Hello and welcome to The Llama Post. I am very excited to be chatting with Omar Khan, who is currently appearing on the new season of Channel 4’s Liberty of London.
I have to say I am totally hooked on the show and absolutely love watching Omar stylishly working the floor of Liberty’s Womenswear!
Omar is already known for his fashion-forward style and can be seen sporting innovative looks, such as the #CapeDrape and pioneering ‘Majestic Middle Eastern Androgyny’.
Aside from his seemingly effortless style and knack for being able to elegantly dress the fashionistas of London, Omar also designs his own garments and is an aspiring actor.
We absolutely love watching you on the second season of Channel 4’s Liberty of London. Can you tell us why you decided you would like to work at Liberty?
I had my heart set on Liberty!
Liberty was just around the corner from my University and I would often visit during time off from college. I love the heritage of Liberty and the old building was absolutely magical to walk around during the cold and wet weather of the winter months.
Can you tell us a little about your design background and where you grew up?
I grew up in Birmingham. It really was an amazing place for shopping and contemporary design inspiration. When I gained a place at the London College of Fashion I knew that London was where I wanted to be and the best place to pursue my design career.
Whilst at LCF I studied Womenswear and Pattern Cutting, which was so amazing. I love pattern cutting and how it can transform the human form and really make a design come to life.
How do you go about putting together a successful look when working with your diverse range of clients?
It is all about getting to know the client first. Whether they want to feel more chic, classy or a bit more sexy. It is always how the client wants to feel! I always try to make my women feel comfortable but at the same time try to encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and try something a little different.
What is the typical Liberty lady?
Liberty ladies are just so varied. The mainstay of Liberty is the client who loves Liberty as a British institution and who is in love with its beautiful designs. I am also seeing a new wave of international clients. The common factor with everyone is the shared appreciation of Liberty being a high quality British brand.
How would you describe your individual style?
Gender bender couture. I wear male to female and anywhere in between!
We loved your #CapeDrape. Tell us more!
I just could not find anything I wanted to wear so I thought why not just make it myself? It is made from pure wool and was very affordable to produce.
Where would you say is your best source of design inspiration?
I gather inspiration from everything and everywhere. I never fall asleep travelling anywhere! I am always on the look out for new design and colour inspiration. I curate in my head visions and ideas, which I eventually try to theme into coherent outfits and looks.
Your best kept clothes shopping secret?
The high street is a great source of fashion inspiration! I tend to mix high street pieces with vintage and designer items.
Beyond Retro on Great Marlborough Street is a great source of affordable unique vintage fashion. It is around the corner from where I work so it can be very dangerous when I pop out for a sandwich and return with lovely clothes instead.
Can you tell us your greatest design heroes?
Alber Elbaz for Lanvin is a true visionary and Olivier Rousteing for Balmain is an absolutely amazing designer.
We have seen from the show that you like to design and make some of your own clothes. Can you tell us what you are working on at the moment?
I am currently developing a ready to wear outerwear capsule collection. I want to make interesting statement pieces such as the #CapeDrape more accessible and wearable as everyday pieces.
You are an actor as well as a designer and stylist. What sort of acting roles would you like to get into?
I would love to get into TV drama or some interesting presenting roles.
Can you share with us fashion trends you are in love with right now and what you see being big in the coming months?
I love faux fur and oversizing. Don’t be afraid of colour! Autumn is a wealth of vibrant colours and textures. Bold colours such as Bordeaux or Cobalt Blue create real interest and excitement to your look in the cold dark months.
Photography: Omar Khan
Find Omar on
Twitter @OmarKhan_Ok
Instagram @Omar.ko