Leila Neamatalla, the Egyptian jewelry and fashion designer, is a wonder of talent. Not surprising, considering that creativity has run wild in this family’s genes for generations. Ikram Nakhla – her husband, Malak – her daughter, her brother Mounir – the owner of the highly awarded Adrère Amellal luxury Ecolodge in Siwa, they are, each, an endless beauty source.
Nakhla, the high-end jewelry brand, was literally a labor of love. Ikram and Leila, its founders, met in their teen years, while apprenticing jewelry making in Ana Boutros Ghali’s house, a remarkable old-school designer celebrating pharaonic lines. Although their styles were visibly different, Ikram opting for subtle lines, while Leila preferred glorious, three-dimensional, statement-like pieces, their passion for the craft evolved into a life-long business done with pleasure.
Born in 82, Nakla jewelry became the epitome of modern Egyptian style conquering the world, one famous customer at a time. Royal houses, ambassadors, movie stars, high ranking UN officials and stylish socialites wanted a Nakhla piece. While her daughter, Makla, was injecting her own vision in the new collections, Lelia was nourishing yet another passion, by making local Siwan handcraft embroidery an international sensation through the partnership with Ermanno Scervino.
We are honored to have Nakla be a part of our Egyptian Edition, a source of never-ending inspiration.
WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR SOUL SING?
My Grandchildren.
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Quality time with childhood friends.
A CHILDHOOD STORY THAT ANNOUNCED THE CREATIVE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY
Dismantling my mothers’ necklaces, which cost her a fortune. However, over the years it made me a fortune. Thank you, Mami.
BEST CONTEXT EVER FOR INSPIRATION WAS
My morning walks.
THE PROJECT YOU LOVED MOST
My life is not about projects. It’s about Nakhla jewelry and Siwa creations. They gave me a sense of a wholesome life enriched by poverty and wealth.
THE PROJECT OTHERS LOVED MOST
I’ve heard good things about both. Curiously enough, most women prefer Nakhla, but Tony and Ermanno Scervino much preferred Siwa.
THE BEST THING ABOUT EGYPTIAN CREATIVITY IS
I don’t know any such thing as Egyptian creativity. Bounding creativity by nationality only serves to blur its identity and limit its potential. All I know is life in Egypt is a major source of inspiration and a wonderful experience for creators.
ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL HEADHUNTERS, RELATED TO EGYPTIAN CREATIVES
Search and you will find.
BEST PLACE IN CAIRO
Home. Thank God Cairo is home.
BEST PLACE IN EGYPT
A little bit of Siwa, a little bit of Aswan and Cairo in between.
MOST DISTURBING CLICHÉ ABOUT EGYPT, IN THE MEDIA OUTLETS OF THE WORLD IS
The cliché is that it is wedded to one culture, one religion, and one region.
EGYPT SHOULD BE KNOWN FOR
Its hospitable, peaceful, multi-national, multi-religious and multi-cultural identity that has passed the test of time over several thousand of years.
YOUR VIEWS ON SPIRITUALITY
There are many pathways to God. To each her own.
YOUR VIEWS ON MONEY
I love it when I get it and more so when I spend it.
AN INSPIRATION SOURCE YOU RECOMMEND FOR A YOUNG CREATIVE
The life works and words of other creators.
AN EGYPT BASED FEMALE TALENT THAT DESERVES TO BE PROMOTED AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, AS EXPONENT OF LOCAL CREATIVE SPIRIT
Without question Malak Nakhla where jewelry is concerned. Regretfully my choices are very limited. I only have one daughter.
Valentine’s Day is coming soon and it is the perfect excuse to spend a little more on a gift for your loved ones or for yourself. Check out the latest Nakhla extraordinary jewelry by clicking here.