If Looks Could Kill

Those from Asia who’ve been working in the fashion and art industry for long enough will be familiar with the name Karim Tabar, who’s made his mark on the international fashion community as a sought-after photographer and filmmaker, most notably at renowned arts festival Burning Man.

Like many incredible talents, Tabar embarked on his fashion and advertising career by moving to New York City. With experience at Condé Nast and Hearst Digital, he honed his skills in photography and film through education at the New York Film Academy and International Centre of Photography. As the creative director of Looks Could Kill, his captivating work has impressed global brands such as H&M, Net-a-Porter, MTV and Apple. Karim’s lens has captured renowned personalities and the vibrant essence of events like Burning Man, with his portfolio featured in various prestigious publications. Expanding into Asia, he established his global footprint and curated insightful interviews with notable talents such as Zaha Hadid, Pharrell Williams and Chen Man. He constantly seeks new inspiration, embraces the unknown, and pushes creative boundaries, demonstrating his dedication to evolving as a filmmaker and photographer.

I sat down with Tabar to understand the trajectory of his career and how he’s developed as an artist.

How has working as an artist in Hong Kong and Asia been like?

I made the bold decision to leave the bustling streets of New York City and embark on an entrepreneurial adventure in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. The city has one of the best airports in the world and as a travelling filmmaker and photographer, I saw immense potential basing myself out of this dynamic Asian hub. I set up a creative agency specialising in filmmaking while also shooting fashion editorials for magazines. Little did I know that this leap of faith of moving to the city would lead to a remarkable journey of success and growth. The city was incredibly supportive of what I had to offer, and in return I loved her back. By immersing myself in the international cultural landscape of Hong Kong, I connected with a talented creative community and produced captivating work that resonated with audiences worldwide.

What are some of the most iconic celebrities you’ve captured over the years and what was it like to interview some of these personalities?

Figures like Puff Daddy, Karlie Kloss, Pharrell Williams, Guy Laliberté, Zaha Hadid, and others provided valuable insights to their successful approaches. Engaging with them allowed me to dive into their creativity, talent, and unique perspectives, expanding my audience and unlocking new possibilities. Each person was unique, filled with inspiration and profound insights. These encounters have been a constant source of inspiration, fuelling my own creative aspirations and broadening my horizons.

Tell me about being one of the most published photographers to have photographed Burning Man and what is it like to capture there?

While there were already talented photographers leaving their mark, my focus on people and fashion allowed my images and films to go viral. Over the course of almost a decade, I attended the event, forging a deep connection with the community and cherishing its profound impact on me. Before the Instagram era, armed with YouTube and Facebook, I shot guerrilla-style videos that captivated millions of viewers. The final edit of the viral video exuded a fashionable and sensual vibe, resonating with a new audience and showcasing the ethereal scenes I encountered.

Burning Man is a transcendental experience. It’s a vibrant community that embraces radical self-expression, creativity, and communal participation. As a filmmaker and photographer, capturing Burning Man is exhilarating. Every frame holds wonder and possibility, with the interplay of light and shadow during sunrise and sunset creating a magical atmosphere. The vast array of art installations, costumes, and performances offered endless opportunities for breathtaking imagery, and sharing that beauty and wonder with the world as a visual artist is a true privilege.

How do you keep improving as an artist and what are your plans for the future?

Passion drives improvement. It requires dedication, perseverance, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Continuously learning, and evolving by exploring styles, techniques, and genres, developing an authentic voice. Failures and setbacks provide valuable insight as well, shaping artistic innovation from those lessons learned. Most importantly, surround yourself with talented peers that elevate your standards.

As for the future, I serendipitously embrace the journey and keep pushing creative boundaries. I’ll continue capturing visionary artists and futurists that are shaping the world around them as I do for myself. The future holds exciting prospects as I continuously seek inspiration and new experiences that leave a lasting impression through my life’s work.

Keep up with Karim Tabar’s latest works and campaigns here.