Lo’bat Accessories: Tehran to Toronto

Tehran and Toronto have a lot more in common than one might think. Primarily, a plethora of highly educated and creative minds looking for ways to share their passion with the world. Lo’bat Accessories, a name derived from the ancient term to compliment Persian women, was formed in 2018. Co-founder Golnar Ahmadian says that, “wandering and observing life in Iran, where culture and art are inevitable parts of everyday life, is our main source of inspiration.” This inspiration has truly come alive as Golnar and Hediyeh create eco-conscious jewellery made from recycled materials. Each piece not only celebrates their shared heritage but is an incredible statement on eco-friendly fashion. We spoke with Golnar Ahmadian to discuss entrepreneurship and how the Middle East continues to inspire each and every design. 

Tell us about yourself. What is your background, and how would you describe your work?

I am the co-founder and designer of Lo’bat accessories, alongside my childhood friend, Hediyeh Maadi Tehrani. Lo’bat accessories is a modern interpretation of Iran’s ancient culture through the lens of empowering women using aesthetics. The most significant feature of our designs that they are big and even oversized, which is meant to symbolize confidence in contemporary women. 

How do you name each of your accessories?

Each design’s name had been chosen based on a character who may have had a part in our history or maybe she had just been an important figure for us on a personal level. For instance, ‘Alamtaaj’ means the crown of the world; this specific name is chosen after my grandmother who is an example of a strong woman for me. These earrings are designed based on two ideas. Half of it is inspired by Persian motifs and the other half is a simple and minimal rectangle. Even the colors emphasize these differences and at the same time create a unified design of all these paradoxes. Alamtaaj can show all the difficulties that contemporary women can feel and live with and how the result of these changes can be extraordinary – the same thing that my grandmother Alamtaaj has experienced.

What was the first piece of jewellery you made?

When we came up with the material, we were so excited to make our first piece – a bangle. That bangle was later modified and it is currently part of our ‘Yareh’ bangles collection. 

Can you tell us about the process of making your work and the materials that you use?

We start with a concept inspired by our Persian heritage and then we work with our sculpting material that we modify to meet our requirements for accessories. We use recycled materials such as paper and cardboard as raw materials and for the design process, we make a paste that is easy to form and shape. 

Which jewelry designers do you admire, and why?

I really like Evan Sugerman, the designer of ‘Parts of Four’ in Paris. Their background in sculpturing has influenced their jewelry design and that is something I definitely admire. Sculpture has always been a great source of inspiration for us, as well. Fellow Persian designers that I like a lot are Nazanin Ebadi and Sunny Nafisi; their innovative use of material and design process also seem to have roots in our culture.

What helps when you’re stuck? Do you have a motto that motivates you?

When I feel I am stuck and have run out of ideas, I try to change my point of view and then approach the problem differently. Usually, discovering new art, especially from the Middle East, tends to inspire me.

Who would you most like to see wearing your jewelry?

Confident women who dare to be different. 

What advice do you have for young women who might be thinking about striking out on their own with a small business or creative venture? 

Be courageous and do not be afraid of being different and you will see the most unexpected things happen.

Name three famous people, living or dead, who you would want at your dream dinner party.

Shirin Neshat, Persian photographer and filmmaker

Maryam Keyhani, Persian hat designer

Kelly Wearstler, architect and interior designer

Rapid-Fire Questions:

What is your favorite accessory? Earrings

What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own? I have these ceramic earrings shaped like an ear by Aseman Jewelry and it is like wearing an ear on your ear.

What is one ingredient you put in everything? A touch of Persian culture

Favorite perfume? Chanel Coromandel

Favorite designer? Shirin and Shiva Vaqar, talented fashion designers from Tehran