FHM: What sparked your interest in fashion?
AJ: Fashion had always been a creative avenue that I always wanted to explore and pursue. Due to my focus towards jewelry designing in the initial years of my career, I couldn’t give fashion much thought but as the years passed by I felt the pull toward it getting stronger. Also, I felt there was something different I could contribute to the industry so I plunged into it headfirst and now we’re here.
FHM: What made you take fashion more seriously and make a career out of it?
AJ: Contrary to what people might think, fashion is not easy. Creating a design that’s functional and aesthetically pleasing while staying true to your sense of self and sustaining it became a challenge that I fell in love with. I yearned to do it over and over again. That’s when I decided that this foray into fashion meant more to me than I had initially thought. Today, fashion is what I devote most of my time to.
FHM: Are you self taught or did you study fashion design?
AJ: A bit of both, actually. I have studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College in London. That’s where I received formal training, but I learned a lot on the job and from the daily challenges that my work presented.
FHM: Tell us your daily tasks at AsimJofa?
AJ: I start my day with research and inspiration. Then I have meetings with my team to discuss the day’s agenda; current projects and their progress. Next I spend time with the craftsmen to perfect the pieces in production. I reserve some time for clients and other meetings and then I make time to sit down and get back to designing.
FHM: How has your work evolved since you began your own label?
AJ: It has evolved a great deal. It has expanded by an astonishing degree. The cuts and quality of work are something that I’ve made major improvements to. The style has evolved according to my personal preferences.
FHM: What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your company?
AJ: Staying true to myself and not compromising on quality. These two things have got me where I am today.
FHM: What are your inspirations for the designs you create?
AJ: I take inspiration from my traveling experiences, from nature and from art. I like to surround myself with things that feed the soul and inspire me.
FHM: What is your greatest accomplishment?
AJ: Getting the award for “Designer of the Year”.
FHM: Describe your personal style?
AJ: I’m very laid back and that reflects in my sense of style. I’m mostly found in jeans and a classically tailored button-down shirt. I do make an effort when the occasion calls for it.
FHM: Are there any types of clothing that you avoid wearing?
AJ: I don’t prefer anything too flamboyant. It doesn’t adhere to my personal style, I guess.
FHM: How well do you handle stress?
AJ: I handle stress exceptionally well. That is one of the key reasons my transition from jewelry designing into fashion was so smooth. That’s also how I’m able to juggle multiple projects at one time. I’m very cool and collected under pressure. Thank God!
FHM: What makes you different from others?
AJ: My unique perspective on things.
FHM: Do you consider yourself a people’s person?
AJ: I am now. I used to be a very private person with a small circle of close friends but I’ve met a lot of great people over recent years and now I’m considered as the “life of the party”.
FHM: What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
AJ: These days I’m fascinated by the glitz and glamour of the 60’s. You never know, it might pour into my work too.
FHM: Can you handle conflicts patiently?
AJ: Yes, as I said before, I’m very calm under pressure. This same quality applies to easing conflicts.
FHM: What’s next for your brand?
AJ: There are a lot of projects lined up that I can’t share with you just yet. Rest assured that it’s going to be bigger and grander than ever before.
FHM: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
AJ: I see myself working harder to take the brand farther.
FHM: What distinguishes this brand from its competitors?
AJ: Our ideology and style.
EVERY DAY IS A FASHION SHOW & THE WORLD IS YOUR RUNWAY
