Amy Pugsley Crafting fine jewelry pieces that are so unexpected, Nadine Ghosn is re-writing the playbook for modern jewelry designers. A true cosmopolitan, Ghosn’s work transcends time and place in the most whimsical way. Using the finest of materials, she has taken everyday objects like pencils, sushi, hamburgers, and paper clips, and re-defined them as luxury goods.
We are not the only ones swooning over these NGFJ collections; Beyoncé, Karl Lagerfeld, and NIGO have been spotted donning her avante-garde luxury pieces around town and on the red carpet. Born in the US and of Brazilian and Lebanese descent, her global upbringing between Paris, Tokyo, California, and New York has given her invaluable insight and experience. Before becoming an internationally recognized jewelry designer, Ghosn double-majored in art and economics at the prestigious Stanford University. After graduation, she worked for BCG’s Luxury Practice Group in New York, followed by a 2-year management track program at Hermès. Hungry for more, she launched Nadine Ghosn Fine Jewelry in 2016 and Nadine has never looked back. We caught up with the designer to ask her about her career and her incredible brand.
You have lived, worked and traveled around the world throughout your career. Do you think art and design have the power to affect societal change?
Absolutely, I think we are inevitably emotional beings and are highly affected and inspired by beauty, and when it comes to both art and design. I do believe that by slowly and gradually introducing art that provides a different perspective, challenging societal preconception, we help to provoke deeper thought and challenge societal norms. However, this nudge, to go against what is perceived as art or design – meaning to provoke a reaction – takes a bold and confident artist. That small dent starts catalyzing change, maybe not immediately but gradually. I have felt that introducing less conventional pieces in the fine jewelry space, it allowed me to help support both democratizing jewelry in terms of design and key players.
Who have been your biggest female mentors in this industry? What is the best advice they have ever given you?
I am fortunate to have many but it is important to point out mentorship is a two-way street. It takes two to tango. Most young entrepreneurs I exchange with are of the mindset that you ‘find a person’ and voila, but mentorship requires you searching, building and nurturing a relationship where the exchange is valuable to your growth. It is very much an active process. I personally find a mentorship in Anita Ko, she was the first jewelry designer I ever purchased from, and I approached her at a trade show and have valued our growing relationship. Another key mentor is Mira Mikati; she influences me both in the personal and professional sphere. She has such positive vibes and a colourful perspective. Lastly, I would say Elizabeth Von; she was head buyer at Bergdorf, then NAP, and is now in an exciting new role with Matches Fashion. Elizabeth is a phenomenal and strong human being! She is such a bulldozer and inspires me to be bold, confident and keep ongoing. Someone more my age and who is more of a muse is Leandra Medine Cohen. I think it takes guts to bring humour and frankness into the fashion industry and she did it beautifully.
Your work is avante-garde because of the juxtaposition of pop culture and high-end materials. How would you describe your collections?
First of all, thank you, I find that to be a flattering description of my work. I would describe my collections as fun fine jewelry. I like to include humour and awaken our inner children. We all need some levity, brightness and joy in our life – especially in today’s environment.
You work in an incredibly saturated field with many other talented female designers. Is there pressure within the industry to conform to more traditional types of jewelry?
I have never seen it that way. I feel like the possibilities are endless. The pressure I put on myself is to outperform myself design-wise. I want to continuously create and innovate. I want to constantly challenge my boundaries and my collections both conceptually and technically, yet retain consistency throughout each collection. I want the NGFJ DNA to be visible without fail throughout each line.
Food and time are two themes that appear again and again in your collections. Why are these themes so prevalent?
I think that although jewelry is not a necessity, it has allowed storytelling and helped us over history understand something about the era, the trends and the traditions. Time is quickly shifting as we are constantly innovating in this highly technological phase. I love using my jewellery as markers of our time – as can be seen with the headphones and battery necklace. Batteries mean energy today, but if Apple changes our logo of battery, the meaning will become extinct, as has been true with headphones turning into AirPods.
What are you working on now? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
I love cross pollination and collaborations. I appreciate many different art forms and you will see NGFJ collaborating with some key industry movers and shakers in the art world. And personally, I am just finishing up my MBA in tandem with launching Building Blocks.
Rapid Fire Questions
The reason I’m so passionate about jewelry design is… I love the emotional aspect to each piece
When I’m looking to get inspired… I travel, eat and do things that give me joy
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Sheryl Sandberg
My top beauty essentials include… a brown brush
The item of clothing I’m currently wearing most is… a basic Uniqlo shirt topped with a Chanel jacket I can’t get enough of
If my days had one extra hour… I would meditate
