It’s no secret that we’re absolutely in love with jewellery (our recent Dubai Jewellery Showroom is more than proof to our obsession), and thus, we always make it a point to uncover fabulous jewellery design talent. With our latest Karachi-based find, Haya Lutfullah, we’ve discovered an eponymous label dedicated to amalgamating the finest of craftsmanship & design with a deeper meaning. Whilst creating exquisite pieces which mirror art, Haya is also committed to her mission of imparting her knowledge of the craft to less privileged women in the society. Impressed by the young designer’s greater social cause, unparalleled creativity & exquisite craft, we sat down with Haya to discuss her journey, all things jewellery & her sources of inspiration.
Photo: Courtesy of Haya Lutfullah
The Haya Lutfullah Journey
Haya: I studied Jewellery design at Central Saint Martins. Ever since I started making and designing jewellery, I was pretty sure I wanted to start my own label in order to see my unadulterated and unaltered creative vision come to life.
I started my journey earlier this year in February. Even though it has not been that long or easy, despite all the challenges, it has been very rewarding and something I can not wait to see evolve.
The Many Sources of Inspiration
Haya: I am heavily inspired by music, the intricacies of nature, paintings by the old masters, to name a few. However, the starting point for anything is an emotion I am feeling. I treat each collection as a personal memento. It helps me encapsulate incidents or feelings in the form of jewellery. This makes the whole process cathartic for me and as a result, every time I come back to anything I have created, it reminds me of a particular moment in time.
The Impact of Social Media
Haya: Social media has played a big part in getting me opportunities that would have probably taken me a while to get on my own considering how new I am to the business. It is helping and has helped my label get the exposure it needs and connect me to the right kind of audience.
Photo: Courtesy of Haya Lutfullah
A Usual Day in Haya’s Life
Haya: I usually wake up around 9:30. I then try and get in a few minutes of stretching or light exercise after which I have breakfast, get ready and get to work around 10:30. My work day usually starts with me making something, as playing with material early in the work day gets my creative juices flowing. I usually end up making till about lunch after which I tackle the admin work. Once I am done with emails, catching up with the non-creative tasks, I go back to making or designing. I continue creating till I feel like I want to. Somedays it runs till after dinner, sometimes it ends before dinner or even at lunch. Even though for now, I make all my pieces myself, I don’t ever force myself to make unless I have a pressing deadline. Once my work days ends, I make a to-do list for the next day, reflect on the day that just went by and spend time with family or friends.
Haya’s Closet Essentials
Haya: Plain black tees, black or beige crop pants and slides are my closest essentials.
Skinny jeans, long tops that are a fusion of eastern and western wear and khussas are my seasonal ‘must-haves’.
The Insider Tip to Aspiring Designers
Haya: From what I have learnt so far, I would say to be as experimental as possible without thinking too much about who you are selling to. Whether you do that during university or at the beginning of your career, I think this is very important to do in order to find your voice. This will help you identify your style and what you enjoy the most. Once you have an understanding of what you want to create, you will automatically attract the right kind of clients who will understand, appreciate and want your work.
Photo: Courtesy of Haya Lutfullah
Follow Haya Lutfullah: @hayalutfullah