Is there a physical activity that helps get you in a creative mood?
For the last ten years, I was one of my father’s primary carers, and that role was very physical, leaving little space for anything else. Much of my creativity came from caring for him and sitting together, talking about old Afghanistan and the places he travelled. Now I have the time, I’m still figuring out what movement looks like for me — but inspiration continues to come through memory, observation, and emotion.
Please summarise the perfect makeup look for AW26 in 3 words.
Big statement, colourful, individual. These three words are shaping the show I’m designing the makeup for this February.
What’s the first thing you do once a show you worked on is over?
I always congratulate the designer and thank them for trusting me with their vision and letting me into their space. But most importantly, I thank my team — individually. I believe in collective success… anything I achieve is because of the people beside me.
Who would you want to have in your makeup chair?
It would be Yasmeen Ghauri. She’s one of the most beautiful women to ever walk a runway, and she truly owned that era. At a time when representation was rare, she was one of the only South Asian models on the runway, and seeing someone from your own community reflected in fashion like that is incredibly powerful. Her paternal roots in Afghanistan add another layer of meaning — it feels like representation coming full circle.
Any beauty or fashion rituals before getting backstage?
Good skin prep is everything — for me and my clients. I swear by the 111SKIN Black Diamond Mask, Huda Beauty powder for longevity, and Kryolan fixing spray, which has been in my kit since day one. My signature look is a small winged liner with dots in the waterline, and fashion-wise it’s always all black, comfy, and practical.
Courtesy of Clara Chu
Courtesy of Clara Chu
