In a curious inversion, the touch of cold metal and gleaming stone remained foreign to Shaha Raphael until the moment her own hands began to shape them. This rising Lebanese designer, purveyor of organic, undeniably arresting accessories – or “curious objects,” as she playfully deems them – presents a fascinating paradox. Her creations, resisting any easy label, have swiftly captivated those attuned to the allure of the unconventional and the meticulously wrought.
Dividing her time between the urban pulse of Beirut and the tranquil embrace of her ancestral village nestled within the West Bekaa mountains, Raphael, an architect by training, finds her most profound inspiration in the planet’s very essence. Geology’s dramatic narratives, the expansive poetry of landscapes, and the delicate, intricate textures inherent in the natural world pulse with a vital energy through her singular designs.
Possessing a quiet composure, a thoughtful self-assurance that belies her youthful 28 years, Raphael speaks of her deep connection to the terrain that cradles her. “My gaze is often drawn downwards, an instinctive act of collecting – stones, shells, ancient fragments… treasures carried back home,” she reveals. “This act of observation, of truly perceiving the landscape and the inherent forms it offers, serves as the very genesis of my design process, quite literally.”
One readily envisions Raphael, a young woman graced with an earnest, intelligent gaze framed by the soft cascade of Pre-Raphaelite curls, embarking on a dreamlike quest for meaning, her spirit reaching for the ethereal while her feet remain grounded in the tangible. This captivating duality is seamlessly interwoven into the very fabric of her oeuvre. Her academic journey, culminating in degrees from the UK’s Architectural Association School of Architecture – an institution renowned for its radical and deeply craft-oriented approach – cultivated a profound, visceral relationship with the principles of design. Formative experiences, including an immersion at Ciguë in France and two significant years collaborating with Dutch architect Anne Holtrop in Bahrain, further solidified her design ethos, underscoring the inherent power of materiality and nurturing the raw, elemental aesthetic that lies at the heart of her creative vision.
“The individuals and environments that envelop me are intrinsically linked to my creative process,” Raphael elaborates. “In Bahrain, I had the privilege of learning the nuanced art of wood carving from a master sculptor, and the ready availability of skilled Indian and Pakistani artisans inspired my exploration of silver casting. My work is deeply contextual, an echo of my immediate surroundings.” A leisurely scroll through her Instagram feed unveils a universe meticulously curated from the earth’s embrace: the stark beauty of stone quarries, the imposing grandeur of brutalist forms, the sensuous curves of amorphous shapes, and a prevailing reverence for silver that defines her accessories in a style that can only be articulated as “sophisticated primitivism.” These are not mere adornments; they transcend the conventional, existing as miniature objets d’art. Rings evoke the stark poetry of lunar landscapes, a silver spoon delicately embossed with seashells possesses a striking presence that suggests display rather than utility, and earrings range from understated elegance to dramatic pronouncements, their fossilised textures appearing as if freshly unearthed from the very soil that inspired them.
“Indeed, a sense of the primal informs my work,” Raphael acknowledges. “It draws its very essence from the earth, a source that is both universal in its reach and, I trust, deeply resonant.” A substantial silver cuff, born from the process of sand casting in aluminium or bronze and meticulously hand-worked to achieve a deliberately tactile, textured surface, bears the imprint of its weathered form, captured in a silicon mould and cast in metal to create a final piece that possesses an undeniable presence, almost an imposing sense of the primordial. “Its unpolished nature allows the tangible evidence of the handcrafting process to remain visible, lending it an immediate and raw quality,” she muses, her voice a soft counterpoint to the boldness of her creations. Mariana Wehbe, the discerning founder of her eponymous PR firm and a keen observer of emerging regional talent in the realm of jewellery, is an unequivocal admirer. “Shaha possesses an extraordinary sensitivity and sensibility within her work,” Wehbe observes. “Her pieces are imbued with a quiet strength, a resonant femininity that one feels compelled to keep close throughout the day. They possess a profound power.”
A distinctly feminine spirit, whether consciously pursued or not, permeates Raphael’s creations, perhaps a natural extension of her instinctive, trend-defying approach to adornment. “I only began to embrace jewellery once I started designing it for myself, as a deeply personal form of self-expression,” she reflects. “I believe the very act of adornment is an inherently primal urge, something that has resonated with women (and indeed, men) for centuries, since the dawn of prehistory.”
This visceral form of self-expression endures within her work, communicating an inclusive language that effortlessly transcends the boundaries of generation and ideology. “I find profound inspiration in the work of the Lebanese artist Saloua Raouda Choucair,” Raphael shares with evident enthusiasm. “Her abstract, sculptural creations speak a similar elemental language, unburdened by the dictates of Western or Eastern convention, rooted instead in the universal narrative of the natural world.”
Another significant influence is her impeccably discerning grandmother, Ghofran: “Eighty-four years of age, possessing an unwavering sense of style, perfectly coiffed hair, flawless makeup, and decidedly exacting standards. When my jewellery resonates with her and earns her coveted approval, that is when I truly feel a sense of bridging generations and winning over a truly formidable audience!”
And so, what new horizons beckon for Shaha Raphael, now that she has beguiled even the most discerning matriarchs within her sphere?
A lingering gaze upon one of her latest creations, a bone-shaped chain necklace delicately embellished with a sapphire-studded spoon, eloquently poses the very questions that have long occupied her contemplative mind. Does form inherently follow function? Must an object possess a utilitarian purpose beyond the realm of pure beauty to justify its existence? If an object possesses sufficient aesthetic merit to be worn, might it also serve a more practical role? “By taking something fundamentally simple and elevating it through the transformative power of beauty, one’s perception of it is irrevocably altered,” she elucidates. “It becomes imbued with a special significance; it becomes, in itself, sufficient.” She pauses, then elaborates, “The creative journey for me does not commence with a predetermined destination. The very essence of the material dictates the narrative, guiding its maker towards its ultimate form, with beauty serving as the unwavering, ultimate aspiration. Always.”
And within the singular vision of Shaha Raphael’s “curious objects,” that, indeed, is purpose enough.
Iluvmoda believes beauty is a potent story, interwoven with culture and identity. We invite discerning beauty brands to join our global network, connecting with fashion’s elite. Partner with us for bespoke content and premium features, reaching a sophisticated audience. Our curated packages, starting at $150, ensure your brand’s narrative resonates globally.
To celebrate, enjoy a limited-time 10% discount. Illuminate your brand’s story with Iluvmoda.
Discover more and follow our journey on Instagram @iluvmoda_
