Alishay Adnan is one of Pakistan’s popular fashion stylists, as well as the co-founder of the jewellery brand Filigree Collection. Starting off her career initially as a fashion marketing manager at Daraz.pk, Alishay has been the head stylist behind various fashion campaigns working for top Pakistani brands and A-list celebrities. Alishay is known for her impeccable taste in styling and is often spotted in beautiful gowns by some of the top designers in the country.
“Alishay has been the head stylist behind various fashion campaigns working for top Pakistani brands and A-list celebrities”
She founded Filigree Collection in 2018, a jewellery brand which blends heritage with modern designs. Each piece is handcrafted and celebrates traditional craftsmanship from both Pakistan and India such as‘kundan’, ‘thewa’ and ‘meenakari’. Filigree has collaborated with brands such as Farah Talib Aziz, Ali Xeeshan, Misha Lakhani, Sana Safinaz and Hussain Rehar. Her brand philosophy is creating fine crafted jewels that transcend the boundaries of age and time.
“Filigree has collaborated with brands such as Farah Talib Aziz, Ali Xeeshan, Misha Lakhani, Sana Safinaz and Hussain Rehar”
We had a call to discuss her journey with Filigree Collection and her inspiration behind both her company and her styling.
Please can you explain a little bit about what you do as a stylist?
Styling could either be about selling a product, making someone look fabulous or creating an inspiring image. It is about aesthetics, narratives, identity and creating value. My focus is always to highlight the product in a shoot, make the model or celebrity feel confident and comfortable in what they are wearing and creating a strong brand identity.
“It is about aesthetics, narratives, identity and creating value.”
What was the thought process behind creating Filigree Collection?
Filigree was created as a result of our mutual love for jewellery. It started when Kiran. my business partner, moved from Pakistan to Jaipur. Kiran was always passionate about art, jewellery and heritage and having being brought up in a traditional Rajput family, Jaipur provided the perfect canvas to explore the rich heritage of jewellery making and its craft. After doing a short course in jewellery design Kiran decided to pursue her love for design by custom making pieces that combined the best of traditional techniques with a unique aesthetic.
“...these pieces are not just examples of opulence, but of fine artistry and rich craftsmanship”
As a stylist, my cumulative experiences have led us to establishing the brand as one of the most popular jewellery brands in Pakistan. Filigree Collection is not only endorsed by the top celebrities and influencers but is also regularly featured in various publications. I was able to portray the versatility of our products by stylising them according to everyone’s style and taste, these pieces are not just examples of opulence, but of fine artistry and rich craftsmanship.
I love the antique look of the Filigree collection; did you intentionally decide to go for a traditional style rather than something very modern?
We realised there was a niche for semi-precious jewellery at and wanted to provide something that is unique yet timeless. We worked together to create a one-of-a-kind heritage collection using the best quality ‘kundan belur’ and master craftsmen, who normally work on fine jewellery. Our initial design style was mostly traditional and rooted in antique methods of production, where most of our pieces had elaborate designs at the back of the frame. This was done using different coloured enamels - a process famously known as ‘meenakari’, which is rarely found in Pakistan. Another one is ‘thewa’, which we use for our cufflinks; it refers to the process of carving into a thin gold sheet. This also happens to be a unique craft, native to Pratapgarh in Rajasthan.
“Our love for heirloom jewels, in conjunction with my experience as a fashion stylist, gave birth to a brand that celebrates timeless pieces which are carefully handcrafted and designed for all age groups and styles.”
Our love for heirloom jewels, in conjunction with my experience as a fashion stylist, gave birth to a brand that celebrates timeless pieces which are carefully handcrafted and designed for all age groups and styles.
How are your pieces created?
It begins with a rough sketch that Kiran visualises or a stone that we are currently enamoured about. Each design is finalized in a way which brings out the stones hue and texture. We then get samples made to check the size, comfort, and how well the piece fits around the neck or ear. Once the sample is approved, we source the stones and give them to our ‘Karigars’ to begin the process. To ensure premium quality, we quality check each piece after production and before handing it over to our customer.
Do you have some tips for styling a traditional Pakistani outfit?
For any look, I advise people to understand their body type and personal style. It’s important to know what looks flattering on you and more importantly, what makes you feel great. Personally I prefer cuts that accentuate my waist so you’ll always spot me in lengha cholis or A-line cuts. I also love wearing high waisted bottoms since it makes me look taller. The right silhouette can really make or break your look.
“The right silhouette can really make or break your look.”
Color is also key when choosing an outfit. It’s better to go for colours that compliment your skin tone. For brides in particular I always prefer shades of pink or peach, or any pastel colours.
Lastly, your choice of accessories is what completes the look. You can elevate any outfit with statement making pieces or highlight an impactful outfit by going minimal.
You have worn some incredible outfits, who are some of your favourite designers and why?
You’ll always see me in brands like Hussain Rehar, Shehla Chatoor or Suffuse because their cuts are not typically traditional.
“You’ll always see me in brands like Hussain Rehar, Shehla Chatoor or Suffuse because their cuts are not typically traditional.”
I love that they have a contemporary twist even in their traditional outfits. However, if I choose a more traditional look I usually go with Farah Talib, Ali Xeeshan or Zaheer Abbas - they really know how to deliver that. When it comes to a mix of modern and traditional, Misha Lakhani, Zuria Dor and Zarih are my most preferred brands. Their pieces are timeless and they really focus on material and craft.
What are your favourite accessories to add instant glamour to a look?
It has to be jewellery! Whether you want to dress up or dress down, jewellery, as well as hair and makeup play a strong role in finalising a look. For simpler outfits I let my accessories and makeup do all the talking and the opposite for louder outfits.
“Fashion is not fun when it comes with rules”
What are your favourite occasions to style?
Personally, I love dressing up for formal events. That’s not something you do everyday therefore it’s more exciting. For eastern wear, I love layering necklaces. My chokers are mostly complimented with ‘maalas’. And that’s probably why we always get pieces that can be paired together when finalising collections for Filigree.
Do you have any style rules which you always follow?
Fashion is not fun when it comes with rules. The only thing I avoid is hopping on every trend. Even if you want to be experimental, you must always add your own sense of style to that look and of course, see that it suits your body type.
“For eastern wear, I love layering necklaces. My chokers are mostly complimented with ‘maalas’”
What is next for Filigree?
In the last few years we have been able to establish filigree as a brand which is synonymous with good quality, craftsmanship and aesthetic. We have a loyal customer base that keeps coming back to us for affordable high quality products.
“...we feel the time is now right to expand into more wearable everyday accessories with semi precious gem stones”
However we feel the time is now right to expand into more wearable everyday accessories with semi precious gem stones and silver pieces that clients can get more value and wear out of. We are spending a lot of time into sampling and research to ensure that when we launch this new line its something which is high quality and worth the wait.
You can find out more about Filigree Collection at https://www.filigreecollection.com/
Photographs contain clickthrough URL’s where appropriate
Photographs courtesy of Alishay Adnan