest industry; textile?  

Saher: It is an honor and a privilege to work as a textile designer in Pakistan. As we all know that Pakistan is the 8^th largest exporter of textiles in Asia. It is a hard task because one has to be very competitive and always stay up-to-the-challenge at all times in order to successfully run a textile firm.

4. As a textile designer, what are the pre-requisites required to equip oneself along with a textile degree?  

Saher: In terms of digital technology and in most of the practical work, Photoshop has to be the most essential tool that one has to learn during the studies to polish one’s designing skills, understand the design composition, and have adequate knowledge about the colors and textures. Because in the end of the design process, we have to mix and match the designs and create various color combinations on Photoshop. But the downside is that most institutes do not teach Photoshop correctly and this is the reason many designers struggle with its usage.

5. On a scale of 1-10, how much would you rate your textile firm among the bulk of textile industries? 

Saher: I would rate my firm 7 on the scale. Everyone knows about this brand and we use highly renowned models to endorse our creations. The designs are classy and up-to-date. It is highly popular in India as well as UK. Our brand is mostly involved in E-commerce; however, the store outlet is going to launch soon which is actually the only weak point of our textile firm, other than that our industry can compete with any of the leading textile industries.

 6. Do you think textile has changed over a period of 4-5 years, if so, then in what way? 

Saher:  Textile has changed a lot in the 4-5 year time span. The people have become more brand conscious about their clothing; they want to look trendy and up-to-date with the latest fashion. People now look for variety and vibrant hues in designs and dresses. Around 4-5 years ago, the patterns on the clothing were very simple but now, design themes of different and complex patterns are utilized. Also more brands are introduced almost every year and they are all doing well that is why there’s a lot of competition in the market.

7. What kind of pattern is mostly used in the Pakistani textile? 

Saher: There are numerous kinds of patterns that are used, mostly western patterns of brands are followed such as of Dolce & Gabbana; bold and vivid colors, floral motifs and canvas art is used. Due to internet, it is easy to keep a track of what’s “in and out” of fashion.

8. What textile patterns are 'in' fashion in 2017? 

Saher: Digital prints are used on the fabric this year such as; various objects like books, houses, combination of floral and traditional patterns and geometrical designs in bold color combinations.

 9. According to you, what makes a textile firm successful? 

Saher: The general factors that make a textile firm successful are its designs which have to be exclusive, color combinations that are attractive and the usage of high quality fabric for long lasting results. But the key to a prosperous textile industry is effective marketing of the products and services to maintain customer loyalty for a long term.

10. Among the competitive designer market, what do you bring to the table? What makes you stand out among the crowd? 

Saher:  Our main focus is on design and color combinations. We use different techniques on fabric such as digital textile printing which is in high demand these days. Our sales are mostly International as an online market and develop greater customer ties, so that gives us an edge over the others.

11. What improvements or advancements do you think are necessary for the textile industry? 

Saher: There are some technological advances as well as some employment sector issues that need to be improved and focused on.

12. What advice would you give to the aspiring and upcoming designers? 

Saher: My advice to the designers is to always be updated about the latest trends and styles, work tirelessly on improving and enhancing your design skills, develop a good composition, design and color sense, be able to create new and refreshing color combinations and master your Photoshop skills because it is very important to be digitally aware accompanied by the designing skills.