Bold and jaunty, quirky and desi, glamorous and irresistible! Yes we are talking about none other than the charismatic brand T.G.I.F (ThankGodImFabulous). Zainab Masood a young fashion enthusiast from Lahore owns this tantalising and chic brand. She graduated from NCA in 2008 and has been working as a graphic designer from the past 4 years. Her clothes depict humour, love for comics, retro pinups, vintage and kitschy oddities. The designs are a classic amalgamation of quirky prints and statement colours which are an absolute die for.  She is an upcoming designer whose brand has already created much buzz and is all set to give tough spell to its competitors.  Currently she is working as a designing head for Bareeze and also runs her own fabulous label T.G.I.F. Zainab believes in creating something out of the box for her clientele which would give them distinctive and individual attire. She is fuelled with immense creative imagination and unique design sensibility.  She continues to work towards creating attires that speak volumes about her exceptional sartorial brilliance.

ZainabMasood, a young and determined fashion designer has paved her way with intense willpower and hard work. In an exclusive interview with S Plus Zainab echoed her thoughts about her journey to the fashion world and her exciting upcoming ventures. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

 

Q. When did you realise that you will pursue designing as your career?

I am a story teller and designer with a fearless curiosity and a constant need for knowledge. I always crave to have something exciting to tell. Being a graphic designer, I design and illustrate for web, print, products, visual and social media.Job was getting too stagnant and I realized I want something more exciting in life. I always wanted to be able to materialize the magic created on photoshop and that’s how T.G.I.F happened.

Q. What inspired you to create T.G.I.F?

One day at work I was just doodling something random on photoshop (the raja rani sketch to be precise) and I just thought how wonderful it would be if I could just wear a top made out of this print. That’s when the creative bug in me jumped with excitement! I developed a print out of it, did some market research on printing and fabrics, and got a sample printed,that’s how T.G.I.F was born.

 

Q. Who has been your mentor? Who is your muse?

My mother is my mentor and I guess I am my own muse.

 

Q. What is your design philosophy?

Clean, modern cuts, crisp statement colours, bold illustrations, quirky prints and an element of surprise are the fundamental principles of T.G.I.F design philosophy.

 

Q. Being a newcomer what difficulties you had to face in fashion industry?

It has been a very smooth journey for me so far. I guess the love and support you get from your customers, somehow over powers everything else that’s going wrong.

 

Q. T.G.I.F has become popular in a very short span of time, how do you feel about it and how do you think you will manage to keep up its standard?

It feels amazing! I never imagined that something I started out of curiosity would get such a huge response. But yes with such great love comes great responsibility. I know people expect me to do something different and out of the box every time. It’s a tough job but I amdetermined not to disappoint my customers.

 

Q. Do you plan to design something for men out there because we have seen a lot of men getting inspired by your collection?

Not at the moment but yes I do have plans to expand my line in future and menswear would definitely be a part of it.

Q. What is your personal style?

My personal style is a mix of elements. I like to experiment with different looks. Boho, quirky, vintage, androgynous and feminine define me.But the constant factors being layering, statement accessories, and an unexplained fascination with colour designate my personal style.

 

Q. Name one celebrity you want to see wearing T.G.I.F?

Cara Delevingne

 

Q. What comments do you have about frugal fashion- smart or pretty?

Well I am not exactly a frugal myself but not against the idea either. I believe you don’t need oodles of money to look great and there’s no harm in being a little resourceful, savvy and frugal.

 

Q. What are your hobbies and other interest besides designing?

Whenever I get free time I love to paint.

 

Q. Describe your perfect client?

The one who understands my design philosophy is the perfect client for T.G.I.F.

 

Q. Any fashion faux paus that you have done so far?

I have to ask: Is there anything wrong about wearing XXL boy t-shirt at home as a woman?

I mean, they look like a tent, but I really like them. And if it’s a fashion crime, I plead guilty!

 

 

Q. Fashion always moves in cycle over the years. What is your fashion forecast for this winter/fall?

Youthful/ impact prints (girly hearts, frivolous stars and even childhood characters), oversized shoulders, bold bright and midi lengths are going to be big this winter.

 

Q. What are your future plans?

Opening up my own flagship store.

 

Q. What is the best comment you have received so far?

The word ‘fabulous’ has become synonymous with my brands and every time my customers tell me that my clothes make them look fabulous, it makes me feel fabulous.

 

Q. Where do you see yourself in next five years?

Taking my brand at international level and making it more fabulous than ever.

 

Q. Words of wisdom for our readers?

The ability to recognise your strengths, your forte and have the guts to stick by it, combined with an ability to market your product is the key to success. You have to build a brand identity, which connects the customer to your brand.

 

Rapid Fire

Any favourite piece from your own collection?

The Roy Lichtenstein inspired piece. Funny enough, it’s my only design that i possess andis very close to my heart.

One thing that shouldn’t be a part of anyone’s closet?

Fishnets!

Your favourite designer?

Jeremy Scott and Manish Arora. I can relate to their design aesthetics.

Name a city that would be iconic for your brand?

Milan

Your extravagance is…

Honestly, at this moment my greatest extravagance would be having my time to myself.

Your guilty pleasure is…

Chocolates

Your style icon is…

Iris Apfel! And from our generation I would say Florence Welch, Solange Knowles and Cara Delevingne.