Home Community BASIL WARIS | MAKING HIS MARK IN THE FASHION WORLD
BASIL WARIS | MAKING HIS MARK IN THE FASHION WORLD

BASIL WARIS | MAKING HIS MARK IN THE FASHION WORLD

0
0

“I never dreamed about success, I worked for it!

– Estee Lauder

 

MAKING HIS MARK IN THE FASHION WORLD

 

For Basil Waris, art has always been a source of intrigue and wonder – for as long as he can remember. In fact, the Events Specialist, Celebrity Manager, PR and Brand Consultant claims that both fashion and entertainment industries have given him a platform to express his passion, like a painter on a blank canvas. “My passion for arts as well my experiences working with well-respected leaders within this space has shown through my personal style,” asserts the man of the hour.  Citing his relentless drive as the backbone of his success in the field. Today, he is the Creative Director for International Fashion Encounter, the Lead Coordinator & Backstage Manager for Supermodel Canada Search and the Director of Operations for the prestigious Toronto Fashion Academy.

 

Behind the scenes at Super Model Canada. Captured by Jenn Jevons at Lexus Canada.

 

As a high fashion Stylist and Art Director for magazines, his work also focuses on styling high-profile influencers and celebrity clients. From a brand perspective, he has promoted and supported highly recognized brands. To name a few on a global scale, these include L’Oreal, Mercedes-Benz, FASHION Magazine, Wal-mart and Redken 5th Ave NY.

 

Internationally, the other brands he focused on include: Shuba Magazine Russia, Cool Singapore Magazine, Boyfriend Magazine UK, Lifestyle Middle East, Anokhi Media, The Telegraph India and Times of India. Equally as important, his local initiatives include working with Elle Canada, The Hudson’s Bay Company, Nordstrom, Toronto Life, Hello Magazine and the list goes on.

 

Some of his high-profile personality clientele include: Michele Romanow (Tech Titan, Dragon’s Den), Cheryl Hickey (Host of ET Canada), Hattie Boydle (WBFF Pro World Champion), Lisa Ray (Actress/Global Icon), Sangita Patel (TV Personality/Host of ET Canada), Cybil Chowdhry (Supermodel) as well as various Bollywood A-listers.

 

One thing is clear; Basil is and will continue to make waves on both sides of his career in fashion and entertainment.

 

So let’s delve deeper to understand the man behind the work.

 

 

WHAT ARE SOME OBSTACLES THAT YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR LIFE AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

 

To be honest, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was deciding which field to pursue professionally. Cultural expectations placed limitations on my options which complicated my journey. After much soul-searching, I came to terms with the fact that that the arts were my passion, despite knowing that it was a challenging field in terms of achieving success. Thankfully, my family, as well as other very important people in my life backed my decision and gave me the support I needed to set my plans in motion.

 

Backstage at IFE 2019. Captured by Yash Dubey.

 

 

WHAT ARE YOUR ULTIMATE GOALS?

 

My short-term goal is to produce films focused on fashion. Looking into the future, I aspire to direct a feature film. On top of leveraging the skills I have refined through the years, it would allow me to push my creative boundaries.

 

My aim is to challenge the societal expectations of fashion to empower people and allow them to feel comfortable in their own skin. By being an active player in this industry, I have a social responsibility to break stereotypes and give everyone a chance to be accepted.

 

Behind the scenes at Picton Magazine’s cover shoot.

 

 

WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS AND WHY?

 

My take is this: one does not need a hero in their life. They just need to surround themselves with positive, inspiring people to help channel the hero within. In the end, this is not only critical to overcoming obstacles but also to achieve self-love.

 

Behind The Scenes at IFE 2019. Captured by Tori Harding.

 

 

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A LEADER?

 

To become a leader, you need to be bold, confident, assertive and have the drive to motivate others. Success and leadership have a logical order – you grow first and then provide mentorship to help others grow.

 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO FOLLOW A SIMILAR PATH AS YOU?

 

You have to be passionate about your career and fully committed to it – it’s not always easy. It requires perseverance and determination to achieve your goals. Simply put, if you love what you do, it will be worth it and seeing the fruits of your labour is in itself the greatest reward.

 

 

On set With Kavita Suri. Captured at the Toronto Fashion Academy.

 

 

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE IT WITH YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?

 

When I’m not working, I’m either cooking, spending time with my family or travelling to exotic places. As for guilty pleasures, I enjoy watching Netflix (who doesn’t?) and am guilty of binge-watching shows I really get in to. When I think about it, my hobbies and work are not always separate – I always find myself being inspired by my surroundings and experiences. (Clear as mud?)

 

Behind the scenes at the Anokhi Media Awards, 2017. Captured by Andrea Villegas.

 

LET’S PLAY A GAME: TELL US 3 TRUTHS AND A LIE

 

  1. I’m a night owl
  2. I don’t drink
  3. I love to travel
  4. I love roller coasters

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *