In a four-part series, MOJEH highlights four women who share their love for the designers that feed their imaginations and fill their wardrobes…
Meet Nour Flayhan, the Lebanese-American illustrator, who was one of 15 creatives tapped to create artwork for the new Gucci Bloom campaign (Acqua di Fiori), at the age of only 28. Her colourful illustrations showcased on the Italian house’s Instagram account.
But her relationship with the brand started way before she put pencil to paper and sketched for them.
“When I was very little, my mum used to tell me stories of my grandfather coming back from his trips abroad with gifts from Gucci,” says the Kuwait-raised Lebanese artist. “Back in the day, they were known for their leather goods, so many members of the family had Gucci shoes or bags and I used to love running my fingers across the double G monogram sign.”
Although Nour has always had a soft spot for the Italian label, the relationship only blossomed into the love affair it is now after Alessandro Michele joined as creative director.
“He opened up a gate of mysticism and magic, a world I always dreamed of. His artistic vision and world blew me away,” she explains. “Growing up in a creative household I lived in a little world in my head, and his Gucci reminded me of that world.
Nour wears top, skirt, tights and shoes by Gucci
The first pieces she ever bought herself were a Blind For Love silver engraved heart locket and a silk illustrated scarf. The latter has become part of a collection of scarves she hopes to frame one day and cover a wall in her home.
“Just like when you enter the Gucci Store. It’s a dream to one day create one of my own,” she says.
Her new wish list is filled with more whimsical and playful pieces, including a magical illustrated Florence Welch book, Gucci’s dreamy homeware and S/S19’s jewelled headpieces.
“I would say every collection Alessandro has brought to life has captured my heart. His eye for detail is extraordinary: he created a world I forever want to live in,” she says. Nour’s style follows the direction of Alessandro’s new Gucci, constantly changing to fit her mood. “There are days I want to change what I wear because whatever I was feeling that morning, I wasn’t feeling by the evening. And that’s what I love about Gucci. That you can dress up and have fun with things. Mix and match, and you can never go wrong.”
The full story, Fan Girls, in MOJEH Issue 65, is out now.
Also, discover how celebrities and designers are embracing International Women’s Day ahead of the event on March 8, 2019.
