Meet Mahin Hussain — The designer taking the path less travelled - Pakistan

Mahin Hussain's work is a mixture of out-of-the-box designs and fuses pop art with a hint of the patriotic element.

Graduating from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in 2002, Hussain went on to attend the London College of Fashion to further fine-tune her skills and graduated in 2007 with a diploma in Fashion Accessories.

Not only can you see Hussain's work encompassing her individuality, but it also shows great technique. From quirky scarves to funky satchels to classy evening clutches, her collection caters to everyone.

Recently, Hussain showcased her collection at the 'Diwali on the Square' festival trunk show in London and it was very well-received.

Speaking to Dawn, the rising designer gives an insight on what makes her collection unique.

How has your style evolved over the years? Describe your 2014 collection and how it's different.

Mahin Hussain: My bag philosophy has been quite consistent over the years — the desire has been to make them functional yet simple in design. The big collection of 2014 was for Fashion Pakistan Week Spring Summer 2014 (FPW SS2014) titled 'Get Drenched'. I chose the poem of Parveen Shakir and designed a full range of satchels, slings, clutches and scarves around it.

Pieces from the 'Get Drenched' collection. — Photo courtesy: Mahin Hussain's Instagram

Listen, girl, these moments are clouds: you let them pass and they're gone. Soak up their moist touch. Get drenched. — Parveen Shakir

Parveen Shakir very affectionately spoke about the larki living in our very patriarchal Pakistani society, overlooked by everyone, disposed to the dusty corners of the four walls, not to be seen and not allowed to speak until spoken to.

This bold collection is a figurative handing over of the reigns to the girl, asking her to dream her dreams, make them come true, live out loud, be heard and more than anything else, be the most brilliant version of herself.

As a woman this collection is very dear to me. It was my personal expressive rant against all the restrictions that are imposed on the female sex. I want to celebrate the Pakistani woman who is such a contradictory but powerful combination of intensity, individuality, fragility and strength. The bags, scarves and belts are designed to be our own personal symbols of the sisterhood, carrying a torch for all the brilliant, strong women who have lived in Pakistan and who continue to be heard and fight battles everyday big and small.

The main portrait was a collagraph print by fine artist Rabeya Jalil.

Why did you decide to particularly design bags instead of clothes or shoes?

MH: I started my own label in 2008 after working on Gulabo with Maheen Khan as well as designing bags for Khaadi for over six years. I had enough of a market experience to understand my strengths.

In 2008, I promised myself to use my bags and other accessories as a way to spread ideas. I realised that this product gave me the flexibility I needed to take on a path less travelled. Even after six years, I still strive to make a statement with the bags I design.

Mahin Hussain's collection.

What do you draw inspiration from?

MH: Studying at the London College of Fashion, I was exposed to their history. Swinging London caught my attention and has since been a big part of my philosophy. The colours, shapes, styles, all stem from that one period.

What piece is your all time favourite?

MH: I made a bag called 'Loop', which to date gives me great satisfaction. It was an oversized clutch with bands of beautiful colours and had loops which added a lovely dimension to the clutch.