I need to let go of clothing production so I can make space for what Istani was truly meant to be - a space for ideas and gathering.

 

Why I’m Letting Go

For the last few years, Istani has been my way of exploring belonging — through textiles, culture, and memory. As a Pakistani Muslim raised in the U.S., I carried deep questions about identity, borders, and home. Cloth felt like a language for those questions, a way to reconnect with lineage and creativity.

But somewhere along the way, Istani got pulled into fashion. And I realized: I don’t want to be in fashion.

The modern fashion industry is built on extraction and standardization. It rewards speed, scale, and sameness. It doesn’t make space for nuance, care, or slow, low-volume models like mine. The fashion industry doesn't really even sell garments; it sells aspiration. I don't want to continue building a business in an industry like that. 

So I’m letting go of clothing production. 

Pay What You Can — An Offering, Not a Sale

As I close this chapter, I have a small collection of pieces left.

I thought long and hard about how to release them. Scarcity tactics and marketing gimmicks didn’t feel authentic. Traditional “ethical fashion” language didn’t feel honest anymore either.

Here’s the truth: pricing non-essential objects like clothing often feels like a power play. Who gets to afford what, who gets excluded, who gets to participate. I don’t want to replicate that dynamic.

So instead, I’m offering what’s left on a Pay What You Can basis — a practice rooted in care, access, and trust.

The Tiers

*Fiber* — Covers the essentials: fabric, printing, and stitching. The most accessible option.

*Yarn* — A wholesale rate: covers materials, labor, and part of the studio costs.

* Cloth* — Full price: sustains the work and makes the other tiers possible.

All tiers receive the same piece, made with the same care. Choose what feels honest and possible for you.

I'm Practicing Writing as a Healing Balm

This transition isn’t just about clothing — it’s about where I want to put my energy now.

In the wake of grief and change, writing has become my healing balm. It’s where I’m pouring my energy, my questions, my creative fire.

If you’d like to follow along, I’m sharing updates, reflections, and essays on Substack.

FAQ 

Why Pay What You Can?
Because I want these pieces to move into the world with integrity, not urgency. I want to experiment with a pricing model that prioritizes access and mutual benefit.

How do I choose a tier?
Choose what feels most honest and possible for you. All tiers receive the same product, made with the same care.

Is this sustainable fashion?
I don’t use that label anymore. Sustainability can’t exist if it depends on constant production. This offering is about slowing down and letting go.

Will you make clothes again?
Not right now. I’m more interested in writing, gathering, and building Istani as a platform for ideas.

Where can I follow your journey?
On Substack, where I share essays and updates.

Or on my Instagram, where I will continue to create thought-provoking and insightful content.

What’s Next for Istani

Istani has always been about more than clothes.

It’s about belonging without borders.
It’s about culture, craft, and memory.
It’s about gathering, relationship, and trust.

I don’t know exactly what shape this will take yet. Maybe essays. Maybe gatherings. Maybe new collaborations.

But I know this: Istani is evolving — and I’d love for you to stay with me as it does.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for being part of this transition. I hope these pieces find their way into hands and homes that will cherish them.