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.

Acclaimed Pakistani designer Huma Adnan has left an indelible mark through her extraordinary humanitarian efforts and visionary fashion creations. She made history by opening her flagship store in California's Valley Fair Mall in 2010, becoming the first designer to establish a presence there. Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and empowerment, Huma launched Craft Stories, a platform that celebrates the talents of Afghan refugee artisans in Karachi and women from Pakistan's Ghizer Valley. Through her livelihood collaboration with the UNHCR, Huma personally mentors and uplifts these artisans, providing them with sustainable incomes and fostering self-sufficiency.

Huma's influence extends globally, with frequent invitations to esteemed events such as the Developments in Literacy Foundation, APPNA, and the Irvine Pakistan Parents Association. As a Pakistan board member of CalPak Education Services, Huma actively advocates for education and women's empowerment. She is also a member of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC). Huma has consequently been lauded by many esteemed individuals, such as Mayor Eric Garcetti, Chief of Police LAPD Charlie Beck, and Members of Congress Ed Royce and Judy Chu. The esteemed atelier was also invited by the prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum in London, where she helmed a vital compassionate jewelry workshop.

Furthermore, Huma was invited to showcase her creations at the residence of the Ambassador of Türkiye, a UNESCO heritage site in Washington DC. The event, hosted by the Turkish embassy, brought together esteemed guests and dignitaries, including the wives of ambassadors from various countries. The exclusive event at the Ambassador's residence was graced by the presence of First Ladies from different countries, who wholeheartedly appreciated the culturally rich craft presented by Huma.

In addition to her remarkable achievements, Huma has been nominated for prestigious awards like the Lux Style Awards and Ladies Funds-Women's Achiever Awards. She is also a sought-after speaker and participant in international conferences and trade shows, where she shares her inspiring journey as a designer and activist. Most notably, in 2023, Huma had the honor of speaking at the WHO's Next League Paris on "Inclusion of Women in Creation" in collaboration with the 'Fédération Française du Prêt à Porter Féminin.'

Huma also participated in the IMPACT - Who's Next Paris event, where she showcased handcrafted sustainable jewelry and shared glimpses of the talented artisans from the mountains, who revitalize their indigenous crafts passed down through generations. Her efforts in preserving endangered crafts and empowering underprivileged artisans are truly commendable. Her dedication to sustainable fashion and jewelry was also highlighted in a successful show at the Fondation Cherquei in Paris, attended by both the French and Pakistani communities. Notably, Ms. Camellia Galley, the wife of the French Ambassador to Pakistan, was also present. Additionally, Huma attended the International Religious Freedom Summit (IRF Summit), hosted in Washington DC, further emphasizing her involvement in global discussions and her dedication to creating positive change.

Huma's illustrious career exemplifies her unwavering commitment to humanitarianism, sustainability, and promoting Pakistan's rich cultural heritage. Her tireless efforts in uplifting marginalized communities, empowering women, and preserving traditional craftsmanship have not only made a significant impact but also served as an inspiration to countless individuals worldwide. Through her work, Huma is rewriting the narrative of the industry, showing that fashion can be a powerful tool for positive change.

In the recent past, Huma helmed a workshop titled "Compassionate Jewellery" at the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in South Kensington. This unique event, which was scheduled for Monday, June 19, and Tuesday, June 20, 2023, invited participants of all skill levels to explore their creativity and express compassion through the art of crafting exquisite jewellery pieces. The workshop provided an ideal environment for participants to explore their creative potential while reflecting on the experiences and stories of refugees. Regardless of their skill level, attendees had the opportunity to learn from Huma herself, benefiting from her vast expertise.

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.”