Forget "less is more" when it comes to the intricate jewelry of Nina Bakry.
The mass com-turned cinema producer-turned jewelry designer talks to Ahram Online about her flamboyant pieces that have got people buzzing about discovering the beauty of accessorizing their backs, heads, earlobes, arms, and legs with gold and metal.
(Photo: Courtesy of Nina Bakry)
Ahram Online: Nina, tell us more about you?
Nina Bakry: Actually, my major studies in the university were not design, but rather Mass Communication, and before I headed to jewelry design, I worked for seven years in cinema production.
AO: How did this passion for jewelry design kick off?
NB: Since I was a little kid and for as long as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to jewelry.
I used to visit jewelry making workshops in the old Cairo district of Khan El-Phalli to learn different jewelry making skills. That was until I had my son.
At that point I decided to start exploring my first ever artistic passion, jewelry design. So, I enrolled in a Design Studio workshop where I went in depth into jewelry making techniques.
(Photo: Courtesy of Nina Bakry)
AO: Your line is called Nina Barky Body Jewelry; can you explain to us what Body Jewelry is?
NB: There had always been this association between certain body parts and adornment, like wrists, neck, earlobes, etc. but actually, historically people used many of their other parts to accessories with jewelry, and I thought to revive the unconventional and focus on the ignored territories: head, torso, earlobes, leg, the back, etc, the possibilities are just endless!
AO: What are your main sources of inspiration?
NB: Anything that has an obvious or a hidden beauty inspires me. Whether an object, a moment, an artwork, anything.
I am inspired by the work of other artists in any field, as well as by unconventional beauty, something that is not stereotypical. I love history and art and culture. Inspiration is everywhere!
(Photo: Courtesy of Nina Bakry)
AO: Strange, out of the box, exquisite, unconventional: words that have been used describing your style. To what extent do you agree?
NB: All of these descriptions are flattering, and they help solidify my brand identity. They also mean I have to keep pushing myself to always come up with something unconventional and out of the box! Which is fine by me because I love challenging myself, that’s how the best ideas are born, isn't it?
AO: To what extent are your creations affected by Egyptian culture?
NB: I am an Egyptian living in Egypt, so my taste has to have been influenced by Egyptian culture.
My love for history shows in my creations, my love for the ethnic, for the feminine… You know the saying “Less is more”? Well, my pieces are not minimalist or subtle at all, just like our culture, more is more!
(Photo: Courtesy of Nina Bakry)
AO: Where do you see yourself in the future of jewelry makers in Egypt?
NB: I look forward to seeing my brand gain more momentum and to shed more light on the talent in the Egyptian industry worldwide.
People are acknowledging the incredible talents Egyptians have, and I have seen for instance Lady Gaga wearing one of my arm cuffs in Dubai. I want to achieve more not just for me, but for Egypt.
(Photo: Courtesy of Nina Bakry)
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