In a world where trends fade as swiftly as they appear, Sarah M Couture distinguishes itself with a commitment to timeless sophistication, classical design, and quiet luxury.
Founded by international barrister and entrepreneur Sarah Malik, the label is a natural evolution of a woman who has gracefully navigated the dual worlds of authority and elegance.
Sarah’s story is one of full-circle success.
Raised amidst the energy of her family’s fashion business, her early years were shaped by texture, tailoring, and style. As her legal career flourished across global stages, fashion remained her constant companion—an unspoken signature of confidence and presence.
In 2023, she formalised this lifelong passion by studying Fashion Law at the prestigious Milan Fashion Institute and soon after launched her namesake label, Sarah M.
In this exclusive interview with Zenith, Sarah Malik opens up about her inspiration, the journey from law to luxury, and what lies ahead for her fast-rising fashion house.
1. Let’s start at the beginning. You and your sister shared a passion for fashion growing up. What were those early days like?
I grew up in a fashion-focused household. My parents owned warehouses and retail stores specialising in leatherwear and ladies’ eveningwear. My father was involved in production, so my sister and I were always surrounded by the latest styles.
I fondly remember accompanying my parents on weekend buying trips across London. As a child, I was captivated by the energy of the factories and warehouses.
My mother also designed and stitched garments herself, commissioning pieces from abroad for festive occasions. I spent countless hours by her side, reading while she worked. Those moments deeply influenced me and nurtured a lifelong love of fashion.
2. You have a very successful legal career. What drew you into fashion?
I’ve been a practising Barrister for 25 years and currently run my legal consultancy, SOL International Ltd, alongside a lifestyle business and now Sarah M Couture.
My passion for fashion has always been present. Even in London, my colleagues would joke that I should style the Bar. Wherever I am—court, conferences, or events—I dress with purpose. Starting Sarah M Couture wasn’t a diversion, it was a return to something that’s always been part of who I am.
3. Fashion and law seem worlds apart. How has your legal background helped in launching and running your label?
I approach Sarah M Couture as a business, just as I do with SOL International or Sarah Malik Lifestyle. My legal training makes me detail-oriented, thorough, and highly organised. Whether it’s event planning or guiding the production team, I ensure nothing is overlooked.
I also ensure that contracts, agreements and operations are watertight—mitigating any potential issues before they arise. It allows the creative side of the business to flourish, while the foundation remains strong and professional.
4. Was there a particular woman or experience that inspired your focus on empowering eveningwear?
There isn’t one single person—it’s my own journey that has inspired the collection. I’ve spent years attending global galas, award ceremonies and diplomatic events. I know how important it is to feel confident and elegant when you walk into a room.
Sarah M Couture is built on that feeling—garments that amplify presence. I design with women like myself in mind: poised, grounded, stylish, and powerful.
5. You’re still a practising lawyer. How do you balance that with a fashion label and other ventures?
It’s definitely a full plate! Alongside three businesses, I have two wonderful children, I lecture in law internationally, collaborate with a fashion institute in Milan, maintain a social life, and I work out regularly.
I’m fortunate to have supportive, capable teams who share responsibility and maintain our standards. We use shared diaries and well-structured systems to manage operations efficiently. Of course, it can be overwhelming at times, especially when travelling and handling competing demands, but I stay grounded. The gym is my sanctuary.
We all juggle. There’s no perfect formula, and once we let go of guilt around that, everything becomes more manageable.
6. Your designs are elegant and bold, yet timeless. How do you ensure your pieces evoke empowerment?
Before I design—or contribute to a design—I ask myself: How do I want to feel in this piece? The answer is always the same: powerful, elegant, and unforgettable.
Sarah M Couture doesn’t follow fast fashion or seasonal fads. Our pieces are designed to last—not just in quality but in statement. When a woman wears a Sarah M gown, the room takes notice. Our debut fashion event confirmed that—guests told us the gowns made a lasting impression. That’s exactly the point.
7. Moving from law into fashion is unusual. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
There’s a misconception that professionals should stay in one lane—lawyers do law, designers design. I don’t believe in that. Passion should be pursued, whatever the industry.
The biggest challenge was adapting to the different pace and style of the fashion world. But I haven’t faced any significant obstacles, just a learning curve. I think when someone transitions successfully across fields, it challenges convention, and that can make people uncomfortable.
What keeps me going is belief—belief in my vision, in the potential of Sarah M, and in the message it sends to others: your path is your own, and you can shape it however you choose.
8. What’s next for Sarah M Couture? Any upcoming launches or global plans?
We’ve just introduced the Sarah M Corporate Collection, and the response has been fantastic. We’re expanding that line, and also developing a black-tie collection and the Sarah M Elite Range, which will offer bespoke couture for truly special occasions.
We have an upcoming show in Saudi Arabia, and we’re in discussions about showcasing in Africa. Expansion into Europe and the United States is also on the horizon.
Outside of fashion, I’m exploring a fourth business venture—something entirely new and unrelated. I’m excited about what the future holds
