MINGORA: Alizai Bilal Khan, a graduate in gems and jewellery design from Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design Lahore, is determined to introduce the nifty art in the craving of Gandhara civilisation and floral designs of ancient Swat art to the world by replicating it in fine jewellery.

Under the theme of ‘Legacy of Pakhtun Jewellery’, the young graduate has undertaken the task to introduce a new form of jewellery by amalgamating conventional and contemporary style of ornaments with the designs of Gandhara art and ancient Swati wood carvings.

“Being a nature-inspired artist and designer since my childhood I was interested in calligraphy, Islamic geometry and landscape paintings. I observed very interesting designs in the daily life of districts Dir and Swat. The craftsmen working in the streets and women working in their homes make beautiful handicrafts for their family members,” Mr Khan told Dawn. The inspiration and association with his surrounding forced him to work on it, he added.

Presently, he has been working on traditional art and crafts of Swat valley with special focus on woodcarving and embroidery.

The young graduate wants to join the conventional eastern techniques with western contemporary jewellery techniques and designs. “Luckily, after experimental work, we found that fusion of metal stamping, inlay, filigree, granulation and oxidation could give the desired results. So, I started designing and manufacturing necklaces, brooch, bangle, ring, earrings and studs for the target audience,” Mr Khan said.

He said that people all over the world were accepting modern fashion trends due to globalisation which was diminishing the traditional arts and crafts.

“Women in Pakhtun belt are also, slowly and gradually, following modern fashion trends. So their traditional jewellery and dresses are losing ground. Pakhtun ethnic jewellery is heavy due to which working people do not feel comfortable to wear it,” he said.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people,” Mr Khan quoted Mahatma Gandhi and said that they should never forget their culture and tradition. “That’s why I want to preserve it in a modern way,” he added.

Mr Khan is focusing on making lightweight and fine jewellery, with which be used comfortably even by working women.

“I am observing and exploring the new trends as what the women wear, how they wear and what they want to wear to putting all these needs into my collection,” he said.

“I am keen to get market in Peshawar, Dir and Swat and I am sure it will soon be popular in Pakhtuns,” he said. He added with his new techniques of eastern and western amalgamation in jewellery, he would arrange solo exhibitions across the country. “I will also visit Dubai to introduce my collection in international market,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2015

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