Farah Zulaikha is a NYC-based Fashion Ambassador, Humanitarian and TV Host earning international recognition amongst the world of Fine Arts, Fashion and Media. Farah Zulaikha is best recognized for her large-scale role in charity medical camps across the globe, mentoring young and aspiring fashion professionals across the U.S. and Europe, as well as her position as a UNICEF & Operation Smile Ambassador. Currently pursuing a degree in Biomedicine in her hometown of New York City, Farah proves that education, community, princesses, and beauty mesh seamlessly.
What drew you into the fashion world, and where did that interest come from?
I always took a great interest in fashion and it was very inherent. I come from a family of doctors and scholars, so the importance was always placed upon academics rather than looks and style. However, I had a strange attraction to all things beautiful. I have not always thought of myself as particularly beautiful but I always wanted to BE beautiful and was always fascinated by beauty. I would read various literature on art and culture, about the greats like Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Dior, and I admired their aesthetic and creative prowess.
How would you describe the current state of fashion?
I would say the current state of fashion is different from the previous ways for a smorgasbord of reasons. Due to advances in media, technology and new genres such as reality TV, fashion is not as much of the “good ol’ boys club” that it once was. The elitism and exclusivity are still there, but now for the first time this new generation of young designers such as Project Runway’s Christian Siriano, stylist Brad Goreski, etc., are given a platform to possibly achieve major success, even if they don’t carry a powerful last name like Missoni, Gucci or Versace. I think it’s great, and offers a fantastic avenue to tap into hidden talent. The world has become so small, and in turn it has created so many more options to produce, create and grow.
How can fashion be used to make a positive impact on the world?
Fashion can definitely be made to create a positive impact in the world. For fashion is not merely about clothing ourselves. It is outward expression, it’s an art form and messages are conveyed through art. Anything can be made beautifully or on-trend, but there is always a message that can be conveyed.
What’s your favorite charity that you’ve worked with?
I have so many charities and causes that I am passionate about (which one may stay updated on through my blog and official website launching in 2013, www.farahzulaikha.com) that it would be so difficult to just pick one! They are all so important and crucial. However one that is near and dear to my heart is UNICEF. UNICEF has been a staple for a very long time and they represent the gold standard in global charity outreach, helping millions around the world regardless of race, religion or politics. I am also proudly a third-generation UNICEF volunteer! My maternal grandmother started out with UNICEF and I’m humbled and honored to continue the family legacy of helping others. If you would like to know more about my work with UNICEF, simply search for my personal page on the official UNICEF website where one can donate and/or stay up to date on my activities as a UNICEF Global Volunteer with a concentration in emergency first response.
