ISLAMABAD: Pakistani streetwear designer Zain Ahmad has joined the BoF 500, placing two Pakistani fashion designers in the influential global industry index alongside established luxury couturier Faraz Manan, the Business of Fashion announced.
The BoF 500 recognizes individuals shaping the fashion industry through design, business and culture. Its selections are made by the publication’s editors following nominations, research and interviews.
Ahmad, founder of Lahore-based streetwear label Rastah, was among the 100 people added to the BoF 500 in 2026. Manan, who runs his eponymous luxury fashion house, joined the index in 2024.
The two designers have taken different paths to international recognition. Rastah combines traditional Pakistani textile techniques, including hand looms and block printing, with contemporary streetwear, while Manan is known for heavily embellished bridal and formal wear.
BoF founder and editor-in-chief Imran Amed said Rastah had achieved profitability by incorporating traditional craftsmanship into modern streetwear. He added that the label’s designs had gained attention among Hollywood stars and international musicians.
Founded in 2018, Rastah has been worn by celebrities including Justin Bieber, Timothée Chalamet, Zayn Malik and Barry Keoghan, according to BoF.
The publication reported that Rastah generated $2.2 million in gross revenue in 2025 and became profitable that year, citing Ahmad. The United States was the brand’s largest overseas market, while about 30% of its customers were non-South Asian, according to Ahmad.
Manan has built an international clientele through designs that combine elaborate embellishment with contemporary silhouettes. He opened a boutique in Dubai in 2015, expanding his presence among both South Asian diaspora customers and local clients in the Middle East.
His designs have also been worn by prominent Bollywood celebrities, according to his BoF profile.
Despite its name, the BoF 500 has expanded well beyond its original 500-member concept. Established in 2013, the community now comprises 1,713 members, with this year’s 100 additions spanning designers, executives, entrepreneurs, retailers and media professionals.
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The selection is based on factors including leadership, creativity, innovation and social impact. The BoF 500 is an editorial selection recognizing influence in the global fashion industry rather than a numerical ranking of designers or fashion businesses.
