Unaiza Ahmed
Member, WCCI, Lahore
Founder & Creative Director, Unaiza Mir
The Flare team had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Unaiza Ahmed, a member of the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WCCI), Lahore, and the Founder and Creative Director of Unaiza Mir. She expressed her belief that women in Pakistan possess significant creative and entrepreneurial potential; however, many require improved access to markets, professional networks, and practical business education.
Flare: Can you share how your path in the fashion industry started, and what motivated you to create Unaiza Mir as your personal fashion brand?
Unaiza Ahmed: My journey began with a feeling that I belonged in a creative field. Although I studied sciences in my early years, I was always drawn towards art, drawing, and aesthetics. Choosing creative subjects later allowed me to explore that side of myself, and I entered fashion school in 2008. Four years of learning, followed by a year working with a renowned designer, gave me the confidence to pursue my own vision. The turning point came when family members trusted me to design their bridal outfits for some of the most important moments of their lives. Their trust and the collection I had created encouraged me to introduce my work to a wider audience. That is how Unaiza Mir began.
Flare: How did your education and Paris experience shape your design and entrepreneurship?
Unaiza Ahmed: My education at PIFD gave me a strong foundation in design, construction, textiles, and the discipline required to turn an idea into a finished garment. Being selected among the top 20 students for the opportunity to study at École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture in Paris was particularly meaningful. It introduced me to a different approach to couture and helped me appreciate the importance of precision, finishing, and attention to detail. Together, these experiences shaped my belief that creativity must be supported by technical knowledge and that a designer should understand every stage of the process.
Flare: Unaiza Mir combines traditional aesthetics with contemporary fashion. How do you maintain this balance while developing new collections?
Unaiza Ahmed: I begin with the woman who will wear the outfit and the occasion for which it is being created. Pakistani craftsmanship is central to my identity, but I do not believe traditional techniques must always be presented through traditional silhouettes. I enjoy combining intricate hand embellishment with cleaner cuts, modern proportions, and carefully selected fabrics. In my upcoming bridal collection, I am also incorporating machine embroidery alongside handwork to respond to changing market preferences while preserving the richness and individuality of the finished piece.
Flare: What sets Unaiza Mir apart from other luxury fashion brands?
Unaiza Ahmed: For me, the distinction lies in the relationship between craftsmanship and trust. I have spent 13 years working closely with clients, many of whom return because they know I take their requirements and commitments seriously. I am meticulous about fabric, embellishment, finishing, and the overall quality of a garment. A bridal outfit is not simply another order; it becomes part of someone’s memories. I want clients to feel confident that what I promise is what I will deliver. That consistency has been the foundation of my brand.
“Four years of studying, alongside a year spent working with a well-known designer, boosted my confidence to realise my dreams. The crucial moment arrived when my family believed in me to design their wedding attire.”
Flare: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for women-led businesses in Pakistan?
Unaiza Ahmed: I believe women in Pakistan have tremendous creative and entrepreneurial potential, but many need better access to markets, professional networks, and practical business education. My own experience taught me that being skilled at your craft does not automatically mean you understand marketing, financial planning, or expansion. Balancing family responsibilities with business continuity can also be challenging. At the same time, digital platforms and women-focused business communities are creating opportunities that were previously difficult to access. With the right guidance and connections, more women can turn their skills into sustainable businesses.
Flare: How important are organisations such as Women Chambers in helping female entrepreneurs gain access to markets, finance, networking, and mentorship?
Unaiza Ahmed: Organisations such as WCCI Lahore are important because they bring women out of their individual business environments and into a wider professional community. For someone like me, who spent many years concentrating primarily on design, production, and clients, these platforms provide opportunities to learn from entrepreneurs in other industries. They can also help women understand available resources, develop business confidence, and establish connections that may lead to partnerships or new markets. I believe their greatest value is making opportunities more accessible and helping women approach business growth with greater knowledge.
Flare: What international markets offer the greatest opportunities for Pakistani designers?
Unaiza Ahmed: Absolutely. Pakistani designers have exceptional craftsmanship and a distinctive design identity that can appeal to international customers when presented and positioned correctly. For Unaiza Mir, I see particular potential in the UAE because of its diverse population, international clientele, and established fashion retail environment. Mauritius is another market I am interested in exploring through my upcoming leadership boot camp. My immediate objective is to connect with multi-brand boutiques, stockists, and distributors who may be interested in carrying curated Unaiza Mir collections. I believe international growth should begin with understanding the customer and finding the right retail partners.
Flare: What government support is needed to help Pakistan’s fashion, textile and women-led SMEs grow and export?
Unaiza Ahmed: Smaller fashion businesses need practical support to become export-ready, including training in pricing, documentation, shipping and international standards, access to trade exhibitions and verified buyers, and easier financing and mentorship. Pakistan has strong textile and artisanal capabilities; the key is turning them into sustainable international opportunities.
Flare: What is your five-year vision for Unaiza Mir and your personal and professional goals?
Unaiza Ahmed: I aim to grow Unaiza Mir into a structured luxury fashion brand with a stronger presence beyond Pakistan through distinctive bridal and formal collections, stronger digital and retail channels, and international partnerships. I also want to build a capable team, grow as a leader, and maintain the craftsmanship, quality and client trust that define the brand.
