Embodying an equestrian heritage, the designer and founder behind the Fine jewelry brand Alezan By SK Salama Khalfan talks to HEALTH
about her spirited collection and what makes her brand unique.
The Brand
The Alezan range is a collection of fine, bespoke and individually handmade jewelry inspired by an equestrian heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. Using a fearless, intrepid woman with a sense of adventure as her muse, Salama mixed the spirit of the horseback sport with a worldly refinement and the charm of traditionally made jewelry for each item of her couture collection, creating lasting works of beauty to be treasured for a lifetime. With a belief that jewelry is an extension of its wearer’s personality; horses are an integral part of Alezan By SK jewelry.
Trends for 2016
In Salama’s opinion, great jewelry is less about fashion and more about passion. “So personally speaking, when I see jewelry I don’t search for season or trend, and rather, I try to seek the art in each piece,” she tells. On the Alezan By SK front, the upcoming collection is built on inspirations of the rich oriental history of the horse, and is equally rich in color. The collection combines the essence of equestrian symbols with the enchantingly compelling designs of Chinese folding fans. “I’ve used diamonds, sapphires, and garnets as stones, and have emphasized the use of yellow gold for this collection,” she notes.
Key Holiday Pieces
According to Salama, the family heirloom piece is a must. “There is something very special about a piece of jewelry owned by one’s ancestors and passed over from one generation to the other,” she says as the piece becomes a silent witness to so many special events, and it if could speak, it would have ample stories to share. “Also that strand of fresh water pearls: because they are the epitome of understated elegance,” she explains and are wonderful for every occasion. They can be worn in the morning, and equally in the evenings. And finally, the lucky piece. “Some of us have that one piece of jewelry that gives us that oomph and an extra boost of boldness,” she says. “I call it the lucky piece, and in my case, it is any piece that has a horseshoe symbol.”
Trends for 2016
In Salama’s opinion, great jewelry is less about fashion and more about passion. “So personally speaking, when I see jewelry I don’t search for season or trend, and rather, I try to seek the art in each piece,” she tells. On the Alezan By SK front, the upcoming collection is built on inspirations of the rich oriental history of the horse, and is equally rich in color. The collection combines the essence of equestrian symbols with the enchantingly compelling designs of Chinese folding fans. “I’ve used diamonds, sapphires, and garnets as stones, and have emphasized the use of yellow gold for this collection,” she notes.
Source of Inspiration
The only constant in Salama’s designs is The Horse, she points out. “Everything else is variable. My designs are inspired by the history, the sentiments, and the stories of horses throughout time,” she says. “My first collection for example, the Artalana Collection, is inspired by the horse of the Ottoman Empire.” She went on a trip to Turkey to visit Ottoman Palaces, and found a home in Topkapi Palace. Everything
between those walls directly or indirectly found a voice and a seat in her designs with main sources of inspiration for the collection in
Arabic scriptures, Topkapi palace garden iron grills, the tulip on the carpet of the blue mosque, the horse stables), and the imperial treasury of the royal jewels were especially inspirational when it came to the treatment of gold. “I created old looking jewelry using modern gold treatment methods, I wanted my jewelry to capture that era in appearance and sentiment,” says Salama and each of her upcoming collections will be organically grown from a story, part of history, an event, or a feeling, and will reflect its story in all its apparent aspects.
The Dream Customer
Salama’s dream customer is that formidable woman who does not believe in the impossible, one with intellect, beauty, grace, and determination which cannot be broken down by anyone or anything. The unstoppable woman.
