Tell us a bit about your label, Raishma. What was the inspiration behind setting it up?
Raishma started from my love of couture and a wish to make beautifully made occasionwear more accessible. With my British Asian background, I wanted to bring together the rich colours and embroidery of the East with the cuts and tailoring of the West. The aim has always been to design pieces that are size inclusive, special yet easy to wear, and made to treasure.
Your flagship store is based in Marylebone. What’s your favourite thing about the area?
Marylebone has a warm and creative spirit, and our boutique fits right in. I love the sense of community and the mix of independent shops and cafés.
When did you know you wanted to work as a designer, and what was the journey from then on?
I knew I wanted to be a designer from the age of eight. After finishing my fashion degree at De Montfort University, I worked with Elizabeth Emmanuel, who created Princess Diana’s wedding dress. That experience confirmed my passion for couture and gave me the confidence to start my own brand.
Your designs have been worn by some pretty prominent names! Who have been your favourite people to dress?
It has been a joy to dress women like Princess Beatrice, Amanda Holden, Mel B and Goldie Hawn. Each one has been special. But I also love dressing everyday women and seeing them feel beautiful and confident in my designs.
Tell us about the first item of clothing you ever made…
The first piece I made was at just 10 years old, I made my first dress on my mum’s sewing machine at home. It was a white cotton dress covered in printed bows, and although simple, it was such a fun first dress to make. That experience showed me the joy of turning fabric into something wearable and sparked my love for design.
Who or what influences your designs?
I am inspired by art, travel and culture. I often look at things like Persian and Kashmiri art, Moroccan gardens or Art Deco patterns. These influences come through in my prints, embroidery and shapes.
Is there anything else coming up that you’d love to tell us about?
Yes, we are preparing for our launch with Harrods during London Fashion Week. This is a very proud moment for us and an exciting step in growing the brand internationally. Earlier this year, we launched our first silk collection, which was stocked at Selfridges, and we also launched our local Dubai website with a successful launch party. Looking ahead, we are excited to bring back girls’ occasionwear as part of our future plans.
