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There is something surreal about returning to Paris during Haute Couture Week — not simply because of the spectacle of the shows, but because this city represents the beginning of my own journey in fashion.

Years ago, I walked through the doors of the Istituto Marangoni Paris as a student, eager to learn, absorb everything around me and dream of building a career in the fashion industry. This time, I returned not as a student, but as a Pakistani celebrity stylist attending couture shows while also having the privilege of being invited back by my school to attend the current students’ fashion show and share my journey, experiences and advice with the next generation of creative minds.

That invitation became one of the most meaningful moments of my trip to Paris. Walking through those halls reminded me that careers are rarely linear. The dreams you quietly nurture as a student can eventually take you to places you never imagined — sometimes bringing you back to where they first began.

Haute Couture Week occupies a unique place in the fashion calendar. Unlike Paris Fashion Week, where designers present ready-to-wear collections intended for commercial production, Haute Couture Week represents the highest expression of craftsmanship.

Every piece is meticulously handcrafted, often requiring hundreds of hours of embroidery, draping and construction. Rather than simply setting trends, couture gives designers the freedom to push creative boundaries, transforming fashion into wearable art.

For stylists, attending Haute Couture Week is about far more than discovering what is next. It is an opportunity to study craftsmanship up close, understand the thinking behind each collection and experience how designers use clothing to tell stories. Those lessons inevitably influence the way we approach styling, creativity and visual storytelling.

What resonates with me most about haute couture is the way it blurs the line between life and art. The most memorable collections aren’t simply beautiful garments — they reflect emotion, culture, nature and the world around us. That idea of life and art constantly influencing one another is something I deeply connect with, both personally and professionally. As a stylist, I’m always drawn to fashion that tells a story or evokes a feeling rather than simply following a trend, and Haute Couture Week is a reminder that the most powerful creativity often comes from observing life itself.

Beyond the breathtaking craftsmanship on the runway, what fascinated me most was the atmosphere surrounding each show: the anticipation outside the venues, the conversations between editors, buyers, stylists and creatives, and the collective appreciation for fashion as an art form. Every presentation offers a different perspective on storytelling, technique and innovation.

One of the collections that left the strongest impression on me was Iris van Herpen. Her work continues to blur the boundaries between fashion, nature, science and technology, creating silhouettes that feel almost otherworldly while remaining incredibly refined.

Seeing those pieces move in person gave me an even greater appreciation for how innovation and craftsmanship can coexist. It reminded me that fashion can be both technically extraordinary and deeply emotional.

For the Iris van Herpen show, I wanted my own look to feel true to my identity as a Pakistani stylist while also speaking to the sculptural language of Couture Week. I chose a burgundy Studio by ZSJ ensemble with voluminous organza balloon trousers and a structured blazer — a balance of movement, craftsmanship and modern tailoring.

The decision wasn’t simply about wearing a beautiful outfit. Couture Week is a global conversation about creativity and craftsmanship, and there is something incredibly meaningful about bringing work from our region into those spaces.

The hand embroidery and attention to detail in this look are reminders that exceptional artistry isn’t limited by geography. I love being able to showcase Pakistani designers on an international stage and celebrate the talent that exists within our fashion industry.

The Stéphane Rolland show offered a completely different perspective on couture. His collection celebrated precision, sculptural tailoring and timeless elegance, proving that restraint can often be just as powerful as embellishment.

Every look demonstrated an incredible understanding of proportion and construction, reinforcing that couture is as much about confidence and craftsmanship as it is about spectacle.

I was proud to also be wearing another homegrown Pakistani brand, Baro Studio, for the Stéphane Rolland show, continuing to celebrate the talent and creativity emerging from our region.

One of my biggest takeaways from Couture Week is that true innovation doesn’t always come from creating something entirely new. Sometimes, it comes from reimagining familiar techniques through a different lens. Whether it’s experimenting with silhouettes, elevating craftsmanship or embracing stronger storytelling through fashion, these are ideas I hope to continue exploring in my own work as a stylist. They also reaffirm my belief that the artistry of Pakistani designers, artisans and embroiderers deserves to be part of the global fashion conversation.

Fashion has given me the opportunity to work across Pakistan, India and the UAE, but returning to Paris reminded me why I fell in love with this industry in the first place. It isn’t only about beautiful clothes — it’s about creativity, culture, craftsmanship and the people who inspire you along the way.

Looking back, these past few days weren’t simply about attending couture shows. They were about coming full circle: returning to the city where my journey began, representing Pakistan on an international stage, reconnecting with my roots as a student and leaving with fresh inspiration for everything that comes next.