Sania Maskatiya


Sania Maskatiya is a Pakistani fashion designer who co-founded her eponymous label in 2010 with her brother and business partner, Umair Tabani, who serves as CEO. The brand has become a notable name in South Asian fashion, recognized for its artisanal embroidery, painterly prints, and a commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Sania Maskatiya was the first Pakistani designer to officially showcase at the prestigious New York Fashion Week for three consecutive years and today, the label maintains a global presence through e-commerce, global stockists, and physical retail. In November 2024, Sania Maskatiya launched TIYA – a resort wear label inspired by travel and global trends, available on Al Tayer's OUNASS.com and on lovetiya.com.

Early life and education

Born and raised in Karachi, Sania Maskatiya graduated with a degree in textile design from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture.

Early career

Sania Maskatiya began her career in fashion design in 2007, while her brother Umair Tabani, a qualified ACA accountant and graduate of the London School of Economics joined PricewaterhouseCoopers UK in 2003. The sibling co-founded the Sania Maskatiya label in 2010, and since then the brand has earned international recognition for its original prints, intricate handwork, and the use of traditional South Asian textiles, with a design philosophy rooted in celebrating local craftsmanship.

Design aesthetic

The brand is known for its artisanal embroidery, distinctive prints, and unique cuts, blending South Asian aesthetics with contemporary silhouettes and unseen combinations of textures, tones, and materials. This approach has contributed to the brand's international recognition.

International presence and media coverage

Sania Maskatiya has debuted in various international fashion events, such as New York Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week in India, Swarovski Sparkling Couture Infinity in Dubai, Beirut Fashion Week, in addition to Pakistan Fashion Design Council and Fashion Pakistan Week in Pakistan.
Her work has been featured and covered in international publications such as in Harper's Bazaar Arabia, VOGUE India, Mojeh Magazine, Gulf News, Sheerluxe Middle East, Khamsa Magazine, Arab News, HELLO! Magazine, The Indian Express, and Cosmopolitan Middle East, amongst others.

Honours and awards

The brand has been accoladed with various nominations and awards, such as:
Her designs have been worn by various celebrities including Academy Award-winning Film-Maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Sonam Kapoor, Mahira Khan and Mehwish Hayat.

Recent launches

In addition to their core luxury prêt and bridal collections, the label has explored a range of sub-lines and collaborations over the years:
  • ESSENTIALS by Sania Maskatiya was a limited-edition prêt-à-porter collection emphasising on ease,versatility and everyday wear.
  • The Modest Wear Collection featured kaftans and abayas with both modern and traditional designs.
  • The Mashadi Campaign was a luxury prêt collaboration with actor Mahira Khan for her platform, Mashion.
  • In August 2024, the brand marked its 15th anniverary with the relocation and re-design of its Lahore flagship store.

TIYA - a resort wear brand

In November 2024, Sania Maskatiya launched TIYA, a resort wear label by global travel. The brand offeres a range of relaxed kaftans and co-ord sets with seasonal collections released regularly. Tiya by Sania Maskatiya is available through their dedicated e-commerce site as well as regional platforms such as Ounass.com. In its tenure, the brand has been featured on notable figures in the press and social media including Natasha Faruque of Harpers Bazaar Arabia, Mai Badr of Hia Magazine and Drishti Jindal of Khamsa Magazine, amongst others.

Retail and international reach

The Sania Maskatiya brand operates retail stores in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, alongside an international e-commerce site. Their products are also available through stockists in the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United States of America, Canada and United Kingdom.