Asian Fashion Hour Live: Miss Amaretto meets with Noreen Khan
First to be welcomed to the panel at Asian Fashion Hour Live, hosted by Pehrani and The Space Birmingham was none other than BBC Asian Network’s very own DJ Noreen Khan.
Punjab2000’s very own Miss Amaretto’s World with BBC Asian Network’s DJ Noreen Khan
Wearing an elegant black and gold churidar from her own Noreen Khan Couture collection, Khan spoke firstly about her collaboration with business partner and co-designer Gaby Manchanda. Whilst Manchanda has the option to work from her own studio, together Khan and Manchanda decided to experiment with a bespoke online made-to-measure service.
Noreen Khan in the middle with Amrit (left) and business partnet Gaby (right)
Khan keeps the bespoke element of Manchanda’s business to the new couture range as her experience shopping for Asian outfits determined how they wanted to offer this service to customers who want a design to their own fit. In addition this makes effective business as Khan comments, “you are left with no surplus stock”. Furthermore the made-to-measure element adds to the customer service of Noreen Khan Couture whereby they also wanted to create their website to be user friendly with easy navigation.
Noreen Khan Couture is sold via the official website www.officialnoreenkhan.com/shop and www.gabym.co.uk/noreen-khan-couture. The made-to-measure service takes place by the client entering their measurements in the selected boxes with a full ‘how to measure yourself’ visual guide. However Manchanda also explained that some clients were still persistent on wanting appointments and consultations opposed to their online service. Both Khan and Manchanda spend considerable amounts of time personally replying to their customers for that guaranteed customer satisfaction.
Noreen Khan Couture
The outfits range from churidars, to floor length anarkali dresses, saris including a unique one piece sari dress and a raw silk lengha. Across the range, a simple theme runs through every design where eye-catching detail is most important. From the selection of velvet, lace and silk fabrics to ornate decorative embroidery, the Noreen Khan range certainly speaks elegance.
Khan explained how the launch of Noreen Khan Couture was “not just to have my finger in lots of pies so to speak, but because of my love and passion for fashion”. Khan’s love for fashion was inspired by her mother who worked as a professional dressmaker. At the age of 21-years-old Khan owned a boutique before taking up her career in media. Manchanda has been designing for the past 12 years specialising in saris and exquisite embroidery.
Noreen being quizzed by host Chandeep Uppal
When the panel was asked “what inspires you”, Khan answered that her love for clothes and the symbolism of their expression inspires her.
Noreen’s Top 5 Fashion Pointers:
1) Dress for your body shape, be creative and show the world you have individual style. Remember you are unique so express it!
2) Don’t wear something because it’s on trend if it doesn’t suit you and don’t follow the crowd.
3) I’ve never really wanted to walk in anyone’s shoes apart from my own, so make your own mark.
4) My collection of jumpsuits and one piece sari dresses are my design favourites.
5) Shop alone as it’s important to stay focused and to give shopping the undivided attention it deserves.