AzyaaMode had the pleasure to sit down with jewelry designer Nadine Kanso, a pioneer in the world of design and innovation in Dubai, to discuss how her brand came to be a staple success story born out of a country bursting with dreams.
How did it all start?
I worked in photography for a little bit and then I was invited to do a show at the V&A in London. A part of the show was called Arabize Me. This show was shown again here in Dubai at B21 Gallery at the time. Everything started with that and the exhibition in Dubai was called “Min Ana”.
Min Ana as in “Who Am I”?
Right; so it started by a question, then I realized that it is more of a statement. So the pictures I took were of people who represent the Arab World as it is. I wanted to show another side of our culture and identity.
How did you pursue that idea?
I realized I needed something more. I needed my message to be wide spread. This is why I started doing cushions and T-shirts. But it wasn’t really something I wanted to do so I did the first "N" "ن" in gold for myself and then a friend saw it and wanted her initial done which then just became a domino effect. From then on, I started having orders. I did not even have a name for the brand and I said since I am doing everything in Arabic it has to be Bil Arabi (بالعربي) .
So this is how Bil Arabi evolved?
I had also used Bil Arabi (بالعربي) in an exhibition. I photographed Arabs holding slogans. I shot Arabs from different nationalities and backgrounds in their space of work or inspiration to underline the message: do not judge people based on how they look. One man was Saudi and he was blonde with blue eyes, another was Palestinian, my kids were Lebanese and somebody else was Emirati.
You are also a photographer?
Yes, I do not do commercial though, I do artistic photography. I had a show in May about Lebanon and if the war never started. It was about a documentation of architecture - black and white photography that I shot off the coast of Beirut. I was on a boat and shot images of old arcades and architectural elements from the 20s to 40s and then combined them with gold, words and titles from magazines in the 50’s and 60’s that still apply today. It was a combination of nostalgic things and pretty political because you really had to read between the lines. I loved it.
How important is it for you to be an Arab female entrepreneur and be based in Dubai?
I have never thought I would be an entrepreneur. Whatever I was doing was done with passion. I never thought it would become a business and until now, I still don’t have a business plan. I am still working from my garage at home! For me everything happens organically and to be considered as an entrepreneur, I am very flattered and happy if I can be a role model to other people, especially women, to what they want and to express themselves in the work field.
As for being in Dubai, it is great.
Certainly evolving very fast…
We came and grew up here a long time ago. We found our space and ambition and Dubai nurtured that. When a city that is relatively young has a dream and you also have a dream, you have the opportunity to do so many things.
Your designs help push the Arabic language and culture, which many miss in this region. It is lovely to see your work encourage Arabs to love and be proud of wearing elements from their heritage…
This is one of my first statements and if I have achieved that and if people are doing similar things, I cannot deny that I have done something right.
You have other brands that are also doing Arabic-inspired pieces. There is one designer in particular, Shamsa Alabbar, who took the Arabic font and totally changed it. Whether you like the design or not, she created something different.
The problem you have in this region is that everyone wants to copy the West and I tell them, “We do not need to be like the rest, we have our own identity and history”.
Definitely, and people ask me if I want to be international and I say, “Yes, definitely I want to be international but you have to conquer your own grounds before going anywhere else.” You have to be strong here before being strong internationally.
What is your jewelry advice for women?
People should wear what they love, whether it is jewelry or anything else because the minute you love it, it is not because it is trendy that you will pull it off better, but because you cherish it, it will love you back.
Are you gold or silver?
I am a gold person, a yellow gold person.
You definitely are, I can see it on you from head to toe
I would paint my whole house in gold if it wouldn’t look tacky!
Is there any very cherished items that you have and that you would pass down to your children?
I think that when I buy something it is not only for my own pleasure but it is something that I would want them to have eventually. It is something that I have always been asked, I mean what is the most difficult thing you have or you encounter in life? I say raising these boys to be good men. And I think if I can give them humbleness and certain values, I think I would have achieved a lot. It is not about the items I pass on but values.
Are there any signature elements you wear all the time?
My rings.
Scroll through the gallery to view Bil Arabi's magical new collection SHINE.
Mouna Harati
