Farah Zulaikha is a New York based International Supermodel and has graced many runways, red carpets, magazines, and advertisements all over the world. Besides being extremely humble, philanthropist and socialite the exotic beauty with her regal features, black long hair and royal Middle Eastern bloodline is the Princess of unmatched allure. She has recently signed up as the face of famed young designer and VH1 Glam God Indashio’s S/S 2010 "Jet Set" Collection. Fashionfad.in caught up exclusively with her confessions and concealments:
Family and academics…
Although I like to brag that my family is quite the fashionable one, I am the only one who went into fashion. Coming from a long line of physicians and health professionals, I am myself studying medical in addition to my fruitful modeling career. My dream is to become a physician specializing in plastics and reconstructive surgery.
Parent’s reaction on your choice of modeling as a career…
Coming from a Middle Eastern moderate Muslim family, modeling was definitely not the norm. I never abandoned my studies. I held up my end of the bargain, so my parents were lenient when it came time for modeling. Being so young, I always had my mother accompany me to shoots, shows, etc.
First modeling assignment…
I started modeling at a very young age, in my early teens gracing the runway in New York Fashion Week. And my very first modeling gig was for a major runway show in New York Olympus Fashion Week was chock full of these ice queens.
Greatest achievement till date…
My greatest achievement was surprisingly not on a runway or behind a camera lens. It was actually a lifelong process if you will. Since the age of 8, I have travelled with my parents to various areas of the world where people are in dire need of medical attention. I remember this one guy in Darfur, he was a refugee who had unfortunately got an infection in his nasal cavity from a prior untreated injury. The infection spread throughout his entire midsection of his face, until it ate away all of the tissue and left only a big hole. We reconstructed his nasal dorsi with cartilage from behind his ear and grafted a flap of skin from his forehead. The fact that I could help even one life, is what I feel to be my greatest accomplishment.
Idea of an ideal date…
My idea of a perfect date would have to be a laid-back and intimate setting which could combine my two great loves: good music and good food.
When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing…
When not modeling I can either be found studying, researching or doing charity work as I am proud to call myself an active young philanthropist. I work a lot with Operation Smile, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for pediatric cancer. I am also a member of the United Way of New York City’s Young Leaders Council.
Five essentials for a model to climb the ladder of success…
1- Stay true to yourself
2- Know your market
3- Work with reputable people and do your research
4- Take good care of yourself and be prepared for everything.
5- Stay far away from drugs and alcohol
Experience in India…
I had a wonderful experience on the Indian runway. One night, a few members of the makeup crew were kind enough to sneak out of the IIFW mayhem and take us around Delhi to see some sights like the opulent India Gate and Parliament building. We had Indian local food on some side street where I sat on top of the car in a sparkly sequin gold Alice + Olivia dress and Balenciaga ankle booties on the back hood, and ate the most amazing rice curry, piyaaz pakoras and vegetable samosas. After that we took pictures sitting in an Indian rickshaw. I had one of my most amazing time in the streets of Delhi.
Views on Indian vs. Western models…
I have been asked the question of Indian models vs. Western models a lot. Although it may seem controversial but has a very simple answer, there is no difference between Indian models and Western models, besides the way they look. The uniformity should only come in the sizes and heights, not in the ethnicities.
Most touching moment of your life…
I have had a lot of touching moments in my life. There is one that stands out, however. During a charity mission I met a young woman who was a victim of an acid attack. She was an infamous dancer in the red-light district who had caught the wayward glance of some very bad and powerful men. Her rejections to their advances caused them to retaliate by cruelly dousing her with acid in the middle of a crowded marketplace. I helped convince her to go public with what happened to her and helped bring international attention to her plight.
Quick snippets
• FAVORITE FOOD: My favorite dish is hands down, MATTAR PANEER, preferably with a fluffy buttery naan and no silverware! Sahi maaza aate hain jab haath kay saath khathe hain ;)
• FAVORITE PERFUME: My signature scent is actually a custom perfume that I have mixed myself, which is infused with jasmine and rose.
• FAVORITE LINGERIE BRAND: if I had to choose I would say that you cannot go wrong with the luxury of La Perla.
• FAVORITE DESIGNER: I have modeled for most of the top designers; have worn the best of the best clothes and have loved them all. But, I would have to say my favorite designer would be my good friend, Indashio the "Glam God". He is one of the youngest designers to have ever shown in New York Fashion Week, and many people also know him from his reality show called "Glam God" on VH1. I am Indashio’s muse and inspiration. He made his last collection around me, and I am the face of his ad campaign and was his showstopper in Mercedes-Benz NYFW this past September.
• FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: My second home, Dubai!!!
• FAVOURITE MUSIC: I listen to all types of music. If it makes my ears happy then I am happy to listen to it! From arabic bellydance tunes, to Europop, to latin salsa and merengue, to west Indian soca and reggae, to American hip-hop, and especially Indian bhangra and Bollywood tunes, I enjoy and appreciate it all!
• YOUR GREATEST FEAR: The one thing I fear the most is losing a loved one. My family and friends are my strength and backbone.
• YOUR PIECE OF ADVICE FOR UPCOMING MODELS: Have a pure heart and a thick skin. Don’t let rejection get in the way of your success, just let it roll off.