EP53: Fashion Isn’t About Clothing. It’s About Power. | Zaid Farouki

Fashion is never just fashion.In this episode of Something to Consider, we sit down with Palestinian designer Zaid Farouki for a deep conversation about identity, power, heritage, and the psychology of dressing.From couture and Arab fashion to Palestinian storytelling and the symbolism behind clothing, this conversation explores what garments really do to us emotionally and psychologically.Why do certain clothes make us feel powerful?Is fashion self-expression, performance, protection… or permission?Zaid opens up about:- Growing up Palestinian in diaspora between Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt- How women shaped his understanding of identity, resilience, and strength- Why fashion is inherently political- The role of Arab heritage in modern luxury fashion- Masculinity and femininity in Arab culture- Designing clothing that empowers rather than objectifies- Why Palestinian identity is far bigger than symbols and stereotypes- The emotional role of grandmothers in preserving culture and memory- Fashion as armor, storytelling, and cultural preservationThe conversation also dives into the commercialization of Arab identity, the responsibility of representation, and how Palestinian artists and designers navigate global visibility while remaining authentic to themselves.If you’re interested in fashion psychology, Arab culture, Palestinian identity, luxury fashion, storytelling, or the intersection of art and politics, this episode is for you.We hope you find something to consider.Connect with the guest:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaidfarouki/Website: https://zaidbyzaidfarouki.com