Typography and the Arabic font are at the forefront of Nadine Kanso’s creative outlook. After gaining two degrees from the Lebanese American University, Communication Arts and Advertising Design, the foundation was laid for her work in design and photography today. It all started in 2006 when Nadine exhibited some photographs at the V&A museum in London for a group show, Arabize Me, and her perspective was soon coveted for its contemporary view on Arab life and culture.
Her jewellery line, Bil Arabi formed just as organically, starting with one ring, which was promptly ordered to be sold at boutique store S*uce by her friend Zayan Ghandour. Nadine’s personal style can be best summed up as a collage, similar to her photography and jewellery design. Simple components are layered together with a few contrasting pieces. All interlinking for a cohesive story, but with a standout element, such as a statement bag when it comes to her wardrobe.
This cow ornament was gifted to me by a friend of mine, it is called the ‘Super Cow’. She gave it to me at the time that I was setting up my business as she realised that I was juggling a lot at the same time!
These radios were bought as part of a display that I was doing in Abu Dhabi for Formula 1, and my jewellery was presented on them in boxes. Because of the nature of the event, the people that would visit the display in the VIP lounge were rock stars and singers, including Kylie Minogue and Eve, so I felt that it related to them and was a curated way of showing the jewellery collection.
I bought this Valentino feather bag back in Milan a few years ago. It is a piece that I use for special occasions as it is quite sensitive, so doesn’t come out of the closet much.
These are pieces from my Bil Arabi collection. I don’t often design brooches, however I thought that this stone would look cool in a brooch so I wanted to experiment. It says love on it, which is a word I use a lot in both my jewellery and photography work. The earrings have the initials of my two boys and the two top stones are actually extra stones from a bracelet I own that was too large. The ring is made up of my initial N, repeated 4 times to create a pattern. Finally, the necklace is made of a hand carved turquoise, which was one of the first stones I bought ten years ago and kept for myself.
I recently got this Prada bag, which is from their current AW collection. It has a geometric shape which I relate to, and I am currently using it regularly as a day bag. The Hermes clutch is an evening bag which I have had for a long time and matches with most items in my wardrobe, making it a staple in my wardrobe.
When it comes to footwear I love a statement shoe. Starting with the Fendi monster boots, I first fell for these when I saw them on Instagram and instantly knew I needed them for the winter. The Sophia Webster sandals were love at first sight back in Milan, as I am a huge fan of neon, and the Prada shoes were actually a runway style that I always had my eye on, but couldn’t track down. Then when they opened their store in Dubai, it wasn’t until my second visit that I spotted them on a top shelf and instantly bought them. These are a pair of shoes that I will keep forever, even as piece of art.
I love Valentino and it is a label that I regularly wear. These pieces are both items that I wear on a day to day basis. The jacket, with its intricate beading, is actually a favourite for travelling.
This Sarah’s Bag clutch is really cool and I love the fact that it is a chill pill. It is a bag that I will eventually keep somewhere in the house because of its acrylic design.
When it comes to fragrances I tend to choose scents which can’t be found everywhere. I prefer combinations which aren’t as typical to the region. The Acqua di Parma is like water, I always have it around and spray it at night as it is very refreshing.
