Two years ago Zara Khalique started her own independent fashion label “Dream Factory”. We caught up with her to grill her on what inspires her…
EXAMPLE: Where does your inspiration come from?
ZARA: Colour, all the things i’ve seen, music, all the things i’ve felt, passion.
EXAMPLE: Where would you like to see yourself in ten years time?
ZARA: Still happy as ever, more experienced, still laidback.
EXAMPLE : Do you think coming from Manchester has shaped who you are at all?
ZARA: Well, i’ve lived in manchester for about 12 years, and i love it. I think it’s a warm city to live in, people are good, we have culture all around us, and music! also, i love the weather. But, i was born in London, have lived there, in Turkey, in Hong Kong, in Pakistan, so i always feel like i come from all the world, not a particular place. I love manchester though.
EXAMPLE: Would you say your clothes are a reflection of your musical taste?
ZARA: Of course, my musical taste has as much variety as my work. I love everything, from dubstep to classical, hip hop to heavy metal. I love music from every decade, the 70’s were awesome: Hendrix, the Beatles, Johnny Cash, Bob marley, Bill withers, all legends!
EXAMPLE: Are there any particular Mancunians who have inspired you?
ZARA:Theres alot of mancunians who have inspired me, from the well known musicians to the everyday people who do what they love.
Big shout out to Aaron De Barra, The Steppahs, Rich Reason, Chunky, Jonny Dub, Broke’n'English, Ruby Ann Patterson, all big talent based in Manchester and they all rep dream factory.
EXAMPLE: So what’s next for Zara Khalique?
ZARA: Always got a lot going on, but i’ve been working on a book for the past half a year which should be ready soon. Clothes and things are pretty, but the most important thing to me is helping people make their lives brighter, and i want to spread those positive messages.
EXAMPLE : Is there anyone you’d like to work with?
ZARA: I love musical collaborations with a passion, i think 2 great things being brought together can always be amazing. I’d work with anyone, because the result would always be fresh.
EXAMPLE: Was it difficult setting up your own fashion label?
ZARA: I get asked this quite a bit, but the answer is no, i’ve always been pretty enterprising, when i was 10 i had a ‘zoo’ in my bedroom and a ‘library’ too aha! I don’t do things for the money, money doesn’t matter to me, but i don’t find it hard to be motivated to do what i want because i believe you can do anything! of course, theres alot of work involved, but that’s the fun of it.
EXAMPLE: What sets you apart from other designers?
ZARA: I guess the fact that i wouldn’t really call myself a designer! don’t really like to label myself anything, i feel free from all that. Oh and i don’t believe in ’seasons’, i think style is eternal, what looks really good will always look tasty.
EXAMPLE: What are you currently working on?
ZARA: I’m always working on so many projects at once, it’s madness, but it’s exciting and i love it! I’ve been feeling v inspired recently, and been adorning everything i can find big time! look out for all the new df stuff coming up in the next few months, something for everyone, as usual. Also, the book (’Forever’) which i did all the photography for, and i love messing around making music whenever i get chance.
EXAMPLE: What’s your favourite item of clothing?
ZARA:I couldn’t pick just one, but i have a killer heel collection, and lots of fun clothes.
EXAMPLE: Do you wear your own designs?\
ZARA: I do, but not just to promote, because i love them. I’m still feeling the last T i did, ‘Playground’.
EXAMPLE: Do you have a favourite piece from your collection?
ZARA: All the stuff i’m working on at the moment are becoming favourites of mine pretty swiftly, alot of work and detail is going into all of them, but the end result should be just right.
EXAMPLE : Describe yourself in no more than 3 words
ZARA: alive
THANKS A LOT ZARA 
well keep you posted on Zara’s movements in the future. in the meantime check out her website…