Of swanky pieces

jewellery

This week You! talks to ace designer Huma Adnan, who recently showcased her debut jewellery collection in a show, held recently in Islamabad...

Huma Adnan is known for her flamboyant and trendy attires. Her label ‘FnkAsia’, launched 12 years ago, is a symbol of high street fashion. She mixes traditional crafts with contemporary cuts, to give her brand a very distinct signature style. No wonder, her clothes are a fine blend of clever layering of colours, textures and prints. FnkAsia is one of the first brands to introduce the concept of separates that included a range of tops, tunics, lowers, dresses, waistcoats, scarves and accessories. Last year, Huma ventured into bridals and showcased her first bridal collection at the Bridal Couture Week 2017. It was well received by the audience as the ensembles were an interesting mix of vintage glamour and eye catching embellishments.

Recently, Huma introduced her swanky jewellery line at a show held in Islamabad in collaboration with UNHCR Refugee Agency in Pakistan. In this regard, You! talks to the designer about her jewellery line - ‘Craft Stories’...

You! When did you first realise you had a flair and a passion for jewellery designing?

Huma Adnan: My love for craft and colours has always been a part of my creations. Be it clothes or jewellery. My pret brand Fnkasia incorporates hand organic jewels which I have been showcasing since last 10 years.

You! How did you go about creating your first item of jewellery?

HA: Jewellery has always been a part of my styling. My brand utilises indigenous crafts from different parts of the world. I use a mix of elements from threads to fabrics to pearls to stones!

You! What was your inspiration behind the show - ‘Craft Stories’?

HA: In June, this year, I signed an agreement with UNHCR Pakistan to promote refugee artisans through their crafts. The main aim of this collaboration is to arrange skills training of the refugees and promote their products along with creating livelihood opportunities for them during their stay in Pakistan. Thus skill trainings were provided to the refugees by me and the master team in order for them to be able to create the alluring statement jewellery pieces. The recently held jewellery show ‘Craft Stories’ was the outcome of this collaboration.

You! Tell us briefly about your debut jewellery collection?

HA: The debut of ‘Craft Stories’ for UNHCR was to create awareness and showcase the stories behind the refugees living in Pakistan. I have always been one to empower and encourage women with the will to follow their aspirations. This time round, I have truly added a part of my soul in doing so by involving these hard-working women in creating a whole new jewellery line; fabricated with love and care. From choosing the threads, to the motifs, the colour schemes, designs, and indigenous crafting techniques, each and every aspect was handled with finesse and elan by these diligent women. The response was very positive and now we want to take the collection globally after marketing them locally.

You! What distinguishes your jewellery from others? What makes your line so special? Why should people be buying it?

HA: My jewellery is completely hand made with 100 per cent cotton, embellished with metals and other beads. Due to this the pieces are very light in weight and can be worn for long periods of time. Therefore not only is the jewellery aesthetically beautiful, it is also very practical. In addition to this, the entire collection is made by refugees who have been trained by my team and myself personally. 

Each piece has a story behind it and you can see the hard work and perfection in the workmanship that comes from these people. People should be buying it because the pieces are truly beautiful, wearable and very versatile.

You! Why do you think women should wear jewellery?

HA: My work entails preserving the craft and nothing better than wearing the craft in the forms of jewellery. Jewellery completes a look of any garment.

You! What are you currently working on?

HA: Currently I am working on my fall winter Craft Stories jewellery collection with the refugees.

You! Do you intend to make/design jewellery on a regular basis in future?

HA: Yes of course. I have been designing jewellery for all my collections.

You! What qualities do you think a jewellery designer should posses?

HA: Like any other designer, a jewellery designer needs to have a creative mind in order to be able to envision what would look good and what would not.

You! Are you not afraid of copycats?

HA: Mimicry is the highest form of flattery.

You! What is your idea of beauty?

HA: My idea of beauty is confidence.

You! Who is your favourite jewellery designer who has influenced you?

HA: My favourite jewellery designer is John Hardy.

You! Where do you like to shop?

HA: I like to shop at stores that have a quirky identity and play with colours because that is what I am like.

You! How would you describe your personal style?

HA: My style is very bohemian chic. I love to play with colours and cuts and trying new things.

You! Where would you like to take the collection - in terms of expanding?

HA: I see this collection as only the beginning in a series of craft projects that I would like to embark on.