Zarif Design is All About Empowering Afghan Artisans
February 14, 2022 at 04:29PM Known for its vibrant colours, detailed embroidery and exquisite silk fabric, the traditional Afghan chapan, a long coat worn by many men in central Asia, is Afghan-American designer Zolaykha Sherzad’s bestseller. Sherzad, based in New York, founded Zarif Design in 2005. She works directly with local Afghan artisans in Kabul, designing pieces for both women and men that merge Afghan attire with a contemporary modern twist. Her work is applauded by many including French designer agnès b., performance artist Marina Abramović, and acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Dr. Deepak Chopra (here’s a picture of him wearing the signature waistcoat). For Sherzad, Zarif Design is more than just fashion — it’s fashion with a purpose. It’s a deep-rooted desire to help her fellow Afghans economically while creating pieces that embrace authentic Afghan craftsmanship. But in August, after 16…