The captivating young and witty Arif Haroon Khan displayed a variation of digitally graphic animalistic prints, armoured and sculptural pieces at Fashion Diversity for London Fashion Week.
'Construction is known through out this collection that merges slit. sliced and slashed trousers tops, and shirts. Pushing forward he’s technique, this has been a watershed moment for Haroon Khan.'
I got in touch with Arif to see how his collection started off and where he's heading to next.
Mimi: What kind of things interested you when you were younger?
Arif: Nature and animals, truly because I was bullied in school a lot! I kind of related my self through this, which then led to art and onwards to fashion.
Mimi: When did you first realize you wanted a career in fashion?
Arif: I always wanted to be a fashion designer. (Who wouldn't). I think I was age 14 when I was into clothing, but always more into menswear.
Mimi: How and when did your clothing line first come about?
Arif: Only this year that I have released a single line up of my work 2010. I just thought it was better to keep yourself moving forward and not have a break. I have so far and not prepared to lose it. Its important to stay focused!!!
Mimi: What was the most challenging thing about it?
Arif: It’s challenging every day, because there are many great designers out there who are making their mark. Menswear fashion is growing now, and with the high percent of designer becoming menswear, I really have to work it and step up my game. It’s not always about a pretty collection. Its more about understand and learning PR press Ect...
Mimi: What’s your collection about?
Arif:My SS11 collection was about the story continuing from my 1st collection AWW10 HOMO.Sapiens, (Human revolution). I was inspired by Charles Darwin quote " Evolution is not about progress, Its about adaption." The SS11 is more about focusing on construction thinking more commercially but with a twist.
Mimi: What’s your style?
Arif: My style that I’m known for is Glue gun? And Stingray leather, most importantly my construction. The glue gun comes from what I draw with. I use it to draw on paper then fold and open it to reveal the texture. The technique you see from AW10 in my prints. The designs are about making the human body more sharp by adding weird construction. I like to exaggerate the shoulders and legs.
Mimi: What’s your favorite piece in your collection and why?
Arif: THE SEA SNAKE LEATHER BOMBER JAKET :) Everyone loves it because it’s different and one-off! It has pleated silk lining, which has a luxury feel to it. They also love my black pleated shirt and prints.
Mimi: What can we expect in your next collection
Arif: Snakes, Studs and spikes with leather! The rest is a secret?
Mimi: Where do you see yourself in the next five years do you ever see yourself making any clothing for women?
Arif: I will definitely make clothes for women. I just think it’s important to find myself in women’s wear first before going into that direction. Most of my clients are women, so it will be exciting to see myself translating my prints and construction towards womenswear. And anyway women wear men's clothing!
Mimi: What kind of things interests you?
Arif: Nature, for me its contrast color’s, animals for the texture for my prints and space! Well its still a topic we don’t understand. So space will be a great collection to be inspired by.
Mimi: What’s your favorite country for fashion?
Arif: UK London. London is diverse its fresh new and always has the best out of the world designs. Paris is more couture.
Mimi: Are there any designers that are inspiring you at the moment?
Arif: Katie Eary, AW10 Menswear. Alexander McQueen's SS10 collection with the underwater world prints and new emerging designer's like Hannah Marshall, with her sharp tailored garments.
Mimi: What can we expect from Arif Haroon Khan in the future,
Arif: Three years of slave work to establish myself to show on scheduled at the London Fashion Week.
Mimi: Do you think of yourself as an on trend designer?
Arif: Yes, but its very hard as womenswear is still the topic of fashion. I do believe that studs and rib prints will be in. Jackson was always witty with what he wears. So glamorous
Mimi: Who is your celeb icon and why, what is it about them
Arif: I don’t have a celeb icon. I do like Michael Jackson with his military jackets topped on with Studs and spikes.
Mimi: Who would you love to collaborate with?
Arif: Lol Katie Eary!!!
Mimi: Out of the other designers at fashion diversity which collection did you favor more?
Arif: MINE
Mimi: How was the whole Fashion Diversity experience for you
Arif: Very good if you want to keep yourself busy and in the media, but I did struggle when it came to myself being the only menswear against all women! Eek
Mimi: Where can people find you to buy your clothes?
Arif: Hopefully I will have an online shop on my webpage. www.arifharoonkhan.co.uk But at the moment its all about getting pr work done to be able to sell my stuff and have a continue production line, in the making
W Arif's studio is only 100 yrds from his home, and his machine is the source of his many creations. " I make use of every thing that I can use which will help. e.g hanging my shoulder pads on the lamp and sticking pins in the shade lol"
Arif wowed the crowds with his collection at Fashion Diversity for London Fashion Week.
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