Dazzling ornaments!

beauty

This week You! talks to Lahore-based jewellery designer Madiha Saail Khan about her passion of creating exquisite jewellery pieces...

Designing unique pieces of jewellery is not an easy task as there are a lot of complexities involved while creating them. The skill that goes into the creation of a jewellery piece is either God gifted or learnt through trial and error. Madiha Saail Khan is one jewellery designer from Lahore who creates elegant ornaments using various techniques. From calligraphic pendants to traditional loops, she has got them all. This week You! speaks to the multifaceted Madiha Saail Khan who is not only passionate about designing jewellery but also works as a full time pharmacist.

You! From a pharmacist to designing jewellery; how has the journey been so far?

Madiha Saail: I come from a family of highly ambitious people, most of whom are pursuing multiple careers. I always say that I have got a scientist’s brain and an artist’s heart which has made my transition reasonably effortless. The journey so far has been highly inspirational as well as humbling to the core.

You! Where did you get the idea of exploring the field of jewellery designing?

M.S: I was always into jewellery, I designed my own wedding set, I love creating and recreating. It all started one day when I went to Rung Mahal bazaar in Lahore with my aunt. Sadly the market was in absolute gloom. Craftsmen swatting flies were begging passersby to come and see their work. It was heartbreaking. So, I thought to experiment with a few pieces at my home decor exhibition at the women’s expo and got totally sold out. Haven’t looked back ever since.

You! What is your inspiration?

M.S: I am easily inspired by the beauty that surrounds me. You can find inspiration in a pebble, if you look hard enough. Nature inspires me.

You!  What are the latest trends in jewellery?

M.S: I predict that anklets and nose rings are coming back. Other than that, headgear is in these days.

You! You have also worked with master couturier Nilofar Shahid for a bridal showcase held in Karachi last year. How was your experience?

M.S: Working with Nilofer Shahid was an absolute honour. She is a true artist with a flair for elegance. Every garment, every accessory is a story when you work with her. We invented the most exquisite letter opener together. It was like poetry. A very enriching experience indeed.

You! Tell us about your jewellery brand ‘Project Rich’ and how can one improve the longevity of your product?

M.S: ‘Project Rich’ is all about costume jewellery and currently I am outsourcing and designing jewellery pieces that are 22k gold plated and are studded with semi precious and synthetic stones and zirconium crystals. Like all other gold plated items, my jewellery too requires care. Keep your jewellery away from moisture and chemicals. Put it in a box and it will be just fine. We do however provide lifelong re-plating and repairs to our clients.

You! Statement pieces which are not 100% gold are very in these days. Is this trend here to stay or will fizzle out soon?

M.S: I think that this trend will stay for at least a couple of years. Whether you consider wedding jewels or high street fashion accessories, in this day and age everyone wants to stand out and not everyone wants to invest a large amount of money. Fashion for the most part has become disposable. Designs will change but statement costume jewellery as such won’t lose its place especially in a rich culture like ours.

You! Do you think that we have an Indian influence when it comes to producing statement pieces?

M.S: I believe we are heavily inspired by India in many ways, but even their jewellery trends come from our forefathers - most of the inspiration stemming from the royalties of either the ottoman sultanate or the Mughal Empire. So, I will not give all the credit to India.

You! Where do you exhibit your products?

M.S: I have permanent displays at Almas (Dha & liberty) and I sell online as well. I have also exhibited in Dubai, New York and Bangkok and gotten a great response. I plan to have a lot of shows all over the world next year.

You! Apart from finesse and quality what are two other factors that stand out in a jewellery piece?

M.S: Originality and exclusivity.

You!  What is unique selling proposition (USP) of your product?

M.S: My USP is my imagination and my ability to customize according to my clients’ likings. I make my own calligraphic fonts and offer different options to my clients to choose from. The largest chunk of my sales comes from custom orders.

You! How do you plan to take your brand further?

M.S: The plan is to make ‘Project Rich’ a brand that everyone can afford and take pride in. A brand that is known for its creativity, philosophy and patriotism. To establish retail points all across Pakistan and beyond its borders simultaneously setting up a professional website where online sales are made easy and efficient.

caption

Madiha Saail Khan