Designer's passion extends to all

Dubai: Indian fashion designer Juhi Yasmeen Khan sees everyone as beautiful and believes all have the right to look presentable.

Through her creative threads she tries to bring the best of elegance to everyone.

Her approach to fashion is not only restricted to a certain class of the society but goes deeper to include people and children with special needs in her fashion shows and events.

"I believe that every human being is entitled to be paid attention to and given a chance to shine and present the best he/she could offer, that's why I train special needs people to be fashion models. For me fashion is for all people, regardless of their culture, creed, background and nationalities," she said.

Khan graduated in Fashion Design in 1992 in New Delhi. She likes to blend the flavour of ancient and modernist style together. "Indeed I do, with a tinge of ancient style," she said.

Living in the UAE has made her an admirer of the Emirati fashion style. "Absolutely, and among the local designers I like the promising Mariam Al Mazro, the founder of MIMI Fashion as she represents the Emirati culture which is visible in her prints, cuts and styles overall."

International

Regarding international tastes, she said, "Well, I always admire Coco Chanel as she changed the definition of women's fashion to the very elegant level. I admire her class, cuts, style and the comfort element in her creations."

Khan started the Dubai based JYK Fashion House, a multi-brand store, in February 2010.

Asked if being a trend setter, she thinks fashion forms an integral part of today's lifestyle, she replied, "By all means it is, with a quick look at all the aspects of the current lifestyle that we are surrounded with makes you think that we are in a restless colourful and joyful runway." Khan also showcased her designs in various fashion shows in India.

Khan talked about her constant cooperation and support for Emirati talents. "Well I consider it as part of the social responsibility towards the people of the UAE. I try to encourage the local designers to build their labels in [the] fashion industry by giving them space in my store to showcase their creations. I am starting a fashion modelling, grooming and styling courses which focus especially on [the] Emirati talents as I feel an inner desire to give back to the country which welcomed me with [a] great generosity," she said.

Asked what kind of opportunities she offers to the newcomers among Emirati designers, she said, "For example I have given a special space to Mariam Al Mazro of MIMI Fashion to exhibit her collections. I make them work comfortably at my store and I also make a complete set-up of tailors and pattern masters to guide the young talent."

Khan added: "I actually feel a lot of beginners of local designers are facing [the] problem of getting into the field as they are fresh designers and financially unable to afford the huge cost of establishing a store. And I'm proud that my fashion house is the reference of many promising local trend-setters who I'm so sure [that they] will be very famous on their own very soon," she said.

Newest collection

As to whether she regularly displays their newest collections in the fashion shows that her fashion house occasionally organises, she said: "As a matter of fact I do, every month I organise fashion shows inside my store. I give them space to sell their creations," she said.

She said there are Emirati designers that she trained and still collaborates with.

"At present, I'm cooperating with Emirati fashion designer Sabariya Fashion. I also am displaying her creations in my store. And my cooperation with Mariam Al Mazro of MIMI fashion also has been an essential part of my fashion house since the beginning."

Khan says that she is available to guide any new Emirati designers at any time.