Meera and Muzaffar Ali

Label: Kotwara

A couple who envelops within itself a whole lot of artistic and creative sensibilities is what one can define Meera and Muzaffar Ali as. The designer duo of Meera and Muzaffar Ali works hard to generate stylish products which have a universal appeal and relevance. They work on all genre of creative upfront, under the label 'Kotwara'. Inspired by Sufi music, the duo has also brought out an album Paigham-e-Mohabbat, which has lyrics by some of the subcontinents' most distinguished poets.

Career and Success
The ingenious couple of Meera and Muzaffar Ali has brought bygone traditions back to the centre stage, with works of Lucknow and Kotwara in the global upfront. During the time they were toying with the idea of entering the fashion industry, the likes of chikan, zardozi, kamdani, tukdi, appliqué and hand embroideries had become quite acceptable in the global market. This gave them the encouragement to move ahead with their idea.

The label of "Kotwara" has thus acquired a style of its own, which is both avant-garde and traditional and evokes an image which is an interesting blend of detailing and innovation, modernity and old world charm. The wearer of "Kotwara" experiences an inner tranquility, as a contrast to a highly commercial outlook. The couple has done a number of fashion shows in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Singapore, Kuwait, London and New York.

Their Work
Painter, poet, designer, film-maker, artist, music lover, revivalist and social worker by profession, Meera and Muzaffar Ali have crossed all the boundaries of creativity, to project their talent and versatility. Together, they design under their label "Kotwara". Muzaffar, the 'Raja of Kotwara', and his stunning wife, are also arduously involved with Dwar Pe Rozi, a movement which caters for empowering and educating women of the Kotwara region, by making them learn the art of craft and embroidery. The couple also runs a charitable school in that region to educate rural children. It was Muzaffar's interest in crafts and clothes that motivated the couple to set up a fashion label in 1990.

Brand
Meera and Muzaffar Ali do not limit themselves to just the conventional styles of art, but also design western outfits, such as long coats, short jackets, dresses, skirts and trousers. These have a gentle and a subtle touch to it, with just the right dose of hand embroideries. The collection is known all over the country and the world as "Kotwara", which evokes a bygone era known for its finesse in style and craftsmanship using traditional hand embroideries on modern silhouettes. There is a worldwide acceptance of the brand.