Dr Haroon
“I shall remain honest and loyal to my name and brand till the very end, simply because it is the way my God has ordained, and it is the only way I can promise consistency and honest work”
MY BACKGROUND
My journey into this field has been a profound experience shaped by my upbringing in a SouthAsian culture where traditional career paths often dictated our choices. Medicine and engineering were often seen as the prestigious routes to success and like my father, I too decided to become a doctor.
Whilst I enjoyed the field, I always had an inclination towards the creative arts. From doodling in the margins of my medical journals to sketching in between lectures in medical college, to anywhere where I could seek moments of tranquility & inspiration to channel my imagination into creativity. Not many know this, but the old Indo-Pak movies played a huge part into my designing. The actresses of that time were my inspiration. I used to watch their movies the day they came out in the cinema and then sketch them the very same evening—capturing every detail of their dress, jewelry, and makeup. This interest grew in me when I was in the 5th standard. In 1987, I exhibited my first collection of drawings while still in medical school.
My inspiration stemmed from old vintage movies, art, architecture, tapestry and more. But mainly, my inspiration came through my ami (mother) and her family. Each sibling showcased their talent in various artistic release & my nana (grandmother), despite never attending school, embodied a deep love for knowledge—fluent in Farsi, English, and several other languages. Sharing tales and wisdom that ignited my curiosity. Much like my ami, who also loved storytelling, literature and history. My aunt, whose poetic words were woven with the finesse of maestros, further inspired my appreciation for artistic expression.
Sugra Kazmi (my aunt) who pioneered and started bridal designing in Pakistan, is a source of inspiration to me and many more. It is from our elders that we should seek knowledge and wisdom to hone ourselves. Observing the diverse passions of my family- whether it be theatre, literature, philanthropy, made me realize it was a vital part of my life.
After working in numerous hospitals, I eventually transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry. Yet, over time, the idea of doing something new and creative began to occupy my mind more and more. No matter what phase of life I was in, giving my 110% was always my motto. Whether in medical college, in the pharmaceutical world, or in any field I chose to pursue, I believed in fully committing to my work.
Others recognized my natural talent for design, but I knew I needed more than just encouragement—I needed a push. There were many challenges and unknowns along the way, but I had to forge my own path, navigating the expectations of tradition and pursuing my creative dreams.
How it all started.
I still remember the night I went to my abba (father) to tell him I was leaving the pharmaceutical industry to start my own business. His stunned reply still echoes in my mind: “Haroon, eik bar phir soch lo” (Haroon, think about your decision one more time). But I had already placed everything in the hands of Allah, and with the unwavering support of my family, I knew everything would work out.
At that time, there was a huge social stigma around such a leap, but my family encouraged me to look beyond those societal doubts. They allowed me to follow my passion with full throttle, despite the uncertainty.
Among my biggest pillars of support were my wife, Mona, and her mother, whom I also call ami. Mona sold her paintings to keep the rent going, while I joined her mother, who owned a small children’s clothing store on Rahat. I didn’t even know how fabric was placed on an adda (wooden frame) at the time, but ami took me under her wing. Teaching me about embroidery, stitching, fabrics and more. For me, it was never just about the small details—it was about the bigger picture, the grandeur of bringing South Asian clothing to the masses.
Eventually, I parted ways with ami to create my own brand, Dr. Haroon. And though the journey was challenging, it was the support of my family and the belief that I was on the right path that kept me moving forward.
Legacy of Dr Haroon today.
Stay true to yourself—don’t chase trends, create them.
Stepping outside the box and going against expectations is never easy. But if there’s one thing these past 25 years have taught me, it’s to follow your passion, stay curious, be inspired and keep pushing your boundaries.
I often tell today’s young generation who are always on the move and chasing the next big thing, to take a moment to pause and draw inspiration from the past to allow yourself to succeed in the future. Don’t fall into the trap of simply following what's “in”—create true authenticity. Learn from others, yes, but add your own flair, your own voice, rather than merely copying what’s already been done.
The legacy of my brand is rooted in the trust and respect I’ve cultivated with each of my clients. It’s more than just the work —it’s the bond that forms through dedication, attention to detail, and a shared vision.
Each piece is a testament to the labor and passion poured into it, with the goal of making someone’s special day truly unforgettable. It’s this commitment to excellence that has allowed my clients to feel the same joy even after wearing my clothes years later.