Legendary Egyptian jewellery designer Azza Fahmy has published her autobiography in English, three years after the Arabic version hit bookstores.
The creative director and chairperson of Azza Fahmy Jewellery – the hugely successful international brand – looks back at her struggles and her achievements in the eagerly-anticipated autobiography, titled My Life in Jewelry: A Memoir.
And it’s been a long journey since 1969 when she bought a book on medieval European jewellery and, after reading it, conducted some research which eventually led her to Cairo’s ancient jewellery district, Khan el-Khalili where she became the first female apprentice in a male-dominated domain.
The rest is history: in the early 1970s, after finishing her apprenticeship, Azza received a scholarship from the British Council to study jewellery design in London. Returning home to Cairo, she started her own business, buying materials from gold and silver merchants in Khan el-Khalili and designing pieces that she sold to local jewellers.
By the 1990s, Azza was already an internationally sought-after jewellery designer. She had opened her first shop in 1981 and a series of successful exhibitions of her work had brought her considerable fame.
Her business grew steadily and she opened more of her brand’s stores across Egypt before expanding into international markets. Now, Azza Fahmy Jewellery has 18 stores across five countries and employs more than 200 people.
Through her new autobiography, she has made her fascinating story accessible to a wider international audience. The memoir delves into a captivating personal experience, intertwining historical and educational narratives with her personal journey. And, through her eyes, readers gain a multifaceted perspective of Egypt across different years and locations.
Azza shares more than just her life story. She takes readers on a journey through Egypt’s history and culture, sharing personal moments and the inspiration behind her jewellery designs. From her father’s influence to her training in Khan el-Khalili, Azza’s story is one of passion and discovery.
“Writing my autobiography gave me the opportunity to discover a lot about myself,” she explained.
“It was the first time I thought about all the things I’ve gone through over the years. It was a challenging journey, but more beautiful than I could have imagined.”
The autobiography reveals the many facets of Azza’s life as a daughter, mother, grandmother, apprentice, explorer, designer and author revealing a depth previously unseen. It is a testament to her transformative journey from artisan to visionary artist, dedicated to mastering every aspect of her craft.
Published by AUC Press, the English edition of the autobiography is available for purchase at AUC Bookstores and Azza Fahmy boutiques. It is also available for purchase on the Azza Fahmy Jewellery website.
For more information or to buy the book, please visit www.azzafahmy.com.