“When it comes to beauty, he is unrivalled. He has dedicated his greatest masterpieces to love.”
BANU
GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR
In a defining moment for the House, HRH Arfaq announces Banu as the first official ambassador, the culmination of a fifteen-year search for someone whose presence reflects the very spirit of his creations.
Chosen not for appearance alone, but for her depth, intelligence, and quiet humanity, Banu embodies the strength and timeless grace that sits at the heart of HRH Arfaq’s world. Her elegance, not crafted, but inherent.
Her appointment opens a new chapter: one where heritage meets modernity, where true luxury is expressed with sincerity, restraint and purpose.
As she steps into this role, Banu becomes the living reflection of HRH Arfaq’s vision, that style, at its highest form, is not performed, but lived.
COFFEE WITH BANU
'The Interview'
WHO IS HRH ARFAQ TO YOU?
To me Arfaq is much more than an artist or a designer. He is an extraordinary person of many layers.
People often see the creativity and the genius, but what I admire most is the person behind it all. He has faced challenges that could have changed the way he sees the world, yet he has never lost his belief in kindness, in people or in the idea that we can leave the world better than we found it.
I think that quiet strength is what truly defines him. It is reflected not only in the way he lives, but also in the beautiful work he creates. Each detail so intentional they are emotionally felt. Every creation reflects the values he genuinely lives by. That’s what makes Arfaq so unique for me. He has a genuine passion to create something with purpose, which is one of the reasons I felt such a strong connection to his vision from the very beginning.
WHAT MADE YOU SAY "YES" TO BECOMING THE GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR THE HOUSE OF HRH ARFAQ?
For me, saying "yes" was about believing in a vision that genuinely resonated with my own values.
From the very beginning, I could see that this wasn't just about creating luxury. It was about creating with visionary purpose, inspiring people, celebrating the work of artisans and giving something meaningful back to the world with authenticity behind it all. I didn't just appreciate the beautiful designs; I saw heart, integrity and a genuine desire to make a positive difference. For me that's something you can't simply manufacture, it has to come from human passion that drives the craft.
As Global Brand Ambassador I felt I had found a natural alignment between my own values and the House's vision.
WHAT DOES THIS ROLE MEAN TO YOU BEYOND REPRESENTING A LUXURY HOUSE? WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DO YOU FEEL COMES WITH IT?
Being the Global Brand Ambassador means representing a set of values that I genuinely believe in.
I think whenever you're given a platform, whether it's through fashion, business or social media, you have an important responsibility to the brand. People don't just see what you wear or what you promote; they also see how you treat others, what you stand for and the example you choose to set.
That is the responsibility I feel every day. I want to represent the House with authenticity, kindness and integrity, while encouraging people to see luxury as something that can also have purpose and create a positive impact.
I hope people remember the House not only for the beautiful creations, but how it made them feel and what it inspired them to believe in.
THE HOUSE OF HRH ARFAQ IS BUILT ON CRAFTSMANSHIP, RARITY, AND STORYTELLING. HOW DO THOSE VALUES REFLECT YOUR OWN LIFE?
I think those values resonate with me because they reflect the way I try to live my own life. I've never believed that the most meaningful things are created quickly. Trust, relationships and personal growth all take time, care and consistency - just like true craftsmanship.
Storytelling is also something I deeply connect with. I've always believed that people remember how something made them feel long after they've forgotten the details. That's why I think stories matter. They create genuine human connection.
And when it comes to rarity, I don't think it's just about exclusivity. I think it's about staying true to who you are and never losing your authenticity. To me, that's something truly rare today.
WHAT STORY IS THE HOUSE OF HRH ARFAQ TRYING TO TELL THROUGH ITS CREATIONS? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE VISUAL STYLE OF ITS CAMPAIGNS?
I believe the House tells a story about purpose, craftsmanship and timeless creativity. Every
creation has meaning behind it, it’s never just about designing something beautiful, but about creating something that leaves a lasting impression.
The visual style reflects that philosophy. It's elegant and refined, but at the same time bold, artistic and emotionally driven. Every campaign feels less like an advertisement and more like a story waiting to be discovered.
WHEN PEOPLE REMEMBER YOUR JOURNEY YEARS FROM NOW, WHAT LEGACY WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE—NOT AS AN AMBASSADOR, BUT AS A PERSON?
I hope people won't just remember me for the photographs they saw or the titles I held. I hope they remember the person I chose to be and the values I tried to live by.
I pray that, in some small way, I encourage people to believe in themselves, to have the courage to choose their own path and to never lose their kindness, no matter what life puts in front of them. I hope to be remembered as someone who stayed kind, kept growing and never stopped believing that even the most difficult chapters can lead to something beautiful.
