The memoir blends historical and educational tales with Fahmy's personal journey, captivating readers and providing an enriching experience as they delve into the rich history and culture of Egypt, seen through the eyes of the acclaimed Egyptian designer.
Celebrities and dignitaries from different nationalities as well as lovers of authentic Egyptian art and history attended the event.
Flipping through the pages of the book, one can almost hear her voice.
The original Arabic volume, launched on 10 October three years ago — requiring almost 30 drafts — is a joyous, yet sometimes melancholic, journey through the decades, loaded with emotions and history, all in a straightforward and honest tone, which is exactly how the acclaimed jeweller speaks in real life.
The English autobiography, titled: My Life in Jewelry: A memoir, is published by AUC Press.
In the English edition, she takes readers on a journey through Egypt’s history and culture, sharing personal moments and inspirations behind her designs.
From her father’s influence to her training in Cairo’s Khan El-Khalili, she shares details of adventure, passion, and human endeavour across different decades.
More than half a century ago, Cairo-based jeweller Azza Fahmy started as an apprentice in the male-dominated workshops of Khan El-Khalili, learning all about the centuries-old craft.
She then started her workshop with a handful of people, aiming to tell stories of heritage and culture through her creations, before launching her own line and eventually becoming one of the most famous Egyptian jewellery designers, collaborating with famous names on the catwalk.
Fahmy is now acclaimed worldwide not only for her designs that rely profoundly on research, but also for her manifestation of the Ottoman craftsmen hierarchy, which had been present in Egypt for centuries.
At the event, Fahmy spoke about the experience of delving into years of work and passion and laying them on paper.
“Writing this book gave me the opportunity to discover a lot about myself. It was a challenging journey but more beautiful than I could have ever imagined,” she said.
The book unveils the many facets of her life as a daughter, mother, grandmother, apprentice, explorer, designer, and author.
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