What do you get when famed jewellery designer Nadine Kanso of Bil Arabi jewellery joins forces with blogger du jour Anum Bashir (Desert Mannequin)? One almighty limited edition capsule jewellery collection, Alef/2o, with statement pieces that will stop tche fashion elite in their tracks.
The Alef/2o collection is so exclusive that it features just eight unique pieces, with only 20 units per design. Using 18-carat gold embellished with diamonds and sapphires the line of cuffs, earrings, pendants and rings is entirely inspired by the Alef – the letter ‘A’, which is not only Anum Bashir’s initial but also symbolises strength, courage and adventure.
Strength is a major theme throughout the collection with the pieces designed to be “strong, powerful and yet incredibly feminine and sophisticated”, mirroring the character of the woman who will wear them. A woman’s inner warrior is an idea that both Bashir and Kanso closely identify with. The shape of the Alef contains elements of the sword while being the first letter of the alphabet contributes to the sense of it being a powerful letter. Each of the eight pieces in the collection are unique and perfectly combines Bashir’s minimal aesthetic with Nadine’s ornate designs making a truly exceptional collaboration.
Designer and photographer, Nadine Kanso is the artist behind the jewellery brand Bil Arabi. Kanso is celebrated for her love of typography, which she integrates into her designs by taking letters and words from the Arabic alphabet and seamlessly incorporating them into statement pieces.
Known more widely by her digital identity Desert Mannequin, creative director and stylist Anum Bashir has become an Internet sensation thanks to her personal style and collaborations with brands including Chanel, Fendi, Nathalie Trad and Isabel Marant. Bashir is constantly connected to the art world be it through her role at the Fire Station – Artist in Residence programme under Qatar Museums – or as curator extraordinaire via her blog.
A desire to fuse fashion and art bought the two creatives together. Individuality and exploring cultural identity are at the centre of the first Desert Mannequin x Bil Arabi collaboration.
Desert Mannequin x Bil Arabi will be launching the capsule collection over Art Dubai in March 2015. The line will also be available at various retail locations, including Harvey Nichols Dubai, S*uce Rocks in Dubai, Per Lei Couture in Doha, Trunk Show in Bahrain and online at Luisa Via Roma.
Photography: Waqas Farid
