Zena Khan’s fashion jewellery at L’atelier

ISLAMABAD:

Inspired by Azzedine Alaia, Victoire De Castelleine,Christian Dior fine jewellery designer and Naomi Filmer, Zena Khan is the next generation jewellery artist from Malaysia.

The Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design Alumnus is currently based in Malaysia and Indonesia, where she designs and produces both bespoke, as well as high end, ready-to-wear fashion jewellery.  The architectural forms of her pieces take inspiration from historical architectural monuments.

The one-day exclusive exhibit took place at the multi-label store, L’atelier. Zahra Raza of L’atelier strives to expose the locals of Islamabad to a more international variety of merchandise. Zena Khan is a premiere example of the excellence, her multi-label boutique is striving to achieve.

“Luxury isn’t about buying what everyone is buying,” says Khan. “It is in fact the feeling you get when you wear something that fits so well that it feels as if the item was custom made for you.”

Using the lost wax casting technique, Khan hand sculpts her pieces from wax and then fills the crevices with silver in order for them to take the desired shape. Plated with 18 karat gold, the jewellery is perfect for casual wear. In a country obsessed with the clarity of diamonds and Tiffany’s age old designs, Khan brings with her, a refreshing take on jewellery. From necklaces, earrings and rings, it is safe to say that her rings are exquisite in style, shape and fit. “It is always amazing to have a big cocktail ring on,” says Khan. “If it fits well, I think it can glam up anything.”

After being named one of the Top 40 people in Malaysia, she also won the coveted “Most Innovative Design” award at the yearly Swarovski Crystals competition in 2006. The artist has worked under the careful and keen guidance of J Jager at Garrard Fine Jewellery in London, and adds acclaim in Elle UK, The Sunday Telegraph and the prestigious Harper’s Bazaar.

With a huge Asian clientele already under her belt in Indonesia and Malaysia, Khan is bound to appeal to the hip and happening contemporary fashionista’s in Pakistan.

Priced between $300 to 500, the one off pieces are a must have accessory this spring. The golden hue with the occasional sparkle can light up any outfit.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2011.