While he is a fashion designer by trade Zaid Farouki is an artist at heart. The creative designer began his brand by developing “wearable art pieces” that allowed clients to express themselves and their individuality, making a statement through the pieces they choose to wear.
His couture line Zaid Farouki is handmade in Dubai and customers are invited to have a one-to-one experience with the designer in order to create custom-made pieces that express their individuality. With a global background that brings together Middle Eastern heritage with American influences, Farouki draws inspiration from the fashion of cultures and plays this out through his designs in his own unique way. He has a love of classic couture techniques including embroidery and all of his prints are handpainted to ensure they are unique and every detail is carefully considered.
The designer recently launched his ready-to-wear line Zaid by Zaid Farouki which keeps the DNA and key design elements of the brand and interprets them into a more commercial line. His latest collection I Am Sharqi and the second phase I Am Sharqi 2.0 are a celebration of cultures coming together and a celebration of Middle Eastern values. Here we discuss the latest collections and the influences of art in his designs.
How does art inspire your clothing designs?
Fashion design to me is using your body as a canvas, to express your current state, mood, or even make a statement. In the beginning, Zaid Farouki actually produced one-of-a-kind wearable paintings, sculptures and light installations so art is very closely linked to the brand.
As an artist what do you think are the close links between art and fashion?
Art to me is a way of living. We all agree that the human body is created in the most perfect of forms. So why would you cover a beautiful artwork with something that has been badly designed?
What can you tell us about the new I Am Sharqi collection?
In November 2019, we produced a unisex T-shirt under the ready-to-wear brand, Zaid by Zaid Farouki. Each T-shirt states “I AM
SHARQI” which literally translates to “I AM ORIENTAL” across the front. The collection offers a playful and urban take on traditional dress. We have created separates that are versatile to mix and match and wear as full looks. Unisex styles include silk pyjama-style sets, modernised bishts, thobes, abayas, vests and accessories including Swarovski adorned brooches and 3D printed headpieces.
What is the significance of this collection in relation to the region?
The “I Am Sharqi” collection was created as a celebrating of being from the Middle East in today’s politically sensitive and culturally diverse world. The collection includes designs that flaunt the unbiased beauty within paradoxes such as old meets new, east meets west and individual versus community.
You collaborated with a poet on a special limited edition piece – what can you tell us about the motivation behind this project?
We launched second edition pieces titled “I Am Sharqi 2.0” which is a collection created in collaboration with regional poet Fatima Alsaad, in order to amplify our mutual feelings behind what being Middle Eastern means to us within our introspective and artistic experiences. Fatma created an original poem that puts all of her and my own emotions of being Middle Eastern into words.
What is the significance of the poem used in the designs?
It amplified our vision. I am not the best with words, therefore, Fatma came in and allowed us to express our feelings and emotions.
Tell us a little about your design process – we know you like to keep everything in-house in Dubai where possible?
Yes, although we launched the ready-to-wear brand Zaid By Zaid Farouki. Our clients are still used to being able to customise everything they see, so that’s why we keep all the production in Dubai. Furthermore, although it’s a ready-to-wear line the pieces are still made in limited quantities. This is a key aspect we wanted to keep in place as well as producing limited quantities to ensure we are environmentally friendly.
What does the rest of 2020 hold for Zaid Farouki?
Hopefully a year of success, we are aiming to further expand globally and looking at exhibiting more of our work abroad.
What is the professional motto you live by?
Go to bed every night knowing you have done the best you could have done that day.
Can you recommend a book that has inspired you?
Orientalism by Edward Said
How would you describe the Zaid Farouki brand in one word?
Experimental.
What is the importance of using handcrafted techniques?
It’s about history and these techniques have been handed down for generations. They are also art forms that take years for the artisan to master and they have individuality as no piece will ever be the same.
Are there any particular techniques you love to work with?
I love the collaging of embroidery and paint even on the ready-to-wear pieces, as you are taking the delicate technique of embroidery and adding a harsh element to it.
What can you tell us about the embroideries in the new collection?
They are all inspired by ancient cross-stitching and traditional Palestinian embroidery. Each motif comes from a different area in Palestine that I relate to. They are deconstructed in a modern manner and take on a new form of representation.
What makes the Zaid Farouki brand unique?
For the ready to wear brand Zaid By Zaid Farouki We don’t follow trends, we use our gut instinct and react to what is happening in the world. We really tune in to what we believe people want to see and express. It’s a unisex brand so all pieces are worn by both men and women and all of our pieces make a statement, whether cultural, political or artistic.
For the Zaid Farouki line, each item is a one-of-a-kind piece, so you become a walking piece of art. The designs allow the wearer to make a statement in its most powerful form. Art is beautiful, but it is designed to make a statement, this can be anything that ranges from beauty to power.
Who are the women and men you design for?
Art collectors and very individualistic people. They’re trendsetters and not followers and they are the head-turners when they walk into a room.
READ MORE:
Fendi Presents a Ramadan Capsule Collection Exclusively For Its Middle Eastern Clients
Alexander McQueen Explores the Undeniable Elegance of Lace in its Spring/Summer 2020 Collection
Luxury Brands Continue to Support the Fight Against COVID-19
