How Nadine Kanso founder of Bil Arabi, innovated the jewellery space by incorporating a rich heritage of the art of calligraphy.
What inspired you to launch your namesake jewellery brand, Bil Arabi?
Artistic photography used to be my primary medium of self-expression and in 2006, we launched Bil Arabi to take this a step further as a wearable form of self-expression, part of your identity that elegantly takes shape in the form of jewellery. Bil Arabi was born out of my desire to show the world the rich culture and heritage of our region – something that I hold very close to my heart – artistically expressed through the beautiful Arabic language. I strongly believe in the power of calligraphy, the brand has since evolved to become a symbol of self-expression, reflecting modern Arab identity in the 21st century and celebrating individualism through timeless, statement pieces. At Bil Arabi, our goal is to create pieces of jewellery that go beyond purely aesthetics – each piece is mindfully crafted to tell its own story, bringing together deep meaning and messages that symbolise Arab identity.
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Describe the Bil Arabi woman.
The Bil Arabi woman is strong and bold, while staying true to her Arab roots and culture. My vision of the Bil Arabi woman is someone elegant, with an eye for sophisticated design, and who makes a statement wherever she goes – be it through her striking personality, her
bold choice of outfit, or simply a combination of different elements that leave a lasting impression. Beyond an Arab clientele, I welcome women to dive deeper into the Bil Arabi universe to discover more about and fall in love with everything that the region has to offer. The Middle East flaunts a spectrum of nationalities, and Bil Arabi aims to adorn these women with its jewellery as a testament to the region that they call home.
You’ve recently collaborated with Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab to create a unique story for all – could you elaborate on the collaboration.
I love collaborations that explore beyond the world of jewellery. The collaboration with Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab offered me a platform to express my ideas through a different medium. We also maintained Bil Arabi’s signature of Arabic calligraphy through the collection of tableware produced in collaboration with Bernardaud. The design for the tableware is centred around the word Maraheb, which perfectly ties in the ethos of both brands. It is a combination of two Arabic words: Marhaba, which translates to ‘welcome’, represents the warmth and sense of belonging of Arab culture, that is also at the core of Jumeirah’s identity, while Hubb – which means ‘love’ – is a core value of Bil Arabi as incorporated within a series of its designs and collections. The final design is a simple yet powerful expression, honouring the region’s heritage while embodying the spirit of hospitality and love. It features my handwriting in a brushstroke style calligraphy that creates the illusion of an anchor to symbolise strength and individuality and was inspired by the opulence, inimitable glamour, and meticulous craftsmanship of super yachts of which Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab was designed.
How is the Arabic language intimately tied to your photographs and jewellery designs?
Arabic calligraphy is an art form that blends beauty, simplicity, and elegance. I’ve always been intrigued by vintage Arabic film posters. Reflecting on my earliest exposure, I recall studying graphic design at university, where I first encountered Arabic calligraphy. As I grew older, I realised its potential to be more than just a form of writing – it could be elevated into an art form. This insight inspired me to integrate typography and calligraphy into my designs, making them fundamental to my creative work. My designs subtly express themes of identity, heritage, and individuality. If my jewellery could speak, it would say, “Embrace your roots, express yourself boldly, and let your unique story shine through in Arabic.”
Your work provides a distinctive blend of contemporary and traditional Middle Eastern elements – tell us more.
Blending traditional calligraphy with bold, unconventional elements is a process of experimentation and creativity. I draw inspiration from my Middle Eastern roots and contemporary influences, aiming to connect tradition with modernity. It is about infusing timeless elegance with a
fresh, dynamic energy, creating pieces that resonate with a diverse audience.
What led you to becoming a fine art photographer?
I have always drawn inspiration from various sources, including photography, art, and travel. These pursuits allow me to explore different perspectives, cultures, and forms of self-expression. Photography captures moments of beauty and truth, art transcends boundaries, and travel broadens my horizons. They collectively fuel my creativity and enrich my understanding of the world. Artistic Photography was my primary medium of self-expression and jewellery came next as the ultimate form of wearable self-expression. It’s like adorning yourself with a bold proclamation of who you are as an Arab. I love that it’s not only visually striking but also deeply personal.
Your photography pushes the boundaries between memory and reality. What techniques are you using in your studio to achieve this?
Indeed, I try to push the boundaries between memory and reality through my work. My photographs always have a nostalgic air to them, yet I aim to re-centre the viewer and bring them back to the ‘present moment’. Beyond the techniques and mediums, I use to do this, I would say a huge part of it is born out of my visualization and how I see the world. I enjoy combining the elements of the past with the future and this is expressed by hand, or the use of words, collages and mixed media that is incorporated into my work.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self.
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to think big and have the strength to find your individual voice at an early age. I would encourage my younger self to embrace audacious dreams and have faith in my abilities to overcome obstacles. I believe that each Arab woman has such a unique story to share with the world, and I would love to encourage the younger generation to strive toward achieving their goals without allowing self-doubt to hold them back.
This is The Visionary Issue – what is your vision for the future?
My vision for the future is to spread love, find peace and create a better world for the generations to come. Our goal for the future is always bright and hopeful, and where we currently stand in the world has left people questioning their existence with all the hate and negativity. I really hope that we are able to overcome this by putting love, empathy and kindness at the forefront. It isn’t always about the end goal, but rather how we, as humans, can make this a better experience for each other along the way.
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