Style Fantastic

Hugely popular in Lahore, the city it first opening up in, Alle’nora is well on the way of establishing itself as the premiere salon for hair and make-up throughout the country, and abroad as well. After having recently opened up an outlet in Karachi with more branches on the way, Alle’nora is taking over the local beauty and fashion industry in an unprecedented manner.

Here, in an exclusive interview with the driving force behind the brand that is Alle’nora, the firebrand Annie Mansoor, we find out what Alle’nora is all about… and more.

In flashback, tell us when you decided that doing hair and make-up was your professional calling?
Annie: I started with the name Alle’nora about 19 years back and haven’t looked back ever since. It has been a success story from day one.

What kind of hair and make-up services does the salon offer?
Annie: We basically offer bridal and engagement make-up, which is further divided into four subgenres. These then branch out into the following: traditional, ethnic, pastel and colour line. Other than that we are into experimental fashion and formal make-up.

What other facilities besides hair and make-up services are available at Alle’nora?
Annie: Besides hairstyling we offer all kinds of hair, skin, hand and feet treatments to the satisfaction of our loyal clientele that we have established over a relatively short period of time.

Alle’nora is fast establishing itself as a strong brand where styling is concerned. How has the journey been so far?
Annie: All I would say is that to build a name is not as difficult as to maintain it at its peak. I did come across certain hurdles in Karachi but soon realised that if you put in your best efforts then it is not difficult to overcome the obstacles that are put in the way by one’s rivals and their likes. As it is, the vultures are always there, ready to prey upon you.

Considering that your services are as sought after as the brand itself, do you find yourself commuting to and fro between Lahore and Karachi frequently in trying to keep up with your clients’ demands?
Annie: No. I believe in creating models and delegating my responsibilities to my trusted staff. Ghazia does an exceptional job in Karachi, however I am available in Karachi if and when required.

Do you plan to expand and have more branches both in Pakistan and abroad?
Annie: Apart from the four branches running in Pakistan, I recently opened branches in London and Miami. One more branch is opening soon in Pakistan.

What in your idea for the bridal look this Fall/Winter season?
Annie: Maroon and red are everlasting colours for all the seasons but in the upcoming Fall and Winter season pastels are out and deep warm colors are in such as emerald green, burgundy, rust and bronze. In the pink family, dusty pink is in with lots of silver.

What do you have to say about your competition?
Annie: I always believe in healthy competition because in that way you continuously keep on innovating and upgrading yourself. I feel sorry for people who think they are nothing and are always out to steal your ideas.

What’s in store for the future for both you and Alle’nora?
Annie: I will be in Karachi for the Wedding Extravaganza exhibition then later in Lahore since I am organizing a grand show consisting of two segments. One of them is towards experimental and bridal make-up lines, and the other is a fashion segment displaying designer wear by Sonia Design Concept. Freiha (Altaf) is doing the choreography. I am also arranging an Eid festival for charity to raise money for the highly-reputed CARE organization, at Alle’nora Lahore (both branches) and Karachi (Zamzama) with some of the leading designers of our country.

What would advise to upcoming entrepreneurs in the field of fashion and/or styling industry?
Annie: Apart from hard work, I would ask them to be honest and sincere. They should go for experimentation, trust themselves and never be on the lookout for shortcuts.

First Published:

Bridal Extravaganza, DAWN

September 8, 2007