Shamoon Sultan
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Shamoon Sultan | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Occupation | Founder & CEO |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Known for | Khaadi |
| Spouse | Saira Shamoon |
Shamoon Sultan is the Founder and Chief executive officer of Khaadi, one of Pakistan's most successful fashion retail companies. Since its establishment in 1998, Shamoon has overseen a rapidly expanding portfolio, including Khaadi and Chapter 2. He has received numerous industry accolades, including the Lux Style Awards for High Street Band three times, and the Achievement in Fashion Design – Prèt – Prêt award. Additionally, he has been nominated in various categories at the Lux Style Awards.[1]
Early life and education[edit]
Shamoon earned his undergraduate degree in Textile Design from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, specialising in handloom and the weaving process.[2]
Career[edit]
Khaadi[edit]
In 1997, Shamoon's visit to India strengthened his passion for reviving the craft of handloom in Pakistan. He said, "I went to India a couple of times where I saw a lot of craft being promoted through retail. There was absolutely nothing of the sort in Pakistan so I thought let's give it a try. I didn’t know how it was going to happen, but I just had faith in the product and what I was doing."
In December 1997 he opened his first shop in Karachi's Zamzama and received wide spread acclaim within two weeks. He told Dawn News "We started getting feedback from day one. We were stocked out in two weeks and we had to shut down the store."[3]
By 2002, the brand was making women's ready to wear and soon expanded into women's luxury wear with Khaadi Khaas in 2008. In 2012, Khaadi changed to a fast fashion retail brand, evolving with customers and introducing colourful Khaadi Fabrics. With the launch of Khaadi Kids and Khaadi Home in 2012–2013, Khaadi Accessories in 2016 and Khaadi Fragrances in 2019, Khaadi became a lifestyle brand.[citation needed]
In 2010, Khaadi expanded internationally by opening stores in the UAE first in Dubai and later in Abu Dhabi. In 2013, after the global success of the brand, stores were planned in the UK.[4]
In December 2021, a massive 32,000-square-foot store called ‘The Experience Hub’ opened in Karachi's Dolmen Mall Clifton, marking the beginning of the brand's reinvention.[4]
In addition to his role as CEO of Khaadi, Shamoon's industry expertise have led him to serve on the Government of Pakistan's Advisory Committees on Heritage and the Expo 2020.[5]
Sustainability[edit]
In 2022, Shamoon Sultan founded Kreate Your Mark, a non-profit platform that aims to accelerate economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.[6]
Women entrepreneurs will receive 100% of the sales contribution from their product line and free access to dedicated spaces at the heart of the Experience Hubs and Centers in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.[6]
Personal life[edit]
Shamoon Sultan is married to Saira Ruth Shamoon, whom he met at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. She joined Khaadi in 2002 and is now the Chief Creative Officer, leading the creative department.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ "Nominees announced for 2014 Lux Style Awards". Daily Times. August 12, 2014. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
- ^ Rehman, Maliva (May 16, 2010), The man who made handloom savvy, Instep Magazine, archived from the original on December 22, 2015
- ^ "Khaadi's multinational ambitions-Shamoon Sultan, CEO, Khaadi, on his vision for the brand and the future of prêt wear in Pakistan". Marylou Andrew. Dawn News. September 1, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
- ^ a b McCormack, Marylou (January 18, 2022). "The Reinvention of Khaadi". Aurora Magazine. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ Zahid, Anusha (October 14, 2021). ""We have changed opinions about Pakistan. That is the cherry on the cake"". Aurora Magazine. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ a b Saleem, Shahjehan (November 20, 2022). "Kreate Your Mark: Khaadi introduces initiative for women entrepreneurs". The News International. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ "Leadership Details Saira Shamoon". corporate.khaadi.com. Khaadi. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
