Ara Pret by Kulsum Shadab Wahab is pioneering purpose-led fashion

“So many acid-attack survivors have been made to feel invisible, so giving them that light, giving them that platform was very important to me,” says Kulsum Shadab Wahab, philanthropist, entrepreneur, executive director of the Hothur Foundation and founder of Ara Lumiere. Over the years, she’s worked to create spaces where these survivors can rebuild their confidence, express themselves through creativity and rediscover a sense of self-worth.

Launched in 2019, Ara Lumiere has earned global recognition for its handcrafted couture, designed in collaboration with acid-attack survivors. Through it, Shadab Wahab built a brand and started a movement. For her, fashion has been about more than aesthetics; it’s been about creating impact.

Building on Ara Lumiere’s success, Shadab Wahab launched Ara Pret in August of this year, a ready-to-wear label that focuses on affordability, everyday design and empowerment. Each piece is ethically crafted and rooted in the stories of the women it supports. With its clean silhouettes and timeless appeal, Ara Pret marks a new chapter in Indian fashion—purpose-led prêt, where style and social change go hand in hand.

Below, the philanthropist opens up about how she got started, the vision behind her brands and the moments that make it all worthwhile.