ABOUT HUMA ADNAN

Huma Adnan (born 23 July) is a Pakistani fashion designer and one of the first to introduce a fusion of European bohemia with a Pakistani twist, mixed with traditional crafts and contemporary cuts to give her label a very distinct signature style. She was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. Her designs are available under three distinctive labels namely FnkAsia (fusion wear), Huma Adnan (bridal, couture) and Craft Stories (accessories handmade by refugee artisans).

Early life and education

Born in a typical Pakistani household where women are expected to play stereotypical roles, Adnan was determined to pursue her chosen career. Adnan did her early schooling from St. Joseph’s Convent Karachi. During her childhood she spent her summers at her ancestral hometown near Faisalabad. Her maternal family owned textile business always intrigued her with crafts and colors from the village. Adnan did her undergrad in Statistical Mathematics from St Joseph’s College Karachi and Masters in Business administration in Marketing and Advertising from Institute of Business Administration, University of Karachi, Adnan initially started off in the banking career but later joined as a director for the house of Amir Adnan. Branching forth from her husband’s label -- The House of Amir Adnan -- Huma put her sartorial genius into designing a dynamic layering of colors, textures and prints to run her own fashion label by the name of FnkAsia in 2005.

Adnan was the first designer to open a flagship store in California Valley Fair Mall in the year 2010, however due to recession and economic forces, the studio had to shut after two years of successful operation. Subsequently Adnan had eight stores across Pakistan and three in the UAE.

Running a studio in Karachi at the swanky Dolmen mall by the sea, the designer produces both FnkAsia fusion wear and Huma Adnan bridal couture pret as well as the Craft Stories series consisting a line of handcrafted accessories made by refugee artisans based in various camps in Karachi. These craft workers are up skilled by the designer herself who collaborated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to bring the best out of these refugees and providing them with a source of income. Hence, making the refugees self-sustainable in the business of fashion.

Besides Pakistan, Adnan has been invited to the prestigious Developments in Literacy Foundation (DIL) in San Francisco, Association of Physicians of Pakistani Decent of North America (APPNA) and Irvine Pakistan Parents Association. Besides several other shows in the USA, UK, UAE and India.

Huma Adnan’s coveted trousseau specifically caters to a diverse clientele that include young brides who want both contemporary and tradition infused within their fashion choice having a Pakistani essence on their big day, no matter in which part of the world they may be. This of course resonates perfectly with the designer’s vision because every design by Huma be it jewelry, pret or bridal wear; all have the same underlying signature which is to promote Pakistan in one form or the other. Known for visually constructing a Pakistani - Bohemian appeal through her work, the designer still eyes further expansion. In recognition of her innovative use of fabrics and patterns as well being a force behind a pioneer women’s brand.

Vocational training offered to help refugees become entrepreneurs

Refugee women working together to handcraft jewellery under a joint initiative by designer Huma Adnan and UNHCR. Islamabad: Vibrant and bold jewellery made of ceramic beads, fabric, metal and stones at the fashion show “Craft Stories” in Karachi may be just jewellery for spectators. But for those refugee artisans who crafted them, it was a life-changing experience.

“I feel like I am making a difference, like I have finally found my purpose [in life],” shared Shareefa, an Afghan refugee and mother of four, who is now working as an artisan for six months now. She is one of the 25 craftswomen involved in the project – a joint initiative of designer Huma Adnan and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The programme includes refugees from Afghanistan, Sudan, Syria, Myanmar, Yemen as well as Rohingya people. Considering the need for work opportunities among the refugee population in Pakistan, designer brand FnkAsia and UNHCR offered vocational training to them in jewellery and textile craft to help them become self-sustained entrepreneurs. Models showcase the jewellery made by refugee craftswomen involved in jewellery line project. Explaining the purpose behind the venture, Adnan told Gulf News: “It aims to create awareness among masses about global refugee crisis and to highlight the issues faced by refugees in terms of citizenship, dignity, acceptance into a culture and community building.”