Pakistani model turned actor Amna Ilyas is stepping into a transformative new phase, trading the nonstop hustle of full time modeling for entrepreneurship and carefully chosen acting roles that reflect both depth and personal growth.
Featured on the cover of Dawn Icon in a story titled “The Unforgettable Amna Ilyas,” Amna opened up about navigating darker chapters in her life and consciously choosing to rewrite her story.
The interview, penned by fashion journalist Maliha Rehman, captures an artist who is no longer chasing validation but building purpose.
Styled in pieces from her own label and photographed by Hussain Piart with beauty by Nabila Salon, Amna presented not just a fashion statement, but a declaration of independence.
At the heart of this reinvention is her clothing brand, Shop at Amna Ilyas. Unlike celebrity ventures born out of trend, Amna describes her label as a natural evolution of years spent working with the country’s top designers.
The brand focuses on sharp tailoring, confident cuts and striking colours, steering away from heavy embellishments. One of her earliest releases, a sleek black voile co-ord set, reportedly sold out within hours of its online launch, signaling strong demand.
Her fashion ambitions recently took centre stage at the debut edition of Laam Fashion Week in Lahore, where she unveiled her collection under tight timelines.
Preparing a full line within months, but the support of industry veterans like Fahad Hussayn and Nomi Ansari made the milestone even more meaningful.
Parallel to her entrepreneurial leap, Amna is redefining her acting career. In Aik Aur Pakeezah on Geo TV, she portrays Barrister Saman, a fierce lawyer tackling cybercrime, a role layered with social relevance.
Previously, in Humraaz, she played SP Saamia, a character initially written as male until director Farooq Rind reshaped it specifically for her.
Now more selective than ever, Amna says she would rather deliver a handful of honest performances than chase quantity. Comparing artists to plants that bloom only in the right environment, she reflects on a journey that has shifted from proving herself to protecting her peace.
