London glam met Cairo oriental in a new jewelry collection launched at Beymen on Wednesday.
Two top designers from East and West put their creative heads together for the second time, to produce an edgy 13-piece collection of contemporary designs in silver, 18 carat gold and precious stones.
Nicknamed the King of Glamour, prominent British fashion designer Julian Macdonald was approached by Egyptian trademark AzzaFahmy Jewelry (AFJ) two years ago, and he jumped at the idea of a collaboration.
“I have really been a big fan of AFJ for a long time, the soft-spoken designer told Daily News Egypt.
“As a fashion designer, to be given the chance to work with such a prestigious Egyptian jeweler is just great, he added.
Highlights from the collection include a gold and silver Art Deco bangle with garnet stones, a silver chain with gold and silver hand and eye charms – traditionally used to ward off the evil eye – as well as a variety of rings, earrings and brooches.
Originally from a small Welsh town, Macdonald’s style has become a landmark in the global fashion industry. He was hired by Karl Lagerfeild straight out of college to design for Chanel.
In 2001, he was named British Fashion Designer of the Year, and became the head designer for Givenchy, a position he held for three years.
Macdonald, who reportedly hangs out with the likes of Paris Hilton and Camilla El-Fayed (the Harrods heiress), was named an Officer of the British Empire for his excelence in the field of fashion.
His creations are often spotted on celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Sienna Miller and Kylie Minogue.
AzzaFahmy also holds her own, with a client list that includes Queen Noor of Jordan and other Arab royalty from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. After achieving great success in the Middle East for her signature ancient-meets-modern designs, AFJ strategically eyed the Western market.
Fahmy reviewed the London fashion industry, and was most attracted to Macdonald’s style.
“It was a very easy decision. I liked his work very much, says the elegant designer, turning to Macdonald with a beaming smile. “Really Julian, it was really great. Although the two designers come from very different worlds, they complement each other. “He gives me direction and I turn it into jewelry, which fits his clothes, said Fahmy.
The collection is a bit different from classic AFJ pieces, although the ethnic touch is still obvious. The jewelry is bulkier and more dominant than her more delicate designs.
At the launch, Macdonald showed off one of his personal favorites from the collection: a gold and silver nail bracelet. The concept is like a stretched nail, which twirls around the wrist. He wears it with black satin pants, a shirt and a white suit jacket.
“I can dress very western but all of a sudden I can put Azza’s jewelry on and make the look very modern, says Macdonald. “It is unexpected, it’s not boring and it’s new.
Fahmy feels that the collaboration has given her work a new dimension. “I’ve learned a lot from him, she says.
They plan to continue working together for a while. Happy with the end result and enjoying the work along the way, they plan to build on their success.
Macdonald said mixing cultures can bring people together, beyond any conflicts. “We can work together and be happy, and people can celebrate being a global nation, he added.
– AzzaFahmy Jewelry for julianmacdonald is now available at all AFJ shops across the country.
