By Gaiti S. Hussain

Well-heeled, well-versed and well-traveled, Ishtiaq Baig, vice Chairman, Baig Group of Companies, is a well-known name in Pakistan. Whether you see him playing host at a diplomatic do as the Honorary Consul General of Morocco for Sindh or at a fundraiser for his NGO, Make a Wish foundation, which helps kids living with life threatening medical conditions, or read his column in the daily Jang… his name is everywhere. Among his many awards and accolades, he was also declared among the most well dressed personality of the country in 2004 by the National Council for Culture and Arts. From conferences to parties, this is one business who knows how to dress for the occasion. We sneak a peak into his style fundas…

Q: What’s your style code?

A: My style code is a combination of formal and casual basically, I’m a businessman and a diplomat, so when it comes to dressing up for formal occasions, I have to be very prim and proper.

Q: What do you wear on off days?

A: Jeans and a t-shirt.

Q: Who is your style inspiration?

A: My father is my greatest style inspiration. He used to be so meticulous, thorough and proper; he used to inspire my brother and myself a lot.

Q: What’s your formal going out look?

A: Being a diplomat, I have to be very formally dressed, that’s why I prefer to dress up very formally, in a suit with a designer shirt and a tie. It’s basically not that much the designer but the cut of the suit that much important.

Q: What’s your fave hair style?

A: I guess what you have been given. It should be maintained properly and be age appropriate as well, something neat and decent.

Q: Are you high maintenance?

A: Try to keep myself neat and clean but  don’t have that kind of time. Still, whatever times is left work I like to maintain and groom my self. I like to get massage once in a while and since my factory has got a lot of dust and grime, I like to get facials to keep my skin clean. And yes, certainly a pedicure and manicure has to be on the list.

Q: What’s your one beauty or style essential?

A: Perfume is a quintessential thing for me because I like to smell good all the time.

Q: Do you have a signature scent?

A: I like very masculine fragrances, which should be very unique as well. Bulgari is my favorite brand and their perfumes are the best.

Q: How do you keep your body buff?

A: I have a gym and swimming pool at home. After work, I like to give one hour to myself for exercising which keeps me mentally very refreshing. I feel one can think and function better, with better ideas in mind.

Q: Any style blunders you want to reveal?

A: Once some media people came to my factory for a formal interview so I had to borrow a jacket and tie from people working for me. It was such a funny scene, I felt so strange in borrowed clothes but luckily the interview pictures came out alright.

Q: What’s the most expensive item in your wardrobe?

A: My watches. I love to wear and collect watches. They are my weakness. I always make sure that I wear a different one everyday. I have a nice collection of branded watches like Chopard, Bulgari, Cartier, Rolex and many more.

Q: Which item from your wardrobe do you love the most?

A: In August 14, 2007, I took part in “Ghusal-e-Kaaba” on the invitation of the Saudi government. I have kept the dress I was wearing that day as a souvenir, without even having it dry-cleaned. No doubt, it is the most valuable dress in my wardrobe.

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