The Rising Force

Sarah Zulfiqar has been on our radar for quite some time now and since her time in the industry, has become a force to be reckoned with. She has been the focal point of a number of major campaigns in the country and continues to raise the bar with each pose she strikes. This girl is not one to adhere to typical Eurocentric beauty standards which is just one of the things we love about her. Not only is she a natural beauty, but her gorgeous complexion is proof that there is room for everyone in the industry. Sarah takes pride in never feeling bad about her skin colour even when people told her she should. We had a heart to heart with Sarah over a hot cup of cocoa to find out all there is to know about this rising star!

When was the first time you realised you wanted to be a model and why?

I was at a store with my mom in 2013, and I happened to glance at the screen that was playing the fashion film for the brand’s latest campaign at the time. I was struck by how graceful she looked and how visually beautiful the film was, and that was the first time I wished I could be part of something like that. I thought it would amount to nothing but a pipe dream, but I ran into Tabesh Khoja at a restaurant in January 2020 and he made that dream come true.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Insecurity makes people say all kinds of things, don’t care about it.

What advice would you give to young girls who want to venture into modelling?

There’s no point in comparing yourself to other models, even though it’s so easy to. You are unique and you have a special kind of beauty and presence that no-one else can replicate. Be proud of your selling point and know your own worth.

What are some of the challenges you faced when entering the industry, if any?

I was lucky enough not to face any significant external challenges. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and encouraging. I did have to overcome many personal barriers, though: my unrealistic perfectionism, shyness and social anxiety, and imposter syndrome.

If there was one international designer you could work for, who would it be?

Sabyasachi.

What is one beauty product you never leave the house without?

Mascara.

What is your favourite campaign you’ve worked on so far?

Muzlin Luxury’20 for Sana Safinaz- it was my very first solo campaign and I’m immensely proud of it. Winter Couture for Élan was incredible too, I felt like I was in the Great Gatsby.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

“You look just like your mom.”

When was the first time in your career where you felt you could say, ‘I made it’?

The first time I saw the fashion film for my solo campaign. I loved how it captured and celebrated my personality and aesthetic, and felt so proud and grateful.

What is your take on the prevalent Eurocentric beauty standards in Pakistan?

I used to feel self-conscious about my looks and wish I looked more conventional, until I realised that I inherited my features from the people I loved most and should be proud of looking like them. I don’t think the fact that we yearn to look like those who oppressed us is mere coincidence. Our culture is so rich and vivid, and people who look like us have done such amazing things. There is so much beauty in dark skin and “ethnic”, desi features. We should be immensely proud of looking the way we do.

Do you feel that you, as a public figure, are a role model?

All public figures are role models to an extent, and it can be very rewarding. I’ve received messages from many people telling me that my non-adherence to Eurocentric (and unfortunately, typically Pakistani) beauty standards and how desi I look has led them to see themselves as beautiful. I am always humbled by their words and kindness and very glad I helped improve someone’s self-esteem.

How do you stay away from the negativity and self esteem issues that social media can bring with it?

I’ve stopped reading the comments, and have also realised one thing: I’m challenging myself and putting myself out there and MashAllah doing what I love, while the haters are typing furiously on their phones, doing their best to bring down a girl they don’t even know- I’m really not the inferior one in this situation. I also follow a lot of body-positive activists and models who are women of colour.