November 18, 2024 |
BLINGIN’ IT IS TEN’S ONLINE SERIES WHERE WE SPOTLIGHT THE INNOVATORS AND CHANGE-MAKERS OF THE JEWELLERY WORLD.
For Houda L. Ghazal, design is more than an art – it’s a philosophy. Launching her Paris-based namesake brand in 2019, the Rabat-born, Agadir-raised designer brings a fusion of heritage and high fashion. After graduating with a double degree from HEC Paris in business and law, it was a trip to Florence that finally unlocked her artistic vision. There, Ghazal witnessed firsthand the intricate world of Italian luxury: it was mesmerising, it was meticulous; plenty of inspiration to fuel her designs. Ghazal now calls London home, though her brand remains Paris-based, and what she lacks in proximity she makes up for with a devotion to crafting jewellery that speaks across cultures and generations.
But Ghazal doesn’t just do jewellery. Her eponymous label actually began with footwear, crafting exquisite kitten heels and T-bar pumps that balanced elegance with Moroccan influences. It wasn’t until 2023 that she introduced her debut jewellery line, The Amal Series, which has since become her signature collection. An exquisite range of rings, earrings, bangles and necklaces, Ghazal’s jewellery radiates sophistication with a palpably artisanal touch.
Designing for a vision of womanhood that’s “iconic, glamorous and engaged,” and fuelled by a passion for 19th-century French literature, Ghazal crafts her pieces with a romantic, sculptural flair. On the design table, she brings these swirling creations to life in 24-carat gold and palladium plating, layering and intertwining them in ways that feel almost organic. Inspired by her own Ghazal pictogram, rings spiral around fingers, culminating in perfect spheres, while bangles and flowing necklaces drape like golden cascades. They feel like treasures unearthed from a dream; almost like capillary waves, or perhaps small planets suspended in orbits held by their shimmering rings. Her pieces also incorporate healing crystals, believed to invite the flow of positive energy.
The point is to empower women. “It’s key to understand that Ghazal is a posture, an attitude,” the website states. Ghazal adds, “The aesthetic of the brand is authentic, inspirational, and exuberant, meeting the needs of a woman who is discerning, genuine, self-confident, strong and incredibly chic, whatever this concept means to her.”
Here, we caught up with Ghazal to discuss everything from her love affair with Italian craftsmanship to her quest to revive a ‘lost’ vision of womanhood.
ON THE BIRTH OF GHAZAL PARIS
Ah, where to begin! I launched Ghazal Paris in late 2019, starting with shoes that are handcrafted in Tuscany, yet inspired by classic French style – an ode to timeless Parisian elegance. As for jewellery, it was always a natural progression for the brand. Here, my Moroccan roots come to life, infusing each piece with rich heritage and bold artistry. You see, shoes and jewellery are more than just accessories; they’re powerful tools of expression. I wanted to create pieces that not only adorn but also transform how a woman feels about herself – adding that little je ne sais quoi to her day. Ghazal is all about celebrating those timeless, iconic moments and giving women a way to reveal their inner strength and glamour.
ON CRAFTSMANSHIP
Florence was where my love affair with Italian craftsmanship began! That trip was transformative. There, I witnessed the sheer dedication of artisans who pour their hearts into every stitch, every detail. It’s an art form, really. Seeing that level of commitment to quality inspired me to partner exclusively with a family-run business in Tuscany. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about creating pieces that stand the test of time. That’s why, at Ghazal, we are relentless in our pursuit of perfection – each piece must feel like a work of art.
ON HOW HER MOROCCAN HERITAGE AND LAW BACKGROUND INFORM HER WORK
Being Moroccan, there’s a richness in the culture that is impossible to ignore. Growing up surrounded by vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and bold jewellery left a lasting imprint on my creative spirit. For me, it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about bringing that sense of heritage and history into each piece. The sculptural silhouettes of my jewellery, for instance, are inspired by the curves and arches found in Moroccan architecture. As for materials, I’m drawn to textures and finishes that evoke a sense of the past while feeling luxurious and modern. It’s my way of blending tradition with innovation.
Studying law [on the other hand] taught me discipline, precision, and attention to detail – all of which are crucial in design as well. There’s a certain structure to the creative process, even if it doesn’t seem that way on the surface. But beyond that, my background in law has given me a keen sense of protection – not just in terms of intellectual property but also in ensuring that every piece meets the highest standards of quality. It’s a balance between creativity and rigour, and I like to think that’s what sets Ghazal apart.
ON 19TH-CENTURY FRENCH LITERATURE AND REINVENTING A ‘LOST’ VERSION OF WOMANHOOD
My love affair with 19th-century French literature! The era was rich with depictions of women who were, in many ways, captivating but often constrained by their circumstances. In my designs, I aim to reinterpret that lost elegance – bringing it into the modern world. It’s about creating pieces that feel timeless yet strikingly relevant today. On the design table, this translates to bold silhouettes, delicate curves, and intricate detailing. Each piece is crafted to make a statement while remaining exquisitely wearable, embodying that sense of glamour and power we admire in the literary heroines of the past.
ON HEALING CRYSTALS
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that jewellery can be more than ornamental; it can carry meaning and intention. The choice of crystals is very deliberate – each one is chosen for its unique properties. For instance, Tiger’s Eye is believed to enhance confidence and inner strength, while Turquoise offers protection and abundance. It’s about creating pieces that not only look beautiful but also have a deeper resonance. Perhaps it’s the romantic in me, but I love the idea of a woman wearing something that not only elevates her style but also empowers her from within.
ON QUALITY AND QUIET LUXURY
To me, quality is non-negotiable. When you hold a piece of Ghazal jewellery, I want you to feel its weight, its elegance, its story. Using 24-carat gold plate and palladium isn’t just about luxury; it’s about creating pieces that last. Palladium, part of the exquisite platinum family of metals, brings a refined brilliance and durability that elevates each design. It’s not only stunning but also highly resilient, ensuring that our pieces maintain their lustre over time. I’m not interested in following fleeting trends – I want to craft timeless pieces that can be cherished for years, even generations. It’s the same philosophy that guided our shoes: to offer the finest craftsmanship with an enduring allure.
ON MIXING METALS
Introducing mixed metals into our designs has been an exciting journey, adding depth and contrast to each piece. Working with both 24-carat gold and palladium allows us to play with textures and tones – gold brings warmth and richness, while palladium, with its platinum-family sophistication, adds a sleek, modern edge. This combination creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, elevating the jewellery to something truly unique. The effect is striking and versatile; these pieces can transition effortlessly from day to night, bringing a hint of Parisian glamour and timeless elegance to any ensemble. It’s like having a conversation between two luxurious elements, each enhancing the other in a beautifully balanced way.
ON THE FUTURE OF GHAZAL PARIS
Ah, the million-dollar question! While I can’t reveal too much, let’s just say we have more jewellery collections in the works, each one bringing something unique to the table. At Ghazal, we’re continually inspired by the journey of refinement and reinvention, finding new ways to express elegance and individuality. So, while shoes and jewellery are where we are today, there’s always more to come. Stay tuned – you’ll have to wait and see where the journey takes us next! N’est-ce pas?
Photography courtesy of Ghazal Paris.
Houda L. Ghazal, founder of Ghazal Paris
