SELECTS: Nahal Azadi Brings Her Take on Adornment to Cairo

For the week that Iranian-Australian jewellery designer Nahal Azadi was in Cairo, we asked her to bring her distinctive approach to adornment into her own looks. The founder of jewellery brand Azadi Adornments styled four outfits for SceneStyled, each paired with her own take on jewellery, personal style and the art of accessorising.

Nahal's relationship with adornment started long before Azadi Adornments. Without a formal background in art or design, she developed a deeply personal relationship with accessories from childhood.

“I've always had a very personalised sense of style and accessories were always a huge part of that expression,” she says. “I can't remember a moment where I've worn no jewellery in my ears since I had them pierced as a child, and gold jewellery has always been my favourite thing to window shop for since my first childhood memories of walking in the streets of Iran.”

That fascination eventually became Azadi Adornments, an e-commerce jewellery brand Nahal created as a way to build something of her own while giving herself the independence to travel.

“Jewellery is the oldest form of adornment. It's also the most sacred, in my opinion,” she says. “For me, gold jewellery was one of the first gifts I ever received, and to this day it still remains as one of my favourite gestures to give and receive.”

Her inspiration stretches across centuries and continents, from chunky vintage earrings and ancient Mesopotamian jewellery to Islamic talismans and the gold souks and bazaars she visits while travelling. Her personal style, meanwhile, remains in constant evolution.

Look One

“My style is pretty understated because there's so much going on with the tattoos and jewellery.”

Acne Studios Jeans

Naked Wolfe Boots

Perfectwhitetee Top

Azadi Adornments Jewellery

Look Two

“Most of the time the most feminine things I wear are my jewellery designs. I find that I enjoy designing very regal, statement jewellery, however that's not really how I dress at all. But the contrast works. I let the designs speak for themselves.”

Silk Laundry Top

Afends Shorts

Naked Wolfe Boots

Azadi Adornments Jewellery

Look Three

“I’ve designed statement chokers in different finishes, sizes and metals, and I can pair them with literally anything. I can dress them up with solid gold and a natural stone pendant, or keep it chill with a thin silver choker. Generally, I’m drawn to comfort."

Rat & Boa Dress

Naked Wolfe Boots

Look 4

“I don’t really believe in rules like no mixing metals, if that’s even a thing anymore. And depending on the event, I’ll definitely consider tracksuit pants as going-out attire. My friends have hated me for that in the past.”

Timberland Shoes

Afends Top

Afends Jeans

Thrifted Belt

Balenciaga Hat