“Rather than look outward for inspiration, I strive to capture the boundless energy and defiant originality within,” muses Ana Khorui. And perhaps that’s why the jewelry designer, who is of Lebanese heritage, is behind pieces that don’t quite look like anything we’ve seen before. Sculpturally molded, daintily delicate, yet vibrantly contemporary, the designer’s eponymous collections are an exploration of shapes and spaces, each complementing the wearer’s own curves and lines.
“With time I’ve come to appreciate that the only way to create something new is to make something that is extremely personal,” the Gemological Institute of America and Parsons graduate tells Vogue.me. “You have to strip away the nonessential, distill what remains into its pure form, and channel only that energy essential to who you are in your work. For me, that means an approach to jewelry that did not exist before. It’s a desire to make something that does not remind anyone of any other thing.”
While she may not have a particular inspiration, Khouri does cite her Middle Eastern heritage as playing a part in her creative abilities. “I feel inspired by my connection to this land and its people,” she says. “For me, having different cultural backgrounds makes you more accepting of all the differences around you and as a designer, you must find a way to tie it all into your work.”
Khouri, who grew up between the US and Brazil, first studied fine arts before realizing her passion for jewelry. “I believe my background and love of sculpture played heavily in my favor, allowing me a richer understanding of the creative possibilities that weren’t being explored in jewelry design,” she revealed. Launching her namesake label in 2013, the line has gone on to be sold at numerous physical stores and e-tailers, such as Matches and Net-a-Porter, and has been worn by everyone from Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron to Karlie Kloss and Alicia Vikander.
The designer has recently unveiled her exploration into fine jewelry, a selection of earrings, rings, and bracelets that “follow the same idea of connecting to the body and empowering the women wearing them”. “Through shapes and volumes and connections that we haven’t encountered before, I would like to bring attention to the essence that went into creating them.” says Khouri. “I hope that everyone who sees them will leave with their own internal reflection, and, ultimately, a more intimate and personal connection with the pieces themselves.”
Scroll through the gallery above to discover more from Ana Khouri’s fine jewelry collection.
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