HRH Nourah ALFAISAL was still a young girl when she realised she had a keen eye for precious stones. Growing up between the Middle East and Europe, her childhood was different to that of most children. When her friends and cousins would spend their time at the playground of Kensington Gardens, she used to explore with her mother the refined high-jewelry shops of Bond Street or the Place Vendôme, paving the way to becoming a jewelry designer.
Azyaamode gets the chance to sit down with HRH Nourah ALFAISAL and explore the impact of her background on her designs, her vision towards the future of Saudi female talents, her mother’s influence on her love of jewelry and the inspiration behind her latest collections.
You have a diverse upbringing that has allowed you to live in Saudi Arabia and Europe. Do you think that gives you a unique perspective that perhaps other designers do not possess?
I think that every designer has a unique vision and perspective and that is why design is so amazing and diverse. Of course, travels, education and upbringing all play a part in the creative process. My designs are an expression of who I am, and by default of everything I have experienced.
How much does your background influence your designs?
My background influences everything. Isn’t it true of most of us? I believe that having a strong identity and expressing it matter. I try to use it as a starting point, a foundation, but not to be restricted to it in terms style.
Saudi Arabian designers, particularly women, have made quite a name for themselves in recent years. Where do you see the future of Saudi female talent?
There is an amazing array of blooming talents coming in Saudi Arabia right now. It is very exciting to witness and I am so happy to be part of it. Saudi women have a unique perspective and it is wonderful to see it expressed in so many ways. I see Saudi women going from strength to strength and I hope to do whatever I can to support it.
For instance, we have partnered with Art of Heritage for the launch of our new Banajir collection. As you may know, Art of Heritage is a heritage center founded by Princess Basma bint Majed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and based in Riyadh. They have assembled the largest textile collection in the Gulf region over years. Art of Heritage also does a fantastic job keeping our heritage alive by training disabled Saudi women in various traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and jewellery making, to create beautiful handmade pieces based on its collection of old fabrics, dresses and other artifacts.
Having been surrounded by accomplished women, how important do you think having strong female role models is?
It is essential. I grew up surrounded with women who dedicated their lives to giving back to society in general, and women in particular, whether it be working in the community or in education.
One of my greatest inspirations has been Queen Iffat AlThunayan, the wife of the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz. She initiated Dar AlHanan, the first school for women in Saudi Arabia. All her daughters have continued her work and inspired a great many women in Saudi. Her daughter Princess Sara bint Faisal has gone on to be one of the first women appointed to the Shoura council alongside Princess Moodhi bint Khaled. I count myself very lucky to have had such role models.
Your mother has been a major influence on your love of jewellery, who else has been an inspiration to you?
My mother inspires me in everything I do. If I have an eye for jewellery, I have inherited it from her.
I am going to be very boring and say JAR. I think most contemporary jewellery designers would agree. He is the most amazing and creative artist in the business. And I am a big fan of Hemmerle.
I also greatly admire anything designed by Shinde for Harry Winston as well as the style and designs of the Place Vendôme and Bond Street in the 1920s and 1930s.
Lauren Adriana and Theodoros are two young and highly talented jewellery designers I like very much.
Your new collection of bangles entitled Banajir combines orientalism with modern design. It is somehow timeless and of the moment. How did you come up with its design?
The design is based on my wedding ring, which I also designed. So many people were asking about it that I decided to make the bangles, a very oriental jewellery tradition. The design is based on traditional Saudi patterns. I find that most of Saudi and Islamic patterns are timeless and modern, especially those based on geometry.
The bangles are made to order and sold in pairs. How long does it take to create such a piece?
Once the order goes in, it takes three to four weeks, including delivery and custom clearance. Nuun is based in Paris, France.
What you may not realise when you first see them is that each pave bangle is set with up to 936 gems, depending on the diameter. Each diamond or sapphire is chosen and set by hand. We work with a family-owned workshop that has been making beautiful jewellery for a century. France has a very strong tradition of cutting and setting gems, going back to the Renaissance. It is still very much alive, and the quality of the craftsmanship is unique.
Your incredible first collection, Shadow and Light, was inspired by nature. What are you currently most inspired by?
I am inspired by everything, music, art, architecture, books, etc. Inspiration and emotion work together. I try to use it all in my work. It can be very chaotic but somehow it works.
How do you get inspired for a new collection?
It is not a conscious process. I never know what I’m doing until it is done. I just spend some time being quiet, taking in the world around me, and then I start designing.
What is next for Nuun?
I have been asked to take part in Jewellery Arabia in Bahrain at the end of November. I will be exhibiting in the Overdressed Pavilion and I am very excited. Then we will be launching a new collection in Paris next January, in time for the Couture. I can’t wait!
What is the most remarkable place you have ever visited?
I went to Indonesia on my honeymoon. We stayed at an amazing resort on Sumba Island and we sailed to Komodo. The natural beauty of the islands is overwhelming.
Is there a piece of jewellery you never leave home without?
My wedding ring!
Is there a particular piece of jewellery you cherish most?
I have a few very special pieces, family gifts. I am extremely sentimental when it comes to jewellery.
When it comes to jewellery what is your philosophy?
My philosophy is quite simple: wear it and enjoy it! I think that somewhere along the way jewellery stopped being fun.
I love nothing more than seeing someone who truly enjoys my work and wants to wear it.
Nuun’s latest collection “Banajir” is made to order and sold in Paris only. For more information, go to www.nuunjewels.com.
Mouna Harati
