HSY reveals struggles behind his rise in fashion

Fashion designer and television personality Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, widely known as HSY, has spoken about some of the most difficult experiences of his life, including losing his eyesight, growing up with his mother and working multiple jobs before establishing his career.

During an interview with Frieha Altaf on the FWhy Podcast, HSY recalled losing his vision in both eyes following a road accident. He said the sudden change had a major impact on his life and left him struggling emotionally.

According to HSY, his eyesight remained affected for almost a year. He eventually received treatment with the help of the Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) and underwent several surgeries. He said he later became associated with an eye-care organisation as a global ambassador.

HSY also discussed his childhood and the role his mother played in shaping his personality. His parents divorced when he was two, after which he was raised largely by his mother. He spent much of his childhood in New York, where his mother worked several jobs to support the family.

He recalled seeing his mother take on different forms of work, including babysitting, working at a petrol station, serving as a secretary and working in a store. HSY said watching her work hard became a major source of his ambition.

He also spoke about being separated from his sister at a young age and learning many everyday skills on his own. He said these experiences taught him to become independent and not rely heavily on others.

Before entering the fashion industry, HSY took on a range of jobs. He said he began teaching English at the age of 15 and later worked as a cashier and performed other jobs to earn money.

He said he never considered any honest work beneath him because he had seen his mother work hard to provide for him. Those early experiences, he suggested, helped shape his attitude towards work and self-reliance.

HSY also opened up about his complicated relationship with his father. He said his mother never encouraged him to hold resentment towards his father despite their difficult family history.

When HSY returned to Pakistan at 16, his father offered him a place to stay, but he chose to remain with his mother, who had raised him.

Years later, HSY said his father suffered a stroke and lost much of his ability to support himself. His mother encouraged him to help his father despite their past.

HSY said he eventually supported his father for around 15 years. The experience, he explained, changed the way he viewed family relationships and helped him understand that people can have limitations and make mistakes.

HSY also recalled how he entered Pakistan’s fashion industry without having strong connections. He said he wrote letters to several magazines and sent them samples of his work.

His efforts eventually opened doors, with several publications featuring his designs. He later received calls from established names in the entertainment and fashion industry, helping him build his reputation.

After years of working primarily in couture, HSY revealed that he is preparing to launch a separate ready-to-wear label. He said the new venture will operate independently from his existing HSY brand.

He also called for greater organisation within Pakistan’s fashion industry, particularly regarding fashion shows and scheduling.