Initially sourcing inspiration from a box containing 12th century relics, Lebanese designer Sabine Ghanem, who favors rose gold, diamonds, and rubies, now oversees her designs in an atelier in Florence, Italy. In a short time span, Ghanem’s designs have captivated elegantes around the world, who have become enchanted with her delicately carved stones. Style.com/Arabia speaks with the designer behind the label Sabine G on everything from her international upbringing, to her initial experience with buyers, to her love of all things grandiose.
ON HER INTERNATIONAL UPBRINGING
I was born in Geneva, but I grew up between Switzerland and Lebanon. I went to school in London, then continued on to Paris and Los Angeles, and then I went to New York to attend the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to study jewelry and precious stones. Initially, I was going to work for a brand in PR, but it wasn’t quite my thing, so I designed my first piece and, before I knew it, I had a full collection.
ON HER DESIGN PROCESS
Having seen so many old French films, I have a sort of memory bank from my childhood. My design process is upside down, really: I start by designing and then I sort of figure out where my inspiration comes from. I expand on an impulse and only afterwards does it become a process of research.
ON HER FIRST ORDER
After I designed my first collection, I literally carried it around with me in a little bag. It just so happened that a friend of mine knew someone who worked at Maxfield in L.A. and we asked her if we could meet the buyer. Ahead of the meeting, I thought to myself, “If she likes it, I’ll continue on this path; but if she doesn’t, I won’t do it.” We met with the buyer, Sarah Stuart, and she literally saw the jewelry for two minutes and placed an order. This gave me courage. It really just snowballed from there.
ON HER NEW COLLECTION
My second collection is called Harlequin. It is art deco inspired—it’s very colorful and features bold colors within an art deco structure. It’s summery and fun as well as big and grand.
ON VALUING RELATIONSHIPS
I hope that in five years time, I will have built a strong relationship with my customers. I want them to trust me, and to go to Sabine G because they like this specific taste. I also hope that I’ll have my own boutique—I think in New York, which has always been a special place for me. It’s where everything started.
ON “OWNING” ONE’S TASTE
Certainly, it’s a challenge to get out there and—how do I say this?—put oneself at the risk of being judged. It is very personal, after all. In my case, my brand carries my name and my designs reflect my taste. But you have to be open to criticism, all the while standing your ground and owning your taste. Personally, I love everything grand and I’m not afraid to show it. You really have to find that balance between what the stores want and what you want to design.
Sabine G is based in both London and New York City.
www.sabineg.com
As told to Caterina Minthe
