Inside Islamabad’s Creative Scene: Fashion, Photography, and New Faces

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Shokat Ali

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Jun 6, 2025, 3:46:43 AMJun 6
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Nestled at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, Islamabad has long been known for its serene beauty, clean boulevards, and governmental prestige. However, beneath this polished surface lies a rapidly growing and dynamic creative scene that is giving rise to a new cultural identity for the capital. From fashion designers and stylists to photographers and aspiring models escort Islamabad is becoming an unexpected yet powerful player in Pakistan’s creative economy.

In this article, we take you inside the heart of Islamabad’s creative wave—exploring how fashion, photography, and emerging talent are shaping a vibrant local movement.

1. The Quiet Emergence of a Creative Hub

Unlike Karachi’s bustle or Lahore’s rich heritage, Islamabad has traditionally remained on the sidelines of Pakistan’s fashion and art scene. But over the past decade, a new generation of entrepreneurs, influencers, and artists has brought the city into the spotlight.

Several factors have contributed to this growth:

  • The expansion of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok

  • A rising middle class interested in self-expression and visual culture

  • The emergence of boutique brands, cafes, and co-working spaces

  • Greater collaboration among young creatives across disciplines

Today, Islamabad’s creative community is youthful, tech-savvy, and unafraid to experiment.

2. Fashion in the Capital: Tradition Meets Innovation

Islamabad’s fashion scene is often overshadowed by Lahore’s couture or Karachi’s streetwear revolution, but the capital has carved out its own identity—clean, contemporary, and culturally rooted.

a) Bridal and Formal Wear

Islamabad is a hub for bridal couture and luxury prêt, with designers such as:

  • Rizwan Beyg

  • Sana Abbas

  • Zainab Salman
    setting the tone for traditional yet modern aesthetics.

Bridal studios and home-based designers are common, offering customized outfits and hosting local fashion shows or shoots in the city’s scenic locales.

b) Modest and Contemporary Brands

The rise of modest fashion, sustainable fabrics, and minimalist aesthetics has found a loyal customer base in Islamabad. Young designers and labels are creating:

  • Linen separates

  • Embroidered abayas

  • Modest wear for Instagram-savvy consumers

c) Fashion Startups & E-Commerce

A growing number of Islamabad-based fashion startups are leveraging digital platforms to sell directly to customers nationwide. Models and stylists often collaborate on in-house campaigns, making the process collaborative and cost-effective.

3. Photography: The Backbone of the Creative Movement

Photography is arguably the most powerful force behind Islamabad’s visual culture boom. The city is home to a new breed of fashion photographers, portrait artists, and content creators who blend aesthetic sensibility with storytelling.

Popular styles include:

  • Outdoor editorial shoots in scenic spots (Daman-e-Koh, Saidpur Village)

  • Bridal fashion in heritage-inspired sets

  • Urban lifestyle photography in local cafes and rooftops

Leading Names and Studios:

  • Humayun M, known for cinematic portraits

  • Rays by Rahma, focusing on feminine and natural beauty

  • Azzy Photography, a go-to for bridal campaigns

Many photographers are self-taught and began with hobbyist gear, proving that creativity—not equipment—is king.

4. The Rise of New Faces: Models and Influencers

Islamabad is experiencing a quiet revolution in the modeling and influencer space. What was once considered a fringe or inaccessible career path is now being embraced by confident young individuals who are redefining beauty standards and breaking stereotypes.

a) Modeling

New faces are emerging from universities, Instagram, and even photography studios. Unlike the hyper-glamorous modeling scene in Karachi, Islamabad’s models often:

  • Work with local designers and stylists on lookbooks

  • Appear in bridal shoots for salons and beauty brands

  • Transition into influencer marketing and acting

There is a preference for natural looks, modest elegance, and versatility, which makes Islamabad’s models highly relatable and marketable.

b) Influencers

Fashion and lifestyle influencers in Islamabad have built strong digital followings by creating authentic, locally relevant content. They collaborate with:

  • Fashion brands

  • Makeup artists

  • Cafes and events

  • Skincare startups

With short-form content booming, TikTok and Instagram Reels have become powerful platforms for discovery.

5. Collaboration Culture: Stylists, MUAs, and Creatives

What makes Islamabad’s scene so compelling is the spirit of collaboration over competition.

Stylists and MUAs:

Makeup artists and stylists are at the heart of many fashion shoots. Talents like:

  • Mahnoor Asif

  • Amna Khan

  • Rabia Z Salon
    …are not only booking clients but also contributing to creative campaigns and editorial shoots.

Fashion Collaboratives:

Groups of creatives often come together for:

  • Editorial-style portfolio building

  • Instagram campaigns for new brands

  • Conceptual shoots that reflect social themes

The result? Islamabad has become a DIY fashion hub where innovation thrives without big-budget backing.

6. Spaces that Inspire Creativity

Creative spaces play a major role in shaping Islamabad’s artistic scene. Some noteworthy mentions include:

  • Lok Virsa Museum & Pakistan Monument – Often used as backdrops for shoots.

  • Saidpur Village – A blend of old architecture and modern cafes.

  • The Warehouse & Riwayat – Spaces that host fashion pop-ups and cultural events.

  • Co-working spaces like Daftarkhwan and Kickstart – Places where photographers, content creators, and designers meet and network.

These environments foster community, collaboration, and visibility for new talent.

7. Challenges for Islamabad’s Creatives

While the scene is growing, creatives in Islamabad face several challenges:

  • Limited access to major fashion houses and event platforms

  • Conservative societal attitudes in certain circles

  • Lack of formal training institutions for fashion and modeling

  • Financial constraints for those just starting out

However, these hurdles have also forced creatives to become resourceful, independent, and digitally fluent, using every opportunity to build their brand.

8. The Way Forward: Future of Creativity in Islamabad

Islamabad’s creative scene is on the cusp of something extraordinary. With more brands turning to digital-first campaigns, more youth choosing creative fields, and a growing appetite for fresh content, the city is poised to become a cultural powerhouse.

To reach its full potential, the following developments are needed:

  • A stronger infrastructure of modeling and design academies

  • Government or private sector-backed creative festivals

  • More inclusive platforms to showcase emerging talent

  • Funding for youth-led fashion and art startups

Conclusion: Islamabad’s Identity, Reimagined

Islamabad is no longer just the political heart of Pakistan. It is becoming a symbol of modern, youthful, and conscious creativity. Fashion, photography, and emerging talent are giving the capital a new voice—one that blends tradition with innovation, modesty with flair, and elegance with edge.

For aspiring creatives—whether you’re a model, designer, stylist, or photographer—Islamabad is a city of real potential. The movement has already begun. The only question now is: will you be a part of it?

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