Featured image: Zaid Farouki by @tria.artstudio

Art comes in all shapes and forms. Some may prefer buying paintings and hanging them on the wall, but why not buy a painting that you can wear?

At least that’s how fashion designer Zaid Faruki sees it, who introduced in Dubai a new way of consuming art.

THE WORLD AS PLAYGROUND

Zaid Farouki’s journey started with studying Business Administration in Washington DC, coming from an Arabic family that valued an entrepreneurial side. Being told that as long that he gets a Business degree he can do whatever he wants afterward, he granted his family’s wish, but he had a creative itch that needed to be stretched, so he enrolled in art classes and added a Studio Art minor to his studies, which included painting, sculpting and multimedia.

After learning Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni in Milan and Embroidery & Couture Techniques at Central Saint Martin in London, he finally opened his atelier in Dubai.

CULTUAL FUSION AT ITS BEST

Zaid believes in global cultural fusion and his experience and perspective over the years have built up to an attempt at creating a hybrid woman, inspired by European clean cuts and elegance, Arabic dramatism and details, and American freedom of expression.

All his pieces and prints are hand made & hand-painted, transforming the wearer into a walking museum.

FASHION AS IDENTITY STATEMENT: I AM ORIENTAL

In November 2019, he 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. This move came as a natural response to the politically sensitive present but also as a way of celebrating being proud of his roots and admiring the cultural diversity that exists around the world.

EXPERIMENT IS HIS MIDDLE NAME

His experimental work really consumes inspiration through the history of these techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation and adapted to a modern way of living and breathing design. The individuality and artisanal aspect of his work are what make a Farouki piece something to be cherished as a piece of jewelry that brings soul to one’s wardrobe.

SAME, SAME, BUT DIFFERENT

Zaid likes to concentrate on a special detail: we are all the same, but different. The human body is the perfect form, and clothing should be made to caress it. He considers his work universal/unisex, as both men and women should be able to enjoy beauty and freedom of expression.
The designs allow the wearer to make a statement in its most powerful form. 

To browse and purchase his designs, click here.