Falak Amaar Khan takes the spotlight at FUCHSIA this week for being the first and only British Pakistani hijabi MUA at the New York Fashion Week SS’23. We reached out to her to learn about her experience at the event and also about her journey and how it all started. Scroll down to read our conversation with her.
Falak Amaar Khan was the only British Pakistani Hijabi invited to be a makeup artist for the New York Fashion Week SS’23. She was selected from the beauty team to do makeup on one of the current 6 Miss World/Miss Universes who was to walk the ramp on the last day of the show. Elated about her experience, she had this to say,
I can’t pen it down in words what standard NYFW has made me achieve. The experience has given me not just the drive to grow myself as a brand! It has elated me to another level of professionalism, creativity and growth.
Falak Amaar Khan
“I was not selected based on my diversity or my race. But I am proud of being the only hijabi, Pakistani, being associated with some of the biggest names in the industry,” she added.
But how did she reach here? Who or what was her inspiration behind choosing makeup as her career? Let’s find out.
How Did It All Begin?
Makeup has always been a part of Falak’s life. Since her teenage years, it is something that constantly had her attention and something that she has enjoyed doing for years now.
I have always had a natural knack/flair for makeup since I was in my teens. I was always fascinated when I would see my mother applying makeup so beautifully at her dressing table. I would often do makeup for my cousins & friends for family events etc so it’s always been something I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Being a Fashion Designer by profession, I would often create makeup looks for my own photoshoots as well.
Falak Amaar Khan
“As much as I had a natural flair for makeup, content creation and putting myself out there before the camera was anything but natural to me. When I moved to Singapore, I joined FUCHSIA Magazine, where I conducted celebrity interviews and wrote numerous articles on various topics. I also created LIVE and video content based on Makeup looks and makeup reviews. FUCHSIA has been a huge part of the journey in building my confidence, allowing me to step out of my comfort zone as an MUA, and giving me exposure to the online and Singapore communities,” she added.
Did You Have Anyone Around You Who Inspired You?
We all have someone who inspires us to go after our passion. Falak’s mother was behind hers.
My mother! Back in the day, she would create the most beautiful makeup looks for the brides at close friends & family weddings. She always carried herself in the most impeccable and elegant manner and matched her makeup & nails to her outfit.
Falak Amaar Khan
You’re The First Hijabi Who Made It To New York Fashion Week As A MUA. How Did You Keep That Part Of You Going?
In 2020, Falak was learning makeup techniques from Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic when someone saw her skills and approached her to join New York Fashion Week, however, much to her dismay, she was unable to travel due to the pandemic and had to decline the offer.
But once border measures eased, the opportunity presented itself again and this time, she didn’t think twice!
She was the only British Pakistani Hijabi there, we asked how she was able to keep that part of her intact and if she had any reservations in mind. This is how she narrates her experience,
The hijab is such an integral part of me, and I carried it with the same pride with which I wear it every single day! It’s representative of my faith, my values, and my beliefs. I was welcomed into Fashion Week so warmly based on my skills as an MUA, and I was given the same amount of responsibility, respect, and recognition as my team. It made me stand out for sure yet allowed me to work cohesively with the demands of the shows, without compromising on my values.
Falak Amaar Khan
How Did Your Journey In Makeup Start? Tell Us A Little About Your Professional Journey Before New York Fashion Week
Her journey as a professional MUA started back in 2018 when she got a chance to learn from Mario Dedivanovic and Samer Khouzami.
I started my journey as a professional MUA after attending a masterclass by Mario Dedivanovic, celebrity MUA for Kim Kardashian in 2018. Shortly afterward, I attended another Masterclass, this time with the king of contouring in the Middle East, Samar Khouzami. The most phenomenal opportunity came across in 2020 when Mario announced a hands-on training in an intimate Mastercourse and I was selected. Im now a PRO MUA for both ‘Makeup By Mario’ as well as Samer Khouzami
Falak Amaar Khan
How Long Did It Take For You To Reach This Stage In Your Career?
Since Falak started her career as a professional MUA in 2018, she has created several makeup looks for celebrities and influencers. She is also currently conducting makeup workshops.
I started my journey as a MUA in November 2018 and have created makeup looks for celebrities, influencers and Miss Universe’s in Singapore within this short period of time. I also teach makeup workshops regularly and am very grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
Falak Amaar Khan
It is not every day that we get to hear stories like Falak’s. Our hearts swell with pride when Pakistanis go global that too, on the basis of their talent and skills. Even though she was the only hijabi there, she wore that part of her proudly, showing the world that this is her identity which no one can take from her and she is there solely because of her skills.
