Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra Hakim
An artist turned jewelry maker, Alexandra Hakim started her eponymous label in 2016. The brand features playful creations like berry drop earrings, gold leaf hoops, and chili pepper talismans – pieces that have captivated the likes of Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Alessandra Ambrosio, Gabrielle Union, and Emma Roberts. The ideas behind Hakim’s work – think spinning pearls and stackable gold earrings – stem from art history, specifically details in Baroque painting. She furthers, “I am also very much inspired by nature and the different local communities that make up the social fabric of Lebanon. Most of my collections revolve around the farmers, fishermen, and the artisans who are usually behind the scenes.” Sustainability is at the forefront of the brand’s DNA. Hakim explains, “We have always operated at a zero-waste approach, which is something I can be proud of.”
Alexandra Hakim
Born in London, as a child Hakim would often travel to Lebanon. “Every summer when I was home, I would notice traditional elements disappearing from my culture: the weaved khaizaran chairs, the huge pine trees, the old matchsticks…” After taking a metal class at Central Saint Martins in London, she knew she wanted to trade in her paintbrush for a blowtorch. “I began to scale down my sculptures in the form of wearable jewels. I started handcrafting pieces that would evoke the tastes and textures of my own cultural memories by transforming consumed objects into jewels that would last forever. That’s when I took the leap of faith to start my own brand.” Hakim says her collections o er an alternative to conventional luxury. “ The value of my jewelry truly comes from the concepts and quality craftsmanship behind the pieces.” The Middle East is renowned for its expertise in opulent fine jewelry, and Hakim is carving a space in the market for contemporary and more accessible jewels, shifting mindsets in the region about what luxury really means.
Sagittarius necklace
Until recently, the designer crafted all the pieces herself; now, she has artisans in Beirut, where the studio is based. Hakim says creating pieces has never been a challenge; however, starting a brand and becoming an entrepreneur has been a different experience altogether. “I am a maker by trade, and designing has always felt natural to me. e challenge was really developing the skills of a businesswoman along the way.” The jewelry maker has some advice for future brand owners, “Focus on your own vision, and work as hard as you can to bring it to life.”
Gold Strawberry Drops earrings
Originally published in the June 2023 issue of Vogue Arabia
