The BoF 500, a definitive index of the most influential people shaping the global fashion industry, has become a prestigious platform since its launch in 2013. What started as a list of 500 key figures in fashion has now grown into a community of over 1,500 individuals from more than 70 nationalities, all playing pivotal roles across different sectors of fashion.
Each year, 100 new names are added, selected based on extensive research, market intelligence, and nominations from existing members of the BoF 500. The 2024 Class continues this tradition, with entrants spanning categories such as Designers, Executives, Media, Retailers, Entrepreneurs, the Creative Class, Models & Muses, and Catalysts.
The BoF 500 isn’t just about spotlighting famous faces; it celebrates innovation, leadership, creativity, and the impact these individuals have on the industry. This year’s additions reflect a broad range of talent and influence, from established figures to emerging leaders across the globe. Among the new inductees is Faraz Manan, a name that holds significant weight, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East.
According to the BoF 500, Manan is now a “go-to” for couture buyers in the wider South Asia region. Expressing his gratitude, Manan posted on Instagram: “Honored and delighted to be part of The BoF 500”.
Faraz Manan’s inclusion in the BoF 500 is a landmark moment, as he becomes the first Pakistani designer to be featured in this prestigious list. Based in Dubai, Manan has become synonymous with luxury bridal couture, with his designs worn not only in Pakistan but across the South Asian diaspora, especially in the Middle East.
His intricate, opulent bridal creations have made him a favorite among high-profile celebrities, including Bollywood stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt, giving his work international appeal.
Manan began his career in 2003, launching his namesake label with a vision to combine the rich tradition of South Asian craftsmanship with contemporary global aesthetics. Over the years, he has steadily built a reputation for creating timeless, luxurious garments that blend traditional embroidery techniques with modern cuts and silhouettes. His attention to detail, especially in fabrics, textures, and embellishments, sets him apart as a master of couture. Whether it’s bridal wear, formal attire, or haute couture, Faraz Manan has a way of capturing the essence of elegance and cultural richness in each of his collections.
His rise in the fashion world hasn’t been confined to one region. Faraz Manan’s work has been instrumental in elevating Pakistani fashion to a global audience. His flagship store in Dubai caters to an international clientele, with his designs being sought after not only by South Asian communities but by fashion enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. His bridal collections, known for their grandeur and intricate details, reflect a fusion of East and West, appealing to brides from varied cultures. This ability to cross cultural and geographical boundaries is what makes Manan’s inclusion in the BoF 500 particularly noteworthy.
Manan’s recognition by BoF also highlights the growing influence of fashion hubs outside the traditional Western capitals of fashion like Paris, Milan, London, and New York. As Dubai continues to emerge as a major center for luxury fashion, Faraz Manan stands as a key figure in this development, bridging the gap between traditional Eastern artistry and the fast-evolving global fashion scene.
The BoF 500 Class of 2024 includes other influential names, each bringing unique contributions to the industry. From Thomas Plantega, who transformed the resale platform Vinted, to Maryse Mbonyumutwa, who established a sourcing hub in Rwanda for her fashion brand Asantii, the list reflects the diversity and innovation driving fashion forward today.
For Faraz Manan, this moment is particularly significant—it marks not just personal success but also a broader recognition of Pakistani fashion’s growing influence on the world stage.
