We visit the Lebanese designer’s workshop in Beirut to find out what inspires her forward thinking collections.
You were an architect before a designer. How has this influenced your designs?
Knowing the value of little details that might not be seen, but will be felt, is of great importance to me. Everything I do is about emotional impact. I create that by understanding the context in relation to the material and its purpose.
DK01 has a 1920s influence. What made that era so appealing to you?
Design at that time was refined in theory and in practice. A lot of the accessories of daily use were then turned into ‘precious objects’. Objects and jewellery were part of everyday life and then passed on as heirlooms. Their impact was endless.
What is your most favoured piece in your own personal jewellery collection?
The one that feels in tune with my state of mind or the one that I need to change my state of mind.
Your work has a noticeable retro aesthetic. What vintage elements are you drawn to in other facets of your life?
My work is inspired by many periods and references. I take a thread from the past or present and reinterpret/transform it to what I feel it needs to be. The most important quality that I take from my references is their love and attention to their work, no matter how small or big it was.
How would you describe your personal style?
Intuitive.
What was your motivation to reinterpret the pinky ring?
It became a fascination for me to understand what wearing rings around the little finger signified throughout history for men and women.
Your jewellery is made using a variety of different coloured metals, but beige gold seems to be a unique signature. What makes it so appealing?
Beige gold is 18K gold without copper. It is the whitest 18K gold can be. It feels raw. It is understated or subtle. I love that quality in it. I find it beautiful and it relates to my work.
We are always fascinated with strong and independent women. How would you credit your success?
I think I am driven by what I feel and imagine. This gives me great power to make things happen.
In what ways does culture influence your design?
All cultures influence my design. It depends on which one concept or culture I am focused on at the time.
Who would you most like to see wearing your jewellery?
Everyone who feels good in it. Those who feel its positive impact and are inspired by it.
What can we expect from you going forward?
Always going forward.
