No one is born successful! Their hard work, creativity, commitment towards work, passion, persistence brings them towards victory. When we think of Fashion guru Deepak Perwani today, the instant association is a larger-than-life glamour and a designer as famous as the stars he dressed. He climbed his way to the top on his own. His work, whether on the runway or big screen has been genre-defining. Carving a niche for himself in the world of fashion, Perwani marked a strong presence in Pakistan and globally when he became the chairperson of the prestigious Fashion Pakistan Council (FPC).
There was a phase when he skyrocketed the fashion industry of Pakistan with his rich Avant-Grade designs. Who can forget the ‘D-Philosophy’ line which created a huge stir at the Milan Fashion Week and later was sold out like hot cakes in Pakistan? Replicas of the statement circular bags were a rage in Liberty (Lahore) and Aashiana (Karachi). He made stars, initiated the opening of stores in mainstream locations. His brand became more desirable when he dabbled into acting and featured in popular music videos.
He designed for over 200 music videos; from Hadiqa Kiani, Ali Azmat, Awaz, Fuzon, Vital Signs to Najam Sheraz, he worked with a good number of musicians. He created the magical look for Ali Zafar’s super hit song Channo. No designer to date has designed 300 outfits for a film. Yes! you read it right. Blockbuster movie ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’ featured outfits from the house of Deepak Perwani not just for the main cast but all the other characters. Having won seven Lux Style Awards, Deepak has achieved a lot.
He was indeed a rockstar in all those years of fame. Analyzing his career over 26 years onwards, we see a huge transition of the designer towards bridal collection. Following the footsteps of his contemporaries, his inclination is now on the big Pakistani wedding market. Looking at his e-store, the enigmatic gowns and chemise dresses have been outshined by ghararas, shararas and lehngas. These lavish apparel may look great on the ramp, but practically just a small section of the upper class wears it. The wedding ware surely makes considerable profits. Also, women who dream of getting married often aspire to wear a DP outfit.
We truly miss the iconic rockstar and his cutting-edge streaks that has always been his forte. His signature designs for the urban woman, the twists with prints, balancing bright colors and making perfectly finished and subtle silhouettes. The glamorous outfits yet utterly wearing at the same time. He knew the fine line between statement wear and retail wear that could go straight from the ramp to the retail racks. Not just that, the trendsetting apparels with lightweight cotton suits and kurta pajamas sets for men were a true delight.
We at Fashion Times hope that Deepak Perwani should enable his rockstar mode and do what he does best. Shed his inhibitions, go offbeat and be the way we love him best.