20 YEARS OF RAISHMA

From an early age, Raishma had a passion to create beautiful dresses and build her own fashion label. After graduating with a BA (Hons) Fashion Degree in 1995 she landed the role of assistant designer Elizabeth Emanuel, British designer famed for Princess Diana’s wedding dress. This gave Raishma an insight into couture bridal and sparked the determination to create her own business. In May 1996 Raishma launched her first Spring/Summer collection, exhibiting her great potential as a pioneering British Asian designer, with hand painted blouses and hand embroidered bridal gowns. Raishma’s collections were unique within the British Asian fashion industry due to her fusion inspired look, combining beautiful materials and techniques such as hand embroidery with modern cuts and timeless colour palettes. Raishma opened her first boutique in 1998, due to the growing demand for her collections. Within 12 months, Raishma had fully established herself within the British Asian industry as a leading designer, setting trends and remaining one step ahead with her stunning, cutting-edge designs. Raishma’s designs quickly gained unexpected recognition from mainstream artists and influencers within the UK. Former Spice Girl, Mel B became Raishma’s brand ambassador, wearing Raishma designs throughout her own TV series and high profile events. Raishma also dressed the likes of Atomic Kitten, BAFTA winner Juliet Stevenson, pop star Samantha Mumba and Royal Family Members HRH Princess Beatrice & HRH Princess Eugenie. With a sudden attraction from the mainstream industry, Raishma relocated her store and used this momentum to push the brand to global recognition. Raishma secured shows around the world including, Bridal Couture Week in New York, luxury lifestyle exhibition in Moscow, Russia and high end couture bridal shows such as Asiana Elite held in the Natural History Museum in London. A decade on, Raishma began designing modern eveningwear and bridal wear, with the hope to break into the UK high street as a premium brand. Within one year of her efforts, her brand blossomed. Raishma gained credibility by becoming a key brand for the luxury concept store, Wolf & Badger. The business rocketed onto the high street as Raishma launched online at established premium high street department stores, John Lewis & House of Fraser in 2016 within only two months of each other. With future plans to continue the growth of her brand, Raishma will be launching in the chain of Debenhams throughout the Middle East in June 2016. Raishma has continued to be active within the global fashion industry, showing at Doha’s Mercedes Fashion Show, London Fashion Week and most recently taking part in The Fashion Parade London, showing alongside some of the biggest designers in Pakistan. The brand is now receiving global accolade and recognition providing Raishma with the opportunity to now become an international fashion brand.

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