Daniyaal: To start easy, what are some of your favourite looks you’ve worked on?
Humza: For creative direction, it’s ‘Shanakht’. That shoot was my first time directing and my first time in India, reconnecting with my roots. It was a life-changing journey. For styling, it has to be ‘Silent But for Joy’. That one let me play with my skills without any restrictions. The outfit with the layered skirts is a clear representation of my playfulness in styling, but with that grittiness I always fall back on.
Daniyaal: What’s something about you that most people would be surprised to learn?
Humza: I have my skydiving licence, I’ve jumped out of a plane 27 times.
SHANAKHT شناخت
Credits
Creative Direction: @humzadeys
Photography: @iverunouttanames
Styling: @333030__
MUA: @leon_koios
Daniyaal: You gave DominAsian a sneak peek of your upcoming shoot (me)HEND(i)’, and it’s incredible. I love how everyone looks like their own distinct character. Can you tell me more about it?
Humza: The concept is all about portraying henna in an untraditional way. I titled it ‘(me)HEND(i) ‘ because in Middle English “hend” means “to control”, so I’m saying: I control me. This is my life, and I’m going to live it how I want and express myself how I want.
I love dark alt art, and I feel like it’s hard sometimes to find South Asians diving into a darker, more alternative aesthetic. You don’t really see as many of us getting gritty with it, because that’s not the norm. We’re usually very colourful. There are these invisible walls built around us, making it hard to branch out and be different. I wanted to create this shoot so that my people can see themselves and feel like they can rep. their culture in any way they want, even if it looks completely different from what’s normally done. That doesn’t make it wrong. That’s just how you do it, and that’s beautiful.
(me)HEND(i)
Credits
Creative Direction: @humzadeys
Photographer: Oliver Barile @oliver.barile
Models: Mabel @myanmartian, Slyde @juixyjaseel, Dakota @thedivinefeminine11, Manisha @manisharho, Rayya @rayyaseydi, Tasun @tas.unn, Ayden @freewisdm, Zoheb @zohebibi, Stephen @papoysk
MUA: Andee @ANDEEEEEEEK, Sophia @sophiacetta, Kolten @ysthetics
Hair Stylist: Kylie @crownedbykylie
Assistant Hair Stylist: Tianna @tspaintedtale
Henna: Mayisha @abontii.henna, Alina @hennahighs, Rinom @rinominator
"There are these invisible walls built around us, making it hard to branch out and be different. That doesn't make it wrong, that's just how you do it, and that's beautiful."
Daniyaal: ‘Uzlat’ is one of my favourite projects of yours. The Urdu calligraphy and frosty blue Y2K colouring are stunning. Can you walk me through it?
Humza: That project was a lot of work behind the scenes. I wanted to create something that mixed Urdu calligraphy with Gen X soft club, an aesthetic I’ve always loved. After I got the RAWs back, I started researching poems about solitude. I wanted to tell a story about finding peace in the silence.
I feel like when you go out to chase a dream or move to a new city, you hit a point where life feels blissful because you’re choosing yourself, but on the other side, it also feels still and lonely for a while. You have no one to connect with. It’s a struggle many don’t talk about, but I think it’s all about finding love in yourself and finding peace in the nothingness. I got the poems together, made some myself, had others translated, and eventually brought in a GFX artist to create the artwork. It was my first time working with that type of artist, and what came out really told the story I wanted perfectly.
UZLAT عزلت
Credits
Creative Direction & Styling: @humzadeys
Photographer: @iconnac
Model: @key.singh
Graphic Artist: @disenyo.1995
Translator: @hajiraa.malik
BTS: @thru.ogs.lens
Daniyaal: Is there a specific concept or vision you’d love to creatively direct or style in the future?
Humza: I really want to style Uzi. It’s been a dream of mine since I was 15. Project-wise, I have this idea of incorporating Islam into a more dreamscape backrooms vibe, mixing in unexpected, boundary-pushing elements. I know… what is he saying? Trust, you’ll understand eventually. Or not.
Daniyaal: What’s something that instantly elevates any look?
Humza: Jewellery. Your outfit, makeup, hair, whatever it is, can be so bland, but the second you start adding jewellery, it changes the entire game. Especially in summer, when you can’t wear much, accessories are your best friend.
Daniyaal: Is there pressure or prejudgment to be boxed into a “Pakistani” or “South Asian” aesthetic?
Humza: Absolutely. When I began my creative journey, a lot of people saw me as that “culture boy”, the guy who just does South Asian things. At first, it was cool, like, okay, I’m making a name for myself. But then people thought that’s all I did, and it got frustrating, because I know I’m much more than that. I want to bring my culture up, but I don’t want it to box me in.
Since the beginning of this year I really transitioned into creating concepts that I want to do, but instead of making the idea completely revolve around South Asian culture, I take a concept and bring in small cultural influences. It’s not so overwhelming. It lets me still rep where I come from while showing my versatility.
"I want to bring my culture up, but I don't want that to box me in."
Daniyaal: Where do you see South Asian fashion heading in the Western world over the next few years?
Humza: We’ve been on a come-up lately. I’ve been seeing more Desi designers get their flowers, and not just in fashion, but in music and acting too. Will we be appropriated and stolen from again? Absolutely. But honestly? Sometimes I think: if they ain’t copying, are you really the thing?
Daniyaal: The fashion and creative industries can feel oversaturated, especially with social media. What keeps you grounded and helps you stay individualistic?
Humza: Being offline sometimes. It stops me from comparing. I get my inspiration and log off. I let my brain think whatever it wants, even if it’s crazy, and then I bring it to life. Seeing too much online can actually dim your creativity. When you notice no one is doing what you want to do, it can unconsciously make you think you’re doing too much.
Daniyaal: What’s something about being a stylist that most people wouldn’t know?
Humza: It’s a 24-hour job. You’re not only working when you’re on set, putting an outfit on someone. There’s so much preparation, calls, research, and designing. And as a stylist, you’re a designer half the time too. If you want to create unique looks, sometimes you need to know how to make something from scratch.
Daniyaal: How do you deal with negative comments online?
Humza: Anyone leaving a negative comment, I consider them a bum. There’s a difference between criticism and just being negative. I always accept feedback, but if you’re online just to throw shade and spread hate, you’re a bum. In the end, it’s all love from me. I wish everyone the best in their lives, even if they don’t fw me.
silent but for joy
Credits
Creative Direction & Styling: @humzadeys
Photographer: @oliver.barile
Model: @hernamesbrandi
MUA: @makeup.bychloe
Hair Stylist: @valoriestarb
Showroom: @showroomseven
Daniyaal: How do you handle creative block?
Humza: Friends. They help me a lot, and I love being around them. Journaling too,I’m an overthinker, so writing in my phone or my diary clears my head. And nature and travelling. I’m a wanderer. Seeing the world makes me remember how small I am compared to everything else. It grounds me and eventually brings my creativity back. I just need peace when my mind gets fuzzy.
Daniyaal: Has there ever been a time you didn’t feel confident going into a project, but the final result made you really proud?
Humza: Not really. I always try to go in with an optimistic mindset and put it up with God that things will go well. There have definitely been moments mid-shoot where I’m stressing, the styling or directing isn’t looking how I wanted, but it’s always trust the process. Reminding myself of that keeps me grounded.
Daniyaal: A lot of Pakistani and South Asian creatives talk about their families not initially supporting their career paths. How did your family respond when you chose fashion?
Humza: They weren’t the most supportive, and they still aren’t. My parents think I dress the way I do because it’s needed for my career. But I try to explain to them that I dress this way because this is just who I am. It’s hard for them to understand. Distancing myself from that environment was the best decision for my career. It was difficult to be around that judgment and still pursue what I wanted.
Daniyaal: What’s your favourite fashion week show you’ve attended?
Humza: Honestly, I’ve never been to one. I haven’t been invited yet, but I know it’ll happen eventually. My dream is to see Robert Wun, Dior, and Margiela.
Daniyaal: Who are your Mount Rushmore fashion icons?
Humza: Uzi, Vivienne Westwood, Prince, Alexander McQueen.
Daniyaal: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in styling or creative direction?
Humza: Grow with the people at your level. We always want to get into rooms with those above us, I get it, I still do, but you’ll go further with the ones beside you. The people at your level are hungry, just like you. And please: don’t let anyone change your heart. If you have a vision and you feel it’s your passion, go for it.
Daniyaal: Finally, is there anything you haven’t done yet that you’re really keen to try?
Humza: I really want to know how a bald eagle tastes.
