Nihal Zaki is one of Egypt’s prominent, most talented and
most professional interior designer, Nihal or "Tsunami" (according to
her friends) graduated from Inchbald School of Design, London in 1999.
She then established 'Nihal Zaki Interiors' in Cairo, Egypt.
“I confess, I am a confused decorator with a magpie’s eye
for all that glitters. I love to mix Gothic and Islamic, Egyptian and Revival,
while trying to preserve my sanity. I love vivid colors yet I go through color
phases… I am on a mission to deliver ‘happy vivid interiors’ yet I deplore
kitchens and Trompe l’oeil and would be content with nothing in my house but a
disco ball and a trampoline”. Nihal Says.
Her work has been published twice (2007 & 2010) in Andrew
Martin International Interior Design Review, a yearly catalogue that picks
and features the best 50 international designers. She is
famed for her cool and contemporary interiors with critically acclaimed
residential and commercial projects including Helene Boutique in Cairo’s First
Mall, Kyoto Restaurant Sharm el Sheikh, Wabi Sabi, amongst others. She has
recently forayed into the world of event design with her stylings to add more
glitz to ByGanz’s ‘El Shagara’ Lounge in Ramadan, 'Eden Garden'
party and the naughty Nostalgia series of events at Cairo’s most exclusive hot
spot Tamarai and last by not least, TURQUAZ beach club at Marassi North Coast,
Egypt.
‘Nihal Zaki Interiors’ has recently launched its own furniture
line, a tailored – custom made mixture of classic-reproduction and modern,
which debuted at Cairo’s trendy fashion boutique ‘Villa Baboushka’.
I got introduced to
Nihal Zaki, few years ago through her pretty published photo in Enigma
magazine, where they had a very lovely interview with her, as she guided them
through her incredibly beautiful- Venetian style- house. What caught my
attention the most was an antique looking statement necklace she was wearing, I
fall in love with that necklace, and I tried to know its designer but I
couldn’t. But today I get to go inside the personal jewelry box of Nihal, go
through her beautiful statement pieces, and know the story behind each
piece.
Bracelets: I am all about colours and different
shapes, lines and textures. I believe a woman's bracelet should be over sized
and catchy, this is a glimpse of some of the bracelets i have, as u can see i
have a mixture of art-deco vintage, tribal, shiny beads and basic fabric
colourful summery bracelets.
Brooches: I never leave home without a brooch, I am a freak for pop art as u can see in my Gaga and David Bowie
series of pop art brooches (sold in Colette Paris). I also love anything Sonia
Rykiel and Gaultier (the cool black Mosquito brooch). Again, vivid colours are
a must in summertime for me hence the cool neon butterfly brooches by Patrizia
Pepe!
Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld: This
is a picture of my 'Special' drawer :) it’s all vintage! vintage Chanel,
vintage Karl Lagerfeld, vintage porcelain dog brooches I purchased from a
'Christie's' auction, a vintage art deco ivory face pendant that i found at
Portobello market and last but not least my shades: I am mostly proud of my
Alexander Wang gold shades a very special limited edition.
Lacroix: Now Christian Lacroix has
always been my favourite designer, he designed the most exquisite accessories
of all time with impeccable details and materials. Here's a glimpse of 2 of my
very special Lacroix brooches.
Lebanese artisanal: I am a freak
for up and coming Lebanese designers! Especially the ones you find around
'Saifi village'.. My favourite piece is this hand woven shoulder necklace
made out of zippers, glamorizes any basic dress I wear.
Mawi necklace: MAWI need I say more? This piece
stands out on a basic white shirt and you are good to go!
Rings: Again, I am very much into over sized
rings that make a statement. My skull ring by Alexander Mcqueen is the closest
to my heart.. I also love my vintage Gothic middle finger ring I found at Portobello market, my Mawi parrot ring and my vintage sapphire stone one.. As for
my bracelets, vintage vintage and more vintage! Came across this gorgeous white
plexy one at Le Marais in Paris and my other crystal cuff bracelet was a
special piece i found at a vintage shop in Soho New York.
Satellite necklace: Satellite is one of the most
stylish French accessories brands, this piece kinda reminded me of
tribal/neo-grec/Roman style... It looks marvelous on empire style evening
gowns, and of course a la greque up hairdo!
Victorian sleeves: I am a freak for anything medieval,
I wear capes not jackets and i love wearing short sleeves or gloves that match!
I came across this hand made pair at the Stylish Marais district in Paris and
it was love at first sight!
Vintage Belt: This feather belt makes anything
look wonderful! Found it at a small Boutique in Bond street London.. Its very
renaissance and always makes a statement especially on a white T-shirt and
Jeans.
