Mixin’ it up : Colombian artist exhibits unconventional jewellery

Bilgrami’s work is mostly contemporary, focuses on a ‘strong woman’.

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition of jewellery designed by Colombian-Pakistani designer Aysha Bilgrami was organised at a local hotel on Wednesday.

Bilgrami, who launched her jewellery line in Colombia last year, said she was inspired by her origins and translated them into contemporary jewellery. “I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures and ethnicities and that is my main inspiration,” she said.

She works with gold, silver and copper, complementing them by gem stones such as the Colombian uncut emerald and Pakistani lapis to create unusual, psychedelic shapes and a fusion of styles with an ethnic-modern touch.



Most of the jewellery is in silver with gold plating except a necklace in copper with gold plating. Her designs stand out for being edgy, funky and present a different take on traditional jewellery.

For example, she has taken a vintage necklace and transformed it into a sahara-inspired, dangling ear piece. She has also experimented with both matte and shine, mixing different textures and detailing them with small, chunky pieces to add more layers and dimensions to the minimalistic design.

Meanwhile, there was a contemporary version of a choker, ornamented on the smooth edges, matching with a ring that could be worn on either side.

Another wiry, metallic necklace wrapped around the neck, in an understated and elegant fashion. “I like to take it to a different level and have fun with it,” said Bilgrami, about her design philosophy.

“Some people like to wear not too much jewellery, just a hint,” explained the artist, whose collection includes silver and gold ear cuffs that can be clipped on the top of the ear.

“I cater for a strong woman but I also like my jewellery to make women feel strong, so it’s both sides. I don’t design jewellery for any particular age group. It’s for women who want to feel special, dress up any outfit and shine it out on a special occasion,” said Bilgrami, who donned some of her own intricate creations at the exhibition.

The designer, based in Latin America, visits her family in Pakistan once a year. She exhibited her designs in Karachi last week.

“Aysha’s collection is quintessentially postmodern; it’s inspired by indigenous styles yet they are so contemporary. In particular, I’m coveting the statement pieces like the quirky ear cuffs and the angular wrist cuff-bracelet,” said Laaleen Khan, a PR consultant.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2015.