Whoever said fashion can’t make a difference hasn’t met Aleem Arif of Bano eeMee. Wearing his leather jackets will not only improve your style game, it will also make a positive contribution to impoverished communities through fair wages and new sources of employment.
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Aleem Arif founded his brand in 2011 after making the jump from the world of finance. In 2015, the label Bano eeMee (a name inspired by the women in his family) is gaining attention with luxury leather jackets. Each jacket has been carefully tailored and burnished to create one-off pieces that will stand out in any wardrobe. With a focus on ethical design, the fabric is sourced from communities that have been affected by war and poverty in the hopes of creating positive opportunities.
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the creative director and designer at Bano eeMee, which is a Canadian fashion label that focuses on leathers.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I used to work in finance before. I made the switch to fashion and started designing leathers three years ago under the Bano eeMee label. This is because I felt I wasn’t being true to myself and wanted to express my creativity, but also set up a socially responsible enterprise. Fashion design was the perfect solution because not only did it provide me a medium to be creative, but by choosing to manufacture in impoverished communities I was able to create fair and ethical work opportunities and use fashion to make a difference.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Connecting with creative minds and sharing my passion with them is the most exciting part of my day. I like thinking of Bano eeMee as a social enterprise built around great relationships with suppliers, artisans, industry professionals and, most importantly, my customers.
The most challenging part is balancing the creative and operational functions of the business and expanding the Bano eeMee team as the label becomes more well-known and the business grows.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
My work doesn’t feel like work because I love what I do. However, I have come to realize that taking time for myself is important and slowly I am getting better at structuring my day so that I have time to take off my fashion face and pursue other interests like reading, working out and learning French.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
As the designer of an internationally available leather label that puts Canadian fashion on the global map.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Hearing NO and having people close the door in my face has been challenging, especially because I am self-taught and did not have experience working for myself previously. Staying positive, working hard, transforming criticism into improvement and smiling lots has helped me grow, move forward, and develop a solid base for my business.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
For me, money does not equal happiness. I came from a promising financial career where money was of no object, but I felt uninspired and unfulfilled. I took a risk, quit my job in the middle of the recession, and tried to find myself… and now three years later I have my own fashion label where I get to be creative. I am rich in relationships and I get to make a difference each day by supporting and creating fair opportunities in impoverished communities by choosing to manufacture my designs sustainably and ethically in Pakistan.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Being nominated as the top emerging designer in North America by WWDMAGIC.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Follow your heart, believe in yourself, and make it happen.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, hence I love Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus in Calgary. Their black forest pancake makes me so happy.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Catching up with friends, supporting art/fashion events and volunteering my time if and when I can. I also enjoy travelling and sightseeing or being outdoors, especially in the summer.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I have had the opportunity to travel to some of the most amazing places around the world, but Islamabad, Pakistan holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my childhood. Getting soaked in the monsoon rain against the backdrop of lush Margalla hills is probably one of the best memories I have of Islamabad.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Happy by Pharrell Williams has become my anthem as of late.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I asked myself this question some three years ago and I strongly feel now that I am doing exactly what I should have been doing all along. It’s the most wonderful feeling.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Kids Cancer Care, Dress for Success, and Tees for School. Charities are all great, however I strongly identify with charities that empower youth and women.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone for sure.
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