One way of d e s c r i b i n g Farah Khan Ali’s journey would be simply to say – From Bollywood to Hollywood. Of course it would be important to add – via jewellery junction; else one may get totally the wrong picture. Farah was born into a Bollywood family – she is the daughter of wellknown star of yesteryears, Sanjay Khan. She went on to become a jewellery designer and today her jewellery adorns Hollywood stars and celebrities. It’s been sighted on the red carpet at the Oscars and it’s been flaunted by Serena Williams when she went to receive the Black Essence Awards. And now, the jewel of the crown, literally, is that Beyonce, popular singer and actress, has chosen Farah’s jewellery to wear for the picture on her latest album cover. More than a crown it is a gorgeous head-dress which has added an entirely exquisite aura to Beyonce. “It was a piece I had designed for the “Swarovski Runway Rocks†concert in 2008,†explains Farah. “Then suddenly a while ago, I received a mail from Swarovski that Beyonce has chosen my crown for her album cover picture. It is a great honour, especially as there are thousands of pieces in the Swarovski archives. That she should have chosen my piece from amongst them all, is really thrilling.â€%%
What represents a glorious moment of success today, began in a fairly understated manner. Like many other youngsters, Farah had finished her college education wholly unprepared for life, with not a clue as to what to do next. “I was bored with life,†she says wryly. “At the time, a very good friend of mine had decided to go to the US to study gemmology, to become a jewellery designer. So I thought it I would go along too and it would be one long party. I had absolutely no clue what gemology was at the time!†Once in the US, Farah found that the subject was far more challenging that she had imagined. It involved physics, chemistry and other such areas which were quite alien to her. “I was always good at drawing and sketching,†says Farah. “But when it came to jewellery design, it meant applying mathematics too, I learnt, to calculate the correct angles and so on. I found the mathematical stuff quite frustrating!†But if there was one thing she believed in even at a young age it was that maxim “If you do a thing do it well or not at allâ€. Also, prior to leaving for the US, she had promised her father who had questioned her closely about her decision, that she would do well in her studies. The outcome was Farah immersed herself in her studies. “From a party animal, I turned into a nerd!†she laughs. “You see there is nothing subjective about physics and chemistry and mathematics. It is precise and the only way to know it is application.†%%
And so, hours were spent mastering her subject and the results paid off - she began maxing her papers and became the one all other students would go to for help. That fired her enthusiasm even further. At the US, she also had the opportunity to train under the legendary jewellery designer Robert Ahrens who had for decades been with Van Cleef & Arpels. It was he who instilled in her the true meaning of “Practice Makes Perfectâ€. And it was his words – “I believe you will make itâ€, that were to prove truly inspiring. “My time in the US at GIA instilled discipline in me. That was the greatest thing I learnt,†says Farah. %%
On her return, Farah joined Nirmal Zaveri’s Tribhovandas Zaveri, and in the eight-nine months she spent there, had the opportunity to re-adjust to the Indian design lexicon. “Nirmal always encouraged us to interact with the babus,†remembers Farah. “And that was very helpful. I had to learn a whole new language as I had all the English international terms for various aspects of jewellery, but in India, we use totally different words. And since it is necessary for all designers to interact with those who manufacture their designs, the time at Tribhovandas laid a good foundation for me.†%%
Around that time, Farah’s mother Zarine Khan, an interior designer and entrepreneur, joined hands with jewellery designer Anjali Shah to open a boutique in Juhu. Farah joined the two in the boutique and began developing her own clientele. “I spent hours sketching those days. I would sell the paper designs, and then on an advance from the client had the jewellery manufactured from babus,†says Farah. %%
Though she was from a Bollywood family, Farah never took money to set up her own enterprise from her parents. Sitting in her tastefully appointed boutique in Bandra today, she says waving her hands,“I have built all this with the money I made by designing and selling jewellery.†%%
“Its not so much about the money,†Farah continues, “It’s about passion. I always wanted to do something different.†The unique, sumptuous designs she came up with, combined with her knowledge of gemmology and manufacturing, which finally resulted in some stunning pieces, quickly built for her a reputation as a designer. Soon, through the spread of word of mouth, she had a strong and steady base of customers. “At that time, I never even thought of margins. All I focused on was creating wonderful jewellery and building up a clientele.†%%
A chance meeting with Navin Jashnani and Harshad Ajoomal (who were then partners) of Sama Jewellery, at an exhibition, proved to be a turning point for Farah. “Till then I had been working with babus,†she says. “Navin and Harshad introduced me to a different level of manufacturing altogether.†At the time Sama was an established manufacturing company, wellknown for its forward thinking approach both to design and the way in which it worked. “Then on, all my jewellery was produced by Sama,†says Farah. It was through them too, that she was introduced to Ishu and Sunil Datwani (the brother duo, then partners) of retailer Anmol, another leading element in the jewellery world. It was one triangle which worked! Jewellery designed by Farah, manufactured by Sama and retailed by Anmol. That was when Farah Khan the brand was introduced, rather a star was born.
For a few years this arrangement worked very well. Then, a set of circumstances conspired to change all this. In February 2004, Farah Khan, the brand, moved to the Mahesh Notandass store, newly set up in Bandra. By this time the label was also available to consumers in the North through the Mehrasons, a well-known retailer of New Delhi. %%
In 2008, it was time for a change once again. Farah exited Mahesh N o t a n d a s s ’ s store and set
up base at Varij Sethi’s factory at MIDC Andheri. Sethi, a successful exporter of coloured gemstone jewellery for many decades, had set up Mimansa, a manufacturing arm for premier jewellery for the Indian market. It was while she was at the Mahesh Notandass store, that Farah was introduced to Varij. “From 2008 upto 2010, I met clients and I designed and produced jewellery from Varij’s factory at MIDC,†says Farah. %%
After two years it was time to move ahead.Time for the big leap. Time to move into her own space. “In October 2010, I opened the Farah Khan boutique in Mumbai,†says Farah. “I also wanted to have an outlet in Delhi and so I took space in the luxury mall Emporio there. That outlet is managed by the Mehrasons brothers.†%%
There are some tenets which have stood Farah in good stead. Primary amongst them is pushing the envelop on design. “I like the freedom to be creative,†she asserts. “I like doing different things all the time, and moving beyond what is considered by many retailers as “safe†designs.†But she is also a devoted and hard worker, pushing herself and her team relentlessly. “My clients come to me as they see the dedication and passion with which I work,†Farah says. In a burst of candour she adds, “I don’t believe in pushing things down their throat. I sell jewellery as art, not gold and gemstones. And I don’t want customers to buy only for the sake of it. If something doesn’t suit a client we take the trouble to introduce them to designs that will. I want them to look good and feel good. It’s when the client is complimented by others that they - and others - will come back for more jewellery. Honesty ultimately helps brand building.†%%
Her passion is evident when she speaks about her jewellery with a face animated with emotion, and a body held taut like a high-voltage electric wire set to unleash unbounded energy. “The biggest compliment is when people come and tell me that they can spot a Farah Khan design anytime,†she says. “As a designer I feel closest to God, for you are, after all, creating something from nothing. Moreover it is something that captures a precious moment of your life and lives on after you through the generations that will possess it.†But there is also a more practical side. “My personality has been an important factor in my road to success. I am a perfectionist and a disciplinarian as my co-workers find. I even break the barriers of pain!†she says with a smile. “I want people who work with me to know that life doesn’t offer any second chances and we just can’t be shoddy about anything.†This then is the key – a dreamy philosophical approach to design and a hard headed one to its translation into reality. The perfect combination for surefire success. %%
It has indeed been a long journey: for Farah from party girl to woman of steel and magnolia; for her jewellery from individual pieces to a brand of substance and excellence. But it is not yet “The End†as they say in movies. %%
Next stop on the itinerary is an international store. Later, there will be more stops no doubt, more stations to conquer. But one thing is sure. It will be an exciting and exhilarating ride all the way, for all concerned.
{{And now, the jewel in the crown, literally, is that Beyonce, popular singer and actress, has chosen Farah’s jewellery to wear for the picture on her latest album cover.}}
{{At the US, she also had the opportunity to train under the legendary jewellery designer Robert Ahrens who had for decades been with Van Cleef & Arpels. It was he who instilled in her the true meaning of “Practice Makes Perfectâ€.}}
{{“I like the freedom to be creative. I like doing different things all the time, and moving beyond what is considered by many retailers as “safe†designs.â€}}
One way of d e s c r i b i n g Farah Khan Ali’s journey would be simply to say – From Bollywood to Hollywood. Of course it would be important to add – via jewellery junction; else one may get totally the wrong picture. Farah was born into a Bollywood family – she is the daughter of wellknown star of yesteryears, Sanjay Khan. She went on to become a jewellery designer and today her jewellery adorns Hollywood stars and celebrities. It’s been sighted on the red carpet at the Oscars and it’s been flaunted by Serena Williams when she went to receive the Black Essence Awards. And now, the jewel of the crown, literally, is that Beyonce, popular singer and actress, has chosen Farah’s jewellery to wear for the picture on her latest album cover. More than a crown it is a gorgeous head-dress which has added an entirely exquisite aura to Beyonce. “It was a piece I had designed for the “Swarovski Runway Rocks†concert in 2008,†explains Farah. “Then suddenly a while ago, I received a mail from Swarovski that Beyonce has chosen my crown for her album cover picture. It is a great honour, especially as there are thousands of pieces in the Swarovski archives. That she should have chosen my piece from amongst them all, is really thrilling.â€%%
What represents a glorious moment of success today, began in a fairly understated manner. Like many other youngsters, Farah had finished her college education wholly unprepared for life, with not a clue as to what to do next. “I was bored with life,†she says wryly. “At the time, a very good friend of mine had decided to go to the US to study gemmology, to become a jewellery designer. So I thought it I would go along too and it would be one long party. I had absolutely no clue what gemology was at the time!†Once in the US, Farah found that the subject was far more challenging that she had imagined. It involved physics, chemistry and other such areas which were quite alien to her. “I was always good at drawing and sketching,†says Farah. “But when it came to jewellery design, it meant applying mathematics too, I learnt, to calculate the correct angles and so on. I found the mathematical stuff quite frustrating!†But if there was one thing she believed in even at a young age it was that maxim “If you do a thing do it well or not at allâ€. Also, prior to leaving for the US, she had promised her father who had questioned her closely about her decision, that she would do well in her studies. The outcome was Farah immersed herself in her studies. “From a party animal, I turned into a nerd!†she laughs. “You see there is nothing subjective about physics and chemistry and mathematics. It is precise and the only way to know it is application.†%%
And so, hours were spent mastering her subject and the results paid off - she began maxing her papers and became the one all other students would go to for help. That fired her enthusiasm even further. At the US, she also had the opportunity to train under the legendary jewellery designer Robert Ahrens who had for decades been with Van Cleef & Arpels. It was he who instilled in her the true meaning of “Practice Makes Perfectâ€. And it was his words – “I believe you will make itâ€, that were to prove truly inspiring. “My time in the US at GIA instilled discipline in me. That was the greatest thing I learnt,†says Farah. %%
On her return, Farah joined Nirmal Zaveri’s Tribhovandas Zaveri, and in the eight-nine months she spent there, had the opportunity to re-adjust to the Indian design lexicon. “Nirmal always encouraged us to interact with the babus,†remembers Farah. “And that was very helpful. I had to learn a whole new language as I had all the English international terms for various aspects of jewellery, but in India, we use totally different words. And since it is necessary for all designers to interact with those who manufacture their designs, the time at Tribhovandas laid a good foundation for me.†%%
Around that time, Farah’s mother Zarine Khan, an interior designer and entrepreneur, joined hands with jewellery designer Anjali Shah to open a boutique in Juhu. Farah joined the two in the boutique and began developing her own clientele. “I spent hours sketching those days. I would sell the paper designs, and then on an advance from the client had the jewellery manufactured from babus,†says Farah. %%
Though she was from a Bollywood family, Farah never took money to set up her own enterprise from her parents. Sitting in her tastefully appointed boutique in Bandra today, she says waving her hands,“I have built all this with the money I made by designing and selling jewellery.†%%
“Its not so much about the money,†Farah continues, “It’s about passion. I always wanted to do something different.†The unique, sumptuous designs she came up with, combined with her knowledge of gemmology and manufacturing, which finally resulted in some stunning pieces, quickly built for her a reputation as a designer. Soon, through the spread of word of mouth, she had a strong and steady base of customers. “At that time, I never even thought of margins. All I focused on was creating wonderful jewellery and building up a clientele.†%%
A chance meeting with Navin Jashnani and Harshad Ajoomal (who were then partners) of Sama Jewellery, at an exhibition, proved to be a turning point for Farah. “Till then I had been working with babus,†she says. “Navin and Harshad introduced me to a different level of manufacturing altogether.†At the time Sama was an established manufacturing company, wellknown for its forward thinking approach both to design and the way in which it worked. “Then on, all my jewellery was produced by Sama,†says Farah. It was through them too, that she was introduced to Ishu and Sunil Datwani (the brother duo, then partners) of retailer Anmol, another leading element in the jewellery world. It was one triangle which worked! Jewellery designed by Farah, manufactured by Sama and retailed by Anmol. That was when Farah Khan the brand was introduced, rather a star was born.
For a few years this arrangement worked very well. Then, a set of circumstances conspired to change all this. In February 2004, Farah Khan, the brand, moved to the Mahesh Notandass store, newly set up in Bandra. By this time the label was also available to consumers in the North through the Mehrasons, a well-known retailer of New Delhi. %%
In 2008, it was time for a change once again. Farah exited Mahesh N o t a n d a s s ’ s store and set
up base at Varij Sethi’s factory at MIDC Andheri. Sethi, a successful exporter of coloured gemstone jewellery for many decades, had set up Mimansa, a manufacturing arm for premier jewellery for the Indian market. It was while she was at the Mahesh Notandass store, that Farah was introduced to Varij. “From 2008 upto 2010, I met clients and I designed and produced jewellery from Varij’s factory at MIDC,†says Farah. %%
After two years it was time to move ahead.Time for the big leap. Time to move into her own space. “In October 2010, I opened the Farah Khan boutique in Mumbai,†says Farah. “I also wanted to have an outlet in Delhi and so I took space in the luxury mall Emporio there. That outlet is managed by the Mehrasons brothers.†%%
There are some tenets which have stood Farah in good stead. Primary amongst them is pushing the envelop on design. “I like the freedom to be creative,†she asserts. “I like doing different things all the time, and moving beyond what is considered by many retailers as “safe†designs.†But she is also a devoted and hard worker, pushing herself and her team relentlessly. “My clients come to me as they see the dedication and passion with which I work,†Farah says. In a burst of candour she adds, “I don’t believe in pushing things down their throat. I sell jewellery as art, not gold and gemstones. And I don’t want customers to buy only for the sake of it. If something doesn’t suit a client we take the trouble to introduce them to designs that will. I want them to look good and feel good. It’s when the client is complimented by others that they - and others - will come back for more jewellery. Honesty ultimately helps brand building.†%%
Her passion is evident when she speaks about her jewellery with a face animated with emotion, and a body held taut like a high-voltage electric wire set to unleash unbounded energy. “The biggest compliment is when people come and tell me that they can spot a Farah Khan design anytime,†she says. “As a designer I feel closest to God, for you are, after all, creating something from nothing. Moreover it is something that captures a precious moment of your life and lives on after you through the generations that will possess it.†But there is also a more practical side. “My personality has been an important factor in my road to success. I am a perfectionist and a disciplinarian as my co-workers find. I even break the barriers of pain!†she says with a smile. “I want people who work with me to know that life doesn’t offer any second chances and we just can’t be shoddy about anything.†This then is the key – a dreamy philosophical approach to design and a hard headed one to its translation into reality. The perfect combination for surefire success. %%
It has indeed been a long journey: for Farah from party girl to woman of steel and magnolia; for her jewellery from individual pieces to a brand of substance and excellence. But it is not yet “The End†as they say in movies. %%
Next stop on the itinerary is an international store. Later, there will be more stops no doubt, more stations to conquer. But one thing is sure. It will be an exciting and exhilarating ride all the way, for all concerned.
{{And now, the jewel in the crown, literally, is that Beyonce, popular singer and actress, has chosen Farah’s jewellery to wear for the picture on her latest album cover.}}
{{At the US, she also had the opportunity to train under the legendary jewellery designer Robert Ahrens who had for decades been with Van Cleef & Arpels. It was he who instilled in her the true meaning of “Practice Makes Perfectâ€.}}
{{“I like the freedom to be creative. I like doing different things all the time, and moving beyond what is considered by many retailers as “safe†designs.â€}}
One way of d e s c r i b i n g Farah Khan Ali’s journey would be simply to say – From Bollywood to Hollywood. Of course it would be important to add – via jewellery junction; else one may get totally the wrong picture. Farah was born into a Bollywood family – she is the daughter of wellknown star of yesteryears, Sanjay Khan. She went on to become a jewellery designer and today her jewellery adorns Hollywood stars and celebrities. It’s been sighted on the red carpet at the Oscars and it’s been flaunted by Serena Williams when she went to receive the Black Essence Awards. And now, the jewel of the crown, literally, is that Beyonce, popular singer and actress, has chosen Farah’s jewellery to wear for the picture on her latest album cover. More than a crown it is a gorgeous head-dress which has added an entirely exquisite aura to Beyonce. “It was a piece I had designed for the “Swarovski Runway Rocks†concert in 2008,†explains Farah. “Then suddenly a while ago, I received a mail from Swarovski that Beyonce has chosen my crown for her album cover picture. It is a great honour, especially as there are thousands of pieces in the Swarovski archives. That she should have chosen my piece from amongst them all, is really thrilling.â€%%
What represents a glorious moment of success today, began in a fairly understated manner. Like many other youngsters, Farah had finished her college education wholly unprepared for life, with not a clue as to what to do next. “I was bored with life,†she says wryly. “At the time, a very good friend of mine had decided to go to the US to study gemmology, to become a jewellery designer. So I thought it I would go along too and it would be one long party. I had absolutely no clue what gemology was at the time!†Once in the US, Farah found that the subject was far more challenging that she had imagined. It involved physics, chemistry and other such areas which were quite alien to her. “I was always good at drawing and sketching,†says Farah. “But when it came to jewellery design, it meant applying mathematics too, I learnt, to calculate the correct angles and so on. I found the mathematical stuff quite frustrating!†But if there was one thing she believed in even at a young age it was that maxim “If you do a thing do it well or not at allâ€. Also, prior to leaving for the US, she had promised her father who had questioned her closely about her decision, that she would do well in her studies. The outcome was Farah immersed herself in her studies. “From a party animal, I turned into a nerd!†she laughs. “You see there is nothing subjective about physics and chemistry and mathematics. It is precise and the only way to know it is application.†%%
And so, hours were spent mastering her subject and the results paid off - she began maxing her papers and became the one all other students would go to for help. That fired her enthusiasm even further. At the US, she also had the opportunity to train under the legendary jewellery designer Robert Ahrens who had for decades been with Van Cleef & Arpels. It was he who instilled in her the true meaning of “Practice Makes Perfectâ€. And it was his words – “I believe you will make itâ€, that were to prove truly inspiring. “My time in the US at GIA instilled discipline in me. That was the greatest thing I learnt,†says Farah. %%
On her return, Farah joined Nirmal Zaveri’s Tribhovandas Zaveri, and in the eight-nine months she spent there, had the opportunity to re-adjust to the Indian design lexicon. “Nirmal always encouraged us to interact with the babus,†remembers Farah. “And that was very helpful. I had to learn a whole new language as I had all the English international terms for various aspects of jewellery, but in India, we use totally different words. And since it is necessary for all designers to interact with those who manufacture their designs, the time at Tribhovandas laid a good foundation for me.†%%
Around that time, Farah’s mother Zarine Khan, an interior designer and entrepreneur, joined hands with jewellery designer Anjali Shah to open a boutique in Juhu. Farah joined the two in the boutique and began developing her own clientele. “I spent hours sketching those days. I would sell the paper designs, and then on an advance from the client had the jewellery manufactured from babus,†says Farah. %%
Though she was from a Bollywood family, Farah never took money to set up her own enterprise from her parents. Sitting in her tastefully appointed boutique in Bandra today, she says waving her hands,“I have built all this with the money I made by designing and selling jewellery.†%%
“Its not so much about the money,†Farah continues, “It’s about passion. I always wanted to do something different.†The unique, sumptuous designs she came up with, combined with her knowledge of gemmology and manufacturing, which finally resulted in some stunning pieces, quickly built for her a reputation as a designer. Soon, through the spread of word of mouth, she had a strong and steady base of customers. “At that time, I never even thought of margins. All I focused on was creating wonderful jewellery and building up a clientele.†%%
A chance meeting with Navin Jashnani and Harshad Ajoomal (who were then partners) of Sama Jewellery, at an exhibition, proved to be a turning point for Farah. “Till then I had been working with babus,†she says. “Navin and Harshad introduced me to a different level of manufacturing altogether.†At the time Sama was an established manufacturing company, wellknown for its forward thinking approach both to design and the way in which it worked. “Then on, all my jewellery was produced by Sama,†says Farah. It was through them too, that she was introduced to Ishu and Sunil Datwani (the brother duo, then partners) of retailer Anmol, another leading element in the jewellery world. It was one triangle which worked! Jewellery designed by Farah, manufactured by Sama and retailed by Anmol. That was when Farah Khan the brand was introduced, rather a star was born.
For a few years this arrangement worked very well. Then, a set of circumstances conspired to change all this. In February 2004, Farah Khan, the brand, moved to the Mahesh Notandass store, newly set up in Bandra. By this time the label was also available to consumers in the North through the Mehrasons, a well-known retailer of New Delhi. %%
In 2008, it was time for a change once again. Farah exited Mahesh N o t a n d a s s ’ s store and set
up base at Varij Sethi’s factory at MIDC Andheri. Sethi, a successful exporter of coloured gemstone jewellery for many decades, had set up Mimansa, a manufacturing arm for premier jewellery for the Indian market. It was while she was at the Mahesh Notandass store, that Farah was introduced to Varij. “From 2008 upto 2010, I met clients and I designed and produced jewellery from Varij’s factory at MIDC,†says Farah. %%
After two years it was time to move ahead.Time for the big leap. Time to move into her own space. “In October 2010, I opened the Farah Khan boutique in Mumbai,†says Farah. “I also wanted to have an outlet in Delhi and so I took space in the luxury mall Emporio there. That outlet is managed by the Mehrasons brothers.†%%
There are some tenets which have stood Farah in good stead. Primary amongst them is pushing the envelop on design. “I like the freedom to be creative,†she asserts. “I like doing different things all the time, and moving beyond what is considered by many retailers as “safe†designs.†But she is also a devoted and hard worker, pushing herself and her team relentlessly. “My clients come to me as they see the dedication and passion with which I work,†Farah says. In a burst of candour she adds, “I don’t believe in pushing things down their throat. I sell jewellery as art, not gold and gemstones. And I don’t want customers to buy only for the sake of it. If something doesn’t suit a client we take the trouble to introduce them to designs that will. I want them to look good and feel good. It’s when the client is complimented by others that they - and others - will come back for more jewellery. Honesty ultimately helps brand building.†%%
Her passion is evident when she speaks about her jewellery with a face animated with emotion, and a body held taut like a high-voltage electric wire set to unleash unbounded energy. “The biggest compliment is when people come and tell me that they can spot a Farah Khan design anytime,†she says. “As a designer I feel closest to God, for you are, after all, creating something from nothing. Moreover it is something that captures a precious moment of your life and lives on after you through the generations that will possess it.†But there is also a more practical side. “My personality has been an important factor in my road to success. I am a perfectionist and a disciplinarian as my co-workers find. I even break the barriers of pain!†she says with a smile. “I want people who work with me to know that life doesn’t offer any second chances and we just can’t be shoddy about anything.†This then is the key – a dreamy philosophical approach to design and a hard headed one to its translation into reality. The perfect combination for surefire success. %%
It has indeed been a long journey: for Farah from party girl to woman of steel and magnolia; for her jewellery from individual pieces to a brand of substance and excellence. But it is not yet “The End†as they say in movies. %%
Next stop on the itinerary is an international store. Later, there will be more stops no doubt, more stations to conquer. But one thing is sure. It will be an exciting and exhilarating ride all the way, for all concerned.
{{And now, the jewel in the crown, literally, is that Beyonce, popular singer and actress, has chosen Farah’s jewellery to wear for the picture on her latest album cover.}}
{{At the US, she also had the opportunity to train under the legendary jewellery designer Robert Ahrens who had for decades been with Van Cleef & Arpels. It was he who instilled in her the true meaning of “Practice Makes Perfectâ€.}}
{{“I like the freedom to be creative. I like doing different things all the time, and moving beyond what is considered by many retailers as “safe†designs.â€}}
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