Inside the Bradford boutique designing fashion for the red carpet

A BROTHER and sister duo from Bradford are behind the luxurious, handmade outfits created for the red carpet, top events such as the Baftas and the Met Gala.

Huma Humad on Leeds Old Road has become a destination for haute couture bridal and party wear in just four years since opening.

Led by Humma and Hummad Ilyas, the brothers draw on their years of experience in the fashion, textile and design industries to create each outfit.

Designers Humma and Hummad Ilyas (Image: UGC)

Dr Amir Khan, full-time GP, author and TV doctor, wore the brand’s custom green jacket to the Baftas last weekend.

Delicately adorned with tiny beads and patterns inspired by nature, Dr Khan told fans his outfit was a ‘hit’ at the prestigious ceremony.

But the journey to creating celebrity fashion and glamorous weddings was not an easy one.

Humma, who worked for many years in London, and Hummad opened their shop in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis.

Facing local restrictions and blocks, Huma Humad has only been online for some time.

Haute couture bridal wear and fashion by Huma Humad (Image: Newsquest)

“It was a struggle the first two years,” Hummad, 39, said.

“It was so hard because of the economic crisis.”

After a glittering business event with key figures, they attracted investment from Natwest.

The brothers recently created an intricate outfit for Met Gala guest, influencer and author Shabaz Ali, also known as Shabaz Says.

Outfit for Met Gala guest, influencer and author Shabaz Ali, also known as Shabaz Says’. (Image: UGC)

“Shabaz came with his family to his brother’s wedding,” Hummad said.

“As they were placing the order, he says, ‘Are you designers?’ It’s very rare to see this kind of talent, I have a few events, would you be able to do X, Y, Z?’ We said we are ready for challenges. Next thing I know, Shabaz is sitting with us. There were so many late nights.”

Close-up of Met Gala outfit details for Shabaz Ali, aka Shabaz Says (Image: UGC)

Designed to honor Vogue editor Anna Wintour’s theme, “Garden of Time,” the outfit took three months to make.

“There was a lot of pressure,” Hummad said.

“I have never done something like this. It was a huge honor and gratitude to Shabaz for trusting us to do this.

“He approached top designers from Pakistan, India, and the complete trust with us in what he wants is amazing. We are small people compared to these big designers.

Inside Huma Humad on Leeds Old Road (Image: Newsquest)

“I flew to Pakistan to start this with the production team. I was there for two and a half weeks. I was sitting there with the fireworkers.”

Humma, 32, and Hummad live in the Heaton area with their family.

In a message to youngsters growing up in Bradford, the former Rhodesway School pupil said: “Dream big, never dream small.

“Even with the opening of our store and boutique, we put a lot of thought into it. Why should we always think small?

“Don’t think you can’t achieve anything. People start from nowhere and get places.

“There’s a lot of talent in Bradford, Daniel (Lee), Burberry’s chief designer. Anything can happen to anyone, you have to get to him.”