For a designer, few things scream “you made it” better than getting a stamp of approval from one of the most beloved A-listers— and not because their stylist orchestrated it, but instead, because they genuinely admire and appreciate your work. This is precisely what happened to Egyptian jeweler Azza Fahmy, whose accessories were unexpectedly spotted on popstar-turned-actress Lady Gaga.
In a post shared to her 56.9 million followers on Instagram, the Poker Face singer was spotted wearing a striking necklace from the renowned Egyptian jewelry brand. The piece, known as The Lotus Pectoral Necklace, blends 18ct gold and sterling silver, featuring a lotus flower in various natural forms which is embellished with different kinds of leaves, floral elements, and ancient Egyptian symbols.
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In celebration of our region’s designers making a mark on the global stage, we’ve decided to compile five facts to absolutely know about Azza Fahmy, the famed North African jeweler poised to make a splash this year.
She’s 79
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The founder of the eponymously named brand, Azza Fahmy, was born in Sohag, Upper Egypt, in 1945, making her 79.
She dressed as a boy to learn how to make jewelry
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Born in a male-dominated society, Fahmy revealed that when she first became interested in jewelry, she had to cross-dress as a boy to train in Khan Al Khalili, an open-air market known as the jewelry hub of her native Egypt. “I tied my hair back, put on my overalls and spent my days in a workshop full of men learning the tricks of jewelry making,” Fahmy told The Jewellery Editor. “I was sitting with them but, while they would be making typical gold pharaonic cartouches, I was working on my designs,” she added.
She’s a poet at heart
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One of Fahmy’s signature touches is her use of Arabic calligraphy, which often features traditional Arab proverbs and sayings from renowned scholars, poets, and artists. Some of her designs even include lyrics from Egyptian icon Umm Kulthum— to whom she has dedicated two entire collections—as well as lines from Rumi, Khalil Gibran, and many others.
She works with her two daughters
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The namesake brand now employs over 180 workers, including Azza’s two own daughters, namely Fatma, who is Managing Director, and Amina, who is the Design’s Director of the label.
She’s at the head of a charity organization
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As it can be seen through her work, Fahmy always has the interest of her heritage and people in mind. This sentiment of devotion has since been extended as the 79-year-old is at the head of an eponymously-named charity, which was designed to “create career-launching opportunities for underserved Egyptian youth in the handicrafts sector by building their vocational capacities, and enhancing their technical and professional skill set.”
