Pakistan Fashion Gets Global Spotlight as Zain Ahmad and Noor Khan Join BoF 500

Pakistan fashion has picked up another international milestone, with designer Zain Ahmad and model Noor Khan named among the new members of The Business of Fashion’s BoF 500 for 2026. Ahmad has been recognised in the designers category, while Khan joins the models and muses. They join Pakistani couturier Faraz Manan, who has been part of the index since 2024.

The BoF 500 is an annual index of people shaping the global fashion industry across design, business and culture. Members are selected by BoF editors following nominations, research and interviews.

Zain Ahmad and the rise of Rastah

Ahmad is the founder and creative director of Lahore-based label Rastah, which he established in 2018. He grew up between Lahore and cities including London, Toronto and Vancouver before studying political economy at the University of British Columbia.

Rastah began as an idea around Pakistani handwoven fabrics before becoming a contemporary clothing label that brought traditional techniques into streetwear. Ahmad worked with hand weavers and block printers in Pakistan, building collections around craftsmanship, personal history and contemporary silhouettes.

The Lahore label has since developed an international following, with celebrities including Timothée Chalamet, Justin Bieber, Zayn Malik, Riz Ahmed and Barry Keoghan wearing its pieces. In 2023, Rastah became the first Pakistani brand to showcase at London Fashion Week.

Its current Dastkari collection continues that focus, featuring shirts, jackets, trousers, knitwear and other pieces that incorporate embroidery, patchwork and artisan finishes.

Noor Khan’s international runway rise

Swedish-Pakistani model Noor Khan has built a fast-growing international profile since making her debut with Phoebe Philo’s namesake label. Her work now includes major fashion houses such as Prada, Saint Laurent, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Celine.

Khan has also appeared in campaigns and editorial projects for Phoebe Philo and Harper’s Bazaar Italia, among others. Her 2026 credits include Phoebe Philo’s Collection E campaign and Saint Laurent’s pre-fall lookbook.

With Ahmad and Khan joining Manan on the BoF 500, Pakistan now has three fashion figures represented in the index. Their paths are different, spanning design, craftsmanship, luxury and international modelling, yet together they point to a wider global presence for Pakistan fashion.