18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us. 

Pakistani-American multihyphenate digital creator, model, stylist, and advocate Anaa Saber just added a new title to her resume – she is the writer, executive producer and host for her new digital series Behind The Scene, which is an adventurous, humorous, and unpredictable journey hosted by Anaa as she takes viewers deep within the dynamic, creative scene and bustling nature of NYC. The series premiere was in July, and the six two-part episodes takes viewers behind the scenes into her network of fashion experts, creatives and trendsetters, providing an intimate sneak peek into the lives of her guests. 

1883 chats with Anaa Saber about her inspiration to start Behind The Scene, her most cherished items in her closet, and her summer travels. 

What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?

I’ve been on holiday for the last two weeks, so that has been really exciting for me. As I was filming my new original series Behind The Scene all of July, it feels incredible to unplug from my phone and plug-in with nature. 

What was the last thing you read?

I’m currently reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, and the last book I finished before was Period Power by Maisie Hill.

Favorite memory growing up?

All of my favorite memories as a child were when I would visit the motherland with my family. My most formative years were transformed by my trips to Pakistan, experiencing my culture and making memories with my extended family.

Where was the last place you traveled to?

Over the last two weeks I’ve been in Portugal, Morocco, Denmark & Spain. It’s been an eventful few weeks! Some work, some pleasure –  that’s the balance of life.

What was the last thing that made you laugh?

You know when you’re reunited with your best friend and the reunion is just non-stop violent laughter that becomes a core workout. Who even knows what we were laughing at?

What’s your night time ritual?

My nighttime ritual is never really consistent to be honest, but my favorite night time ritual is laying down with my cat Chef until we both fall asleep.

Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?

SpongeBob & Patrick, Dede & Dexter!

Favorite quote from a film or TV show?

Not from a film or TV show but still relevant– “The life of this world is nothing but an illusion” … a reminder to stay grounded and grateful.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

“I Touch Myself” – Divinyls

“Like a Prayer” – Madonna

Favorite item in your closet?

Probably my shoes, I’m definitely a shoe-over-bag type of gal. Maybe my Comme des Garçons Machomai heeled sneakers, or my Celine (Phoebe Philo era) pirate heels. 

Can you tell us about your latest venture Behind The Scene?

Behind The Scene was born as a creative endeavor. I was yearning to make a video series. I have been working on the show for quite some time now. It was a way I could connect with my audience and allow the viewer to understand a bit more about my world, and the people and places that inspire it.

What inspired you to start Behind The Scene?

I’ve always been inspired by New York. The show is an ode to the love I have for the city, the places in it and the people that inhabit it. It celebrates the creative community and the people who I get to surround myself with on a daily basis, along with inspiration and the New York Dream.

What’s been your favorite moment from the series so far?

I have way too many! The best part of my show is getting to hang out with my friends and guests, getting to be a part of their everyday routines. There’s always a moment on set when I’m filming and I’m just smiling to myself because I love my job. I love getting to hang out with some of the most incredible and talented people in NY.

Do you have a shortlist of dream guests for the series? Who is on it?

I have an amazing line up for season one. I can’t wait to tell more about season two but we’ll just have to wait for now.

What do you look for in a brand when you consider a collaboration?

The first and most foremost thing I need to know about a brand before I work with them is their integrity, the brand’s identity, and if their missions align with my own. I feel that as a consumer it is my job to do the work since I have the ability to communicate and work with brands in a more intimate and authentic way.

How does it feel to be a role model for other South Asian women of color who hope to pursue a career in fashion?

My purpose in life is always to set a precedent and example for anyone, but more importantly for South Asian women. To be okay with living my life to the fullest without judgment and with support and to extend that same support to those who need it. To be a brown woman in the spaces that I am in is something I never take for granted, I hope that I can open the doors for many more.

Are there any brands you love that you feel deserve a spotlight?

Currently I love Dilara Findikoglu, Blumarine, Elena Velez, Christopher Esber, Hyein Seo, Kiko Kostandinov.

Where do you hope your career takes you this year and beyond?

Life is hard to predict, it will always be about the journey and not the destination for me. 

Watch the latest episode of Behind The Scene in Anaa’s Instagram HERE.