But riding the high tide she is. One of the first few Asians to showcase her stuff at the Paris Fashion Week as far back as 1997, this "Dior of Pakistan'' has Jemina Goldsmith, popular singer Madonna, Beatles guitarist George Harrison's wife and the royal families of Saudi Arabia and West Asia on her client list. And if you think it doesn't get bigger than this, Nilofer also designed a dress for the beautiful Princess Diana when she visited Pakistan.

For someone who just "dabbled'' her way into the world of fashion, designing has come to mean more than just clothes. "My label is called `Meeras' which means heritage. I see myself as something of a traditionalist or revivalist of the old culture. I feel my clothes are a voice for my culture, for my people. I have always done my own thing. I hated it when people looked to the West for inspiration for their dressing. We have such a wealth of culture, so much of treasure within us, why should we look at the West for anything? I want the younger generation to be proud of what they have inherited,'' reveals Nilofer, who is in Delhi these days for the Bridal Asia exhibition. That's why there is plenty of antique work and traditional embroidery in her styling, she explains.

For inspiration, Nilofer has explored the "Rubaiyats'' of Omar Khayyam, the verses of Khalil Gibran, the art of A. R. Chughtai and the beautiful architecture of the Mughal period. She has also designed a collection based on Islamic calligraphy. "Architecture is something that is closest to my heart. It moves me the most. I could find a dome, a building, even a beautifully carved door very inspiring. I love nature too. I could go live in the mountains! But inspiration is something that can come from anything. It could be a piece of pottery perhaps,'' says the designer, adding: "I put in a lot of research for all my collections. Each dress has a story. And I have names for each of my creations. I feel that they are like my children.''

But Indian designers beware! Nilofer is all set to change bridal wear in India. Though her current visit is more to get a feel of the market, she already is full of new ideas. "I think that bridal wear here in India is more or less the same. A ghagra-choli with the same cut more or less. Perhaps there would be some innovation in the embroidery. But there is so much more we can do. For one, I think a lehenga with a trail looks very regal. I haven't seen any of that here. But it looks really grand. It may be a while before the idea gets accepted here, but I managed to change the mind-set of Pakistani girls. I am sure it won't be very different here!'' says the designer.

On her third visit to India now, Nilofer is struck by the similarities between Lahore and Delhi. And just like many other Pakistanis and Indians, she is also ready to swap stories of blood ties across the border. Apart from a Kashmiri mother, her family tree also boasts of Isa Khan Niazi, a general in the army of Sher Shah Suri, whose tomb is located near the World Heritage Site of Humayun's Tomb right here in Delhi. "I have to go and visit it this time! I have been to the city earlier but I have just never been to his tomb! That is something I have marked as a must in my itinerary this time,'' says the designer.

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