Nadine Kanso is no stranger to the arts in all its forms. I have been a fan of her work for years.She is an avid photographer who uses photography as a creative output is represented by IVDE Gallery in Dubai. She is a graphic designer and Jewelry designer also known as the lady behind jewelry brand Bil Arabi. Having being brought up in Beirut and studying at the American University there, Nadine now lives in Dubai, U.A.E. She is a well known an established figure in the fashion industry and her wearble art is sought out by many.
Saks Fifth Avenue ties up with designer Nadine Kanso from Bil Arabi to create exclusive “Bahrain” inspired jewelry pieces in celebration of Bahrain National Day. I got to meet Nadine, a fellow Dubain at Saks and have a look at her beautiful collection.
1. At what age did you realize you had an artistic flair and the arts is what you wanted to pursue?
I have always liked the Arts and had a penchant for design side i was a teenager, but never thought i will be designing jewelry honestly.
Always wanted to showcase my photography which i did after a long long journey.
2. Is Bil Arabi and Nadine K a one woman show or do you have a team working with you ?
Bil Arabi and Nadine K for the longest time were only one until 3 years back that the team became 3. Hopefully it will grow more so we can have more people on board to grow the business.
3. Where do you find inspiration from?
I am a true believer that inspiration comes from within. Having said that i get also inspired by people and events happening around me and have a flair to socio political issues that drive my work especially when it comes to photography.
4. You are very proud of your Arabic heritage which is evident in your designs, what message are you sending off to the world with your designs?
Yes I am! I am very proud of my identity, Culture, heritage and language and i want the world to know about who we are and what we truly stand for and for all the achievements we had contributed to the world today.
My Bil Arabi line has a strong message when it comes to that. Even from the design aspect, the pieces are contemporary so it can relay my message to the world.
5. Having being based in Dubai and being very successful as an artist and Jewelry designer there, How has living in Dubai helped you make your mark?
Dubai is a platform for a lot of success stories, it is a new city , a young one where we all took our firsts steps together and held hand to make it. My success is very much the success of Dubai (not to compare) but the the feeling is the same. The pride in achieving and having the opportunity and exposure that i would never have gotten anywhere else! In Dubai the Sky is the limit .
6. What more can we expect to see from Nadine Kanso?
A lot more! I am launching shortly a Men’s line and working on a capsule collection with someone that at this point i cannot reveal the name…I have been invited to show at Musk and Amber in Tunis next year as well…so hopefully even more to come.
7. What advice would you give up and coming Jewelery designers?
I always emphasize and ask the new and upcoming designers in all fields not only in jewelry design to have their own identity and to challenge themselves to be more creative and better at what they do.
8. What are your 5 fashion must haves?
As much as i love fashion but i think the simplest things are the best to have at all times…in my case i would go for a black blazer jacket, a nice pair of Jeans, and all the jewelry you can wear….nicely! 😉
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