It was a pleasure to meet Laila Neamatalla and discover her world – a life effortlessly woven from beauty, craftsmanship and the quiet power of heritage. What began as an intimate collaboration with Egyptian artisans has blossomed into a refined, multi-generational legacy, carried forward with grace and imagination. From its first atelier on the banks of the Nile to its sparkling new boutique in the Grand Egyptian Museum, Nakhla Jewellery continues to bridge ancient symbolism with contemporary elegance. The following conversation invites you on a journey where tradition meets a deeply personal sense of style.
IRMA: Your life is steeped in artistry, from your early years dismantling your mother’s necklaces to the creative dialogue you share with your husband, daughter, and brother. How has this deep-rooted environment shaped your design philosophy, and in what ways do you see your daughter, Malak, redefining this legacy?
LAILA NEAMATALLA: My surroundings, especially my partners in life and work, have over the years both shaped and nurtured the design engagement. The deep-rooted environment of artistry that has accompanied me throughout my life has made design and creation effortless. It has become part and parcel of my daily routine.
IRMA: Nakhla jewellery tells a story—one that seamlessly bridges Pharaonic grandeur with contemporary elegance. What defines your design process, and how do you distil Egypt’s layered history into pieces that feel modern yet timeless?
LAILA NEAMATALLA: I have often wondered about the design process, always finding myself unable to define it; though random and unbounded, one thing for certain is that it is deeply connected to the passage of time. The element of longevity in the contextual framework of the cultural diversity of Egypt’s history has made “Nakhla” Jewellery truly timeless; the jewellery could have been worn by a woman in ancient times in much the same way it can be worn by an elegant woman today.
IRMA: Your work with Siwan artisans is as much about cultural preservation as it is about empowerment. How did this journey begin, and what do you think the rest of the world can learn from the way these women are reclaiming their craft and independence?
LAILA NEAMATALLA: The journey began when my brother, Mounir Neamatalla, was at a loss on how to engage the women of Siwa in the realm of sustainable living. My participation was initially driven by lending him a helping hand to succeed his mission, only to find myself involved with the women of Siwa in yet another world of random creations. The traditional art of embroidery created the platform for “Siwa Creations”, as well as that of “Udjat”, giving new life to Siwan and Egyptian arts and crafts, in a truly hospitable and collaborative environment.
IRMA: The Grand Egyptian Museum signals a new era for Egyptian culture, yet the city’s creative pulse extends far beyond its storied past. What excites you most about Cairo’s artistic renaissance, and where do you see Egyptian design making its boldest mark on the world stage?
LAILA NEAMATALLA: What excites me most about Cairo’s artistic Renaissance is the widespread engagement of young Egyptian women and men. They have been slowly liberating themselves from the confines of tradition, without losing sight of their rich cultural heritage. This wave of artistry that is overtaking Cairo today offers good reasons for hope that the city will bloom.
IRMA: You’ve spoken about creativity as something fluid, untethered to nationality. Where do you find your most unexpected inspirations, and how do you translate those moments into objects of beauty?
LAILA NEAMATALLA: My mentor was the wife of Naguib Pasha Ghali (known to us as Tante Anna), an Armenian noble woman whose family settled in Egypt after fleeing from Turkey at the turn of the Century. My relationship with her was no laboured contrivance; it just happened that our families were deeply connected and lived next to each other as well. My inspiration comes from growing up and living in a country like Egypt, with its rich history and cultures; sometimes all it takes is a walk in the streets of Cairo or visiting a museum to be inspired.
IRMA: Handcraft is the essence of true luxury, yet the world of high fashion moves fast. How do you see Egyptian artisanship evolving in this global landscape? Do you believe exclusivity and authenticity can withstand the pressures of commercial demand?
LAILA NEAMATALLA: I believe that high fashion stands a lot to benefit from artisans, since beauty resides in quality, not quantity; in diversity, not uniformity; and in the uniqueness of the craft of a single woman or man. The creation of beauty ought not be viewed in the realm of commerce and trade; once created, it is inevitably in demand. Therein lies the raison d’être of the fusion between design and craft, where the artist and the artisan are united as one in a hospitable and collaborative environment.
