Founder of The Omar Khan Collective
Stylist, visual merchandiser, furniture and interior designer, Omar Khan’s unique point of view has been informed by a multi-racial background, formative years in Malaysia, Singapore, Jakarta and Connecticut boarding school, topped by an animation and graphic design degree from New York’s Parsons School of Design. After returning to the Far East, Omar masterminded renowned Indonesian fashion designer Biyan’s home range that led to an appointment as head of visual merchandising for the Pedder Group in Hong Kong. Almost three years ago, he moved back to KL to establish The Omar Khan Collective, a creative and interior design consultancy. Since then, Omar has also added rug designer to his oeuvre with the launch of a collection during Maison & Objet Asia last year.
On his rugs
I am very lucky to get to work with the most amazing artisans out of Malaysia, Thailand and India. With every design, we try to push the couture aspects of the hand-tufted process. Since the launch, we have contributed to projects like the St Regis Maldives, Lane Crawford flagship in Cheng Du, a series of show flats in Singapore and Hong Kong and bespoke rugs for clientele in Saudi. I was especially proud to be included in the Lane Crawford Krafted trunk show where my rugs were displayed alongside Yabu Pusheleberg’s furniture collection.
On his style
My aesthetic could never be described as austere, it has a lot of layers, moods and nuances. I suppose I would describe it as elegant, complex and quirky. For me, designing the rugs is unwinding. I have a wonderful sense quiet when I am in that zone. Like my design aesthetic, I love clothes that have complex layers particularly Dries van Noten. I do end up with a lot of Craven, Comme des Garcon, Sacai and Kolor as well. Recently I discovered Band of Outsiders and I seem to be having a lot of Emporio Armani moments. I have this deep nostalgia for Richard Gere bagginess.
On where to shop
I shop a lot of Lane Crawford in Hong Kong because I love their edit and Papillion in Jakarta and shops in Paris. For curios, it’s hands down the Marché aux Puces in Paris where I recently bought some exquisite vintage plates.
