Check Out Abid Haque’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abid Haque.

Hi Abid, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia where I attended college at Georgia Tech. At Tech, I majored in Economics and Spanish but after graduation, I ran for Atlanta City Council in 2013. I placed 2nd in a 3-way race against a 12-year incumbent. After this time, I decided to take some time off to travel and study design abroad. I came back to the U.S. and worked in consulting for the CEO of the fastest growing consulting company in the country. I did this for a year before deciding to pursue freelance journalism. My first ever story was for Harper’s BAZAAR, where I interviewed the head of studio. She was incredibly kind and liked my personal style, so her team asked me to style her. I did and that started my styling career.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been incredibly blessed to have a relatively lucky journey in journalism. It’s a very competitive and can sometimes feel cutthroat (especially on the fashion side), but I’ve been lucky to make some really great friends and mentors along the way that have guided me and not judged me too harshly when I make missteps.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m journalist and occasional stylist. I like to think that my work often lives at the intersection of culture and design. When it comes to writing, I specialize in anything lifestyle related, whether that’s health & wellness or fashion. I’ve been really fortunate to write for GQ, The Wall Street Jounral, The New York Times, USA Today, and more. When I’m not writing, I’ll style shoots for the same magazines that I write for. I’ve done fashion editorial, prop styling, and even some beauty shoots — all of which were great experiences and I’m very proud of. Outside of my editorial work, I style celebrities for press tours, red carpet appearances, keynote addresses, and more. I also do frequent creative consulting work with luxury brands across industries (fine art, fashion, CPG, hospitality, and more).

After nearly a decade of this kind of work, I have to say the project I’m most proud of is styling and profiling Iris Apfel for Harper’s BAZAAR’s September Issue cover to celebrate her 100th birthday. It was an incredible opportunity to honor one of fashion’s most recognizable icons in a way that reflected her spirit. It was also quite the challenge as Iris was 100 years old so I had to be really mindful of how to get several unique looks without tiring her out, and Iris was so knowledgeable about the quality of fabrics and construction, and after close to a century in textiles she knew exactly what suited her and what didn’t. Creating a balance of practicality but still that Iris level uniqueness was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

As for what sets me apart, that’s a hard question! I think what sets me apart is my background and deep ties to Indian culture, so I grew up in a family that was very conscious of wearing and using natural fibers in clothing, but also emphasized sustainable garment development and use. Outside of this, Indian culture does a good job of celebrating and preserving cultural traditions (whether that’s garment manufacturing or food) and emphasizes the use of color in a fun and novel way. Besides that, I think I approach both styling and writing with the same sensibility: a mix of curiosity, discipline, and my own taste. I’m drawn to things that are rich in history, craftsmanship, and meaning. That balance — aspirational yet thoughtful — is what I hope defines my work.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I really enjoyed reading and spending time with friends. I grew up in a big family with lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins always around, so I also grew up with a strong sense of family and community. I still enjoy reading and spending time with family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abidhq.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abidwrites/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abidshaque/
• Twitter: https://x.com/abidshaque
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AbidSHaque
• Other: https://substack.com/@abidhaque