Faraz Manan becomes first Pakistani designer on Business of Fashion 500 list

Renowned Pakistani designer Faraz Manan has earned a place on the prestigious Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 list, which recognizes the most influential figures shaping the global fashion industry.

The recognition was announced by the designer on Instagram.

Expressing his excitement on Instagram, Manan shared, "Honoured and delighted to be a part of The BoF 500: people shaping the global fashion industry."

Manan, founder and creative director of his namesake luxury fashion brand, is known for his opulent designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with timeless silhouettes.

His signature style, which features intricate embellishments and lavish fabrics, has earned him a reputation as a leading figure in Pakistan's fashion scene.

The BoF 500 list, compiled by Business of Fashion magazine, highlights professionals across various sectors, including luxury brands, high street fashion, media, technology, and sustainability.

Manan’s work has caught the eye of the Bollywood elite, making him a go-to designer for celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Sridevi, and Kiara Advani.

"The designer is one of the leading figures in Pakistan’s fashion industry and a go-to for buyers of couture bridal and formal wear in the wider South Asia region," the BOF said in a statement.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, and having spent time in both his hometown and London, Manan has credited his upbringing for shaping his aesthetic, saying "growing up between two cultural hubs exposed me to a wealth of textile and design traditions."

Although he initially pursued a degree in business, his passion for design led him to launch his eponymous label in 2003. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming a key figure in South Asia’s couture bridal and formal wear market, according to fashion analysts.

In 2015, Manan became one of the first South Asian designers to open a boutique in Dubai, catering to both diasporic and local clients in the Middle East.

By 2024, his brand had amassed over a million global followers on Instagram, a feat celebrated by his team as a testament to his expanding iNFLuence.

The BoF 500 praised Manan for his iNFLuence in Pakistan’s fashion industry and his contribution to the wider South Asia region, particularly through his couture bridal and formal wear collections. Industry experts also credit him with pushing the boundaries of traditional South Asian fashion, blending heritage with a contemporary sensibility.