A BAHRAINI independent jewellery designer has showcased her collection at a prestigious show in New York.
Azza, created by Azza Al Hujairi, is the first Bahraini brand to be invited to Metal and Smith, an event for emerging designers seeking quality engagement.
The selective event showcased the works of 40 international designers who shared their collections with editors, retailers, stylists and influencers.
The fine jewellery brand has built a reputation in the Middle East for having unique and fashion-forward pieces that reflect the designer’s inspiration from history and mythology connected to Bahrain, including the country’s historic pearling industry.
“We are overwhelmed with the interest in the brand, how it reflects Bahrain and our use of natural pearls,” Ms Al Hujairi told the GDN.
“The show attracted buyers from all over the US as well as top stylists and influencers.”
The 35-year-old, who has a background in law and studied jewellery design and gemmology at the Gemological Institute of America, said her interest shifted because she could no longer see herself in a corporate environment.
She said she did not take on jewellery designing as a career option until after she worked in legal consultancy for five years.
“I knew since I was a child that I loved jewellery and it came up a number of times in my life where I felt like jewellery was more than just an interest,” she said.
“My favourite part in the creation of a piece of jewellery is translating my story or concept through a design, similar to the process an artist takes in creating their pieces.”
Ms Al Hujairi draws her inspiration mainly from stories she writes connecting the dots between history, nature, lifestyle, and Mesopotamian mythology.
The designer is mostly popular for introducing pearls into everyday wear as contemporary pieces of jewellery, making them coveted by millennials, gift shoppers and the international market.
She showcases her work annually at Jewellery Arabia, the country’s prestigious gems and jewellery expo, and this year’s participation will make it her seventh participation.
She has also participated in a number of shows in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the US.
Although she launched two concept stores – Dukkan3 at Al Riwaq Art Space in 2014 and La Boutique 92 in La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art and Spa in 2009 – she eventually shut down both to stay focused on the brand and a new fine jewellery showroom at La Fontaine, alongside being a mother.
“I am lucky to be working with a number of my favourite international designers, such as Silvia Furmanovich, Mike Joseph Jewellery, and L’atelier Nawbar, stocking them in our showroom at La Fontaine as well as introducing them to our clientele,” she said.
For information on Ms Al Hujairi’s latest collections, follow @azzashowroom on Instagram or visit www.azzaalhujairi.com.
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