What was it like to grow up in a family full of women?
Farah Khan Ali: You were never lonely.
Simone Arora: I was lucky to ind my best friends at a very
early age.
Sussanne Khan: It keeps you grounded and sane in a world
full of chaos. My sisters were my pillars.
Who are your biggest fashion influences?
SK: Our mother. She is meticulous about looking neat
and presentable and has a great eye for colour.
SA: Her closet was always open to us and her collection
of jewellery and accessories certainly inluenced my
interest in fashion.
FKA: Both our grandmothers were also very stylish.
On my mother’s Parsi side, our grandmother used to
wear beautiful gara saris with a bold lipstick and dark
eye makeup. My father’s mother was very regal. She
used to wear a lot of iroza [turquoise], pearl, and
emerald jewellery. I think that’s why I use so many
blue and green gemstones in my own work.
Among the three of you, who was more interested in
fashion?
FKA: Sussanne was always more experimental. Simone
and I are much more classical in our sense of dress.
What inspires your designs?
SK: I collect a lot of art, especially young artists. I don’t see
it as an investment; it’s a part of my personality. Right
now I’m really enjoying the work of Vishal Dar who is
very New Age.
FKA: Architecture and nature are my two biggest
inspirations when I design. In my most recent collection for
example I debuted a new monogram called Aayat. It has
four sides and can look like a bird in light, an architectural
dome, or even a petal. I wanted the collection to be a little
playful, and fun. I want young girls, just like my daughter,
to be able to wear it their own way.
What are some of your favourite brands?
SA: Ralph Lauren, Brunello Cucinelli, Chanel, and Cartier.
I also love saris from Adarsh Gill.
SK: Gucci for something a little mad and Dior’s more
sober pieces. Even stores like Gap and Topshop are
great to mix and match with.
FKA: For everyday wear it’s Zara. When it comes to
brands, I lean towards Azzedine Alaïa, Valentino,
Gucci, and Fendi.FARAH KHAN ALI, FOUNDER, FARAH KHAN FINE JEWELLERY
SIMONE ARORA, INTERIOR DESIGNER & FOUNDER, SIMONE
SUSSANNE KHAN, INTERIOR DESIGNER & FOUNDER, THE CHARCOAL
PROJECT & PARTNER, THELABELLIFE.COMSo
BAZAAR