Pakistan is witnessing a new wave of female jewellery designers who are bringing their personality and flair to the table whilst also experimenting with traditional mediums of jewellery design and jewellery making. They are carving out a significant niche for themselves in a heavily male-dominated industry and creating art in the process.
One such jewellery designer is Sana Aziz, who is making waves with her unique and quirky take on traditional jewellery. Her jewellery pieces are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and today we’re going to find out about her creative process and what helps keep her grounded.
Meet The Woman Behind The Brand
“I find great joy when I see women wearing and enjoying my work. Jewellery should make a woman feel great and if I can help achieve that, then that makes all the work well worth it!”
Sana Aziz graduated from the Duncan of Jordanstone, College of Art and Design, Dundee, Scotland, where she completed a four-year undergraduate degree in Jewellery and Metalwork. Since returning to Lahore in 2012, she has been teaching Jewellery and Accessory Design at Beaconhouse National University, from where she has also obtained a Masters in Art Education. Alongside her pedagogical practice, she has continued her studio work by setting up and running her own Jewellery brand called ‘Sana Aziz – Designer Jewellery’ which exclusively deals with Silver Jewellery that is entirely hand-crafted in Pakistan. She is intrinsically passionate about all things creative, which she largely credits to her mother who nurtured an artistic vision within her from an early age.
When Sana Aziz moved to Scotland for her undergraduate studies at the University of Dundee, within the first few hours spent inside their jewellery workshop, she found herself instinctively manipulating, forging and texturing metal to create exciting forms. She could visualize these as potentially wearable pieces of art and was captivated by the infinite possibilities of creative expression using jewellery making techniques. Instantly she decided that this was something that she wanted to pursue professionally.
Sana Aziz On Finding Inspiration & How She Stays Grounded
I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of the creative process, from the initial drawings to the final stages of the fabrication process. I think what makes me the happiest, however, is exploring bazaars and engaging with local artisans to produce work. There is an abundance of talent hidden within tiny workshops, tucked away in narrow streets. I have learnt so much from these local artisans who are informally trained themselves, with priceless knowledge and experience passed down to them through generations.
When FUCHSIA asked Sana Aziz if she had any message for aspiring jewellery designers in Pakistan, this is what she had to say, “Keep people at the heart of your practice! Engage with artisans with empathy and kindness, and give them due credit every step of the way. Be open to their voice and suggestions, and try to challenge the typical designer-maker hierarchy that often exists within design houses. Acknowledge that the craftsman is working with you and not for you! This way you will keep grounded and create an empowered team that shares the same vision.”
Sana’s Top Picks
“The Kundan Alligator Teeka from our collection ‘Safari’ was perhaps one of the most technically challenging to create and is, therefore, the most rewarding to wear. Another favourite would be a hair clip I designed for our first collection ‘Mumtaz’. The piece holds particular significance for me as it was the first step toward establishing my jewellery brand”, states Sana Aziz in conversation with FUCHSIA Magazine.
FUCHSIA’S TOP 3 PICKS FROM SANA AZIZ DESIGNER JEWELLERY
Team FUCHSIA couldn’t resist browsing through the unique jewellery pieces on display and so we’ve listed some of our absolute favourites that would make great gifts for the women in your life:
1. Blue-Green Arabesque Earrings – PKR 12,000
Click HERE to purchase.
2. Lei x Safari Earrings – PKR 11,800
Click HERE to purchase.
3. Mother Of Pearl Earrings – PKR 12,000
Click HERE to purchase.
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