Jordanian designer showcases jewelry at Paris Design Week

AMMAN — When creating her jewelry, designer Dana Rousan said she instinctually blends her Jordanian heritage with the artistic education she received at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in France.

A multidisciplinary artist working with various media, Rousan was selected to be the only Middle Eastern designer at this year's Paris Design Week (PDW), which will showcase over 300 creators from across the world, starting this Thursday. 

"I started as a graphic designer and slowly moved into the world of jewelry. But my passion for ornamental pieces has always been a part of me, ever since I was a child," Rousan stated, reminiscing how she used to imagine the shapes and forms surrounding her turned into everyday life accessories.  

"I don’t agree with the idea that design is only for the privileged ones because, if you look at any little girl out there, whatever her social status, her background or her origin is, she will be carrying around a form of accessory, a trademark that differentiates her from the others," Rousan told The Jordan Times in a recent interview ahead of the PDW.

"Jewelry is an important part of a woman's [or a man] life, as it help convey our identity. This is also why I am very open to people's demands and stories when they want me to create a piece," she explained, pointing out the recurrent asymmetry of her creations.

"A multidisciplinary and very talented artist, Dana has a vision of contemporary jewelry which is democratic — women, men and children can wear them — and that is an interesting point of view," PDW Coordinator Pierre Gendrot said when asked about Rousan's selection for the event.

Using her fascination for contemporary art and her love of textures, Rousan said she plays with the sterling silver and gold metals to create delicately handmade pieces which depict the richness of the Levantine Heritage in a "sophisticated and minimalistic manner".

"Each piece weaves a tale of its own… unscripted, bold and adventurous, just like its wearer," the designer's new collection statement "Wear your invisible crown" said, adding "beyond the tangible surface of life, lie layers of mystery and beauty to explore." 

For Gendrot, including a Jordanian designer in the PDW was part of the vision behind the event. "Design has no boundaries so we are welcoming all designers from around the globe willing to participate in the PDW," he told The Jordan Times ahead of the showcase, adding "we also found it interesting to include designers from this part of the world like Rousan or Turkish creators, as an echo to the Rising Talents Awards happening at the Maison and Objet trade fair, which this year celebrates talents from Lebanon."

"I am so honoured to see my work exhibited alongside very talented creators at the Paris Design Week, which is one of the epicentres of design around the world," Rousan stated, noting that the entire exhibition will include 200 venues spread across the capital.

The eighth iteration of the event, PDW is scheduled to run from September 6 to 15, overlapping with another major design event Maison et Objet Paris.