Cover Each intricately crafted Omar Khan rug conveys a story that transcends the mere textile
Each intricately crafted Omar Khan rug conveys a story that transcends the mere textile
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The maker of exquisite rugs, Omar Khan talks about his inspiration and how the carpet can be a fashion statement on its own.
Fashion is more than just the clothes you wear; it’s a form of self-expression that extends to your choice of home decor. In this feature, we sit down with the director of Omar Khan Rugs to explore how the lifestyle brand not only elevates spaces but also makes a powerful fashion statement.
To truly understand the essence of Omar Khan’s designs, we delve into his creative process and approach. Khan shares, “Over the years, my design process has evolved significantly. While I used to follow patterns and trends, I now design from a place of authenticity, aiming to tell a narrative that breathes life into each piece.” This shift is beautifully seen in his latest collection, Mystical Markings, where he skilfully employs iconography. Each intricately crafted rug conveys a story that transcends the mere textile, delving into the use of symbols like talismans from ancient times, meant to protect homes and infuse spaces with divine properties. “It’s about the power of symbols, the use of talismans, and the fascinating play of colours and floral patterns,” Khan elaborates on the inspiration behind this collection.
Above When it comes to his design process, Khan designs from a place of authenticity, aiming to tell a narrative that breathes life into each piece
When it comes to his design process, Khan designs from a place of authenticity, aiming to tell a narrative that breathes life into each piece
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Creating these mesmerising carpets is a time-intensive labour of love, taking around four to six months. The process involves spending a month or two fleshing out the narrative, followed by extensive research and development, including experimenting with various colours until the perfect combination is achieved. After the samples are approved, it takes between six to 12 weeks to create a fully formed rug.
When asked to draw a parallel between his work and the world of fashion, Khan responds, “How could I not? Designers, be it in fashion or lifestyle, approach their collections with the same passion and dedication. While fashion designers use clothing as their medium, I express my vision through beautifully crafted rugs that become an integral part of someone’s home.”
Above Khan believes that rugs can play many roles in a space
Khan believes that rugs can play many roles in a space
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Khan believes that rugs can play many roles in a space. “A rug can be the main focal point of a room or serve as a subtle accent, an echo of the overall design. It can be anything you want it to be,” he remarks. Describing his personal style as an extension of himself, Khan cherishes pieces that hold meaning and value, rather than simply indulging in fleeting trends.
Looking to his cousin Tania Tjiptobiantoro, who runs The Papilion—a prestigious retail store offering fashion essentials in Indonesia—Khan draws inspiration from her fearless approach to fashion. “Both of us grew up with a deep love for fashion. Tania’s unique sense of style has always amazed me; she fearlessly experiments with her clothing choices, and the clothes never wear her. We share the same profound respect for our respective mediums—hers being fashion and mine, lifestyle.”
As our interview concludes, Khan imparts valuable advice for those wanting to develop their personal style. “The key is to look inward, trust your instincts, and let your fashion sense be a true reflection of yourself. Don’t be swayed by others’ opinions or societal norms. Embrace your uniqueness, and that’s when the magic of personal style unfolds.”
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Images: Eric Chow/Blink Studio
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If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.
Check out his Instagram @aaronlpereira.
