Celebrated designer Shahrukh Amin gets candid with Mehrin Mubdi Chowdhury about his latest designs, the rush of Ramadan and more
Although most designers are overloaded with work during Ramadan, Shahrukh Amin manages time for Iftar even after a packed schedule. “Thirty days of Ramadan is filled with incredible amount of work especially because every one of my design is a one-piece creation. All day there will be clients and I have to deal with their queries and match the perfect dress that coincides with their personality,” reveals Shahrukh.
“No matter how much the pressure is during the day, a little while before Iftar, the pressure simmers down and everyone at Almira gets to have Iftar together. I particularly like this because I get to bond with my employees. The rest of the year I don’t get to meet all of them daily but Ramadan gives me a chance to re-connect with them all.”
Shahrukh also adds that he can bear any amount of pressure, in any situation, if his favourite method of de-stressing is present – music. “I am a big fan of Bangla music and I listen to Bappa Mazumder, Fahmida Nabi and Samina Chowdhury regularly.”
Everyone has fun memories to share regarding this auspicious month and Shahrukh is no different. “ I grew up in a big family with a total of six brothers and sisters; back then it was an amazing experience during Ramadan.” Shahrukh fondly recalls.
“My elder sisters would put out the plates on the table and I would help them out by pouring sherbet into the glasses and gathering everyone together. All of us would then sit together wait for Azaan. The bonding was great and I really miss those days. All my siblings live abroad now and during this time of the month we all feel nostalgic and miss the past.”
It brings to mind how such a busy designer manages difficult clients- Shahrukh spills the beans. “There are so many stories but the worst one is that every year on the 30th of Ramadan few adamant clients would come in asking for designs or alterations!” Shahrukh discloses.
“Some clients have last-minute demands which keep all of us from enjoying the holiday even during the day before Eid! So, my solution to this problem is that I close the store on the last day after Iftar so that our lives can get a little easier.”
“I chalk out a plan at least three months prior to Ramadan because I know I’d be too busy during this time to do anything. If I have to buy gifts for family, friends or relatives, I do it earlier and send it to them before the month even begins. My suggestion to everyone is that you need to plan beforehand; it saves you from a lot of stress.”
Shahrukh also believes Ramadan is the best time of the year when everyone seems to be on their best behaviour and a festive atmosphere prevails everywhere. “Ramadan is my most favourite month of the year.”
Shahrukh beamed when asked about a Sehri outfit suggestion for the readers.
“A chic Sehri look for men can be a white shalwar combined with a white kurti and for women it can be a white kameez paired with a white churidar and a bright indigo-blue dupatta.”
“I absolutely get no time during this month and my family has been very understanding and have excused me. In fact, clients become my family during Ramadan!”
A rendezvous with a designer would not feel complete lest we talk about his creations. “For Eid, Almira will showcase various designs in white, peach, pearl and light shades representing a summery feel; I have kept all the materials light and comfortable. The colours are striking hence it looks great this season.”