From working in the hallowed ateliers of an international luxury fashion house to launching her eponymous jewellery label on the revered runways in Paris, Bahraini designer Nour Shamlou shares her professional journey with OHLALA.
OHLALA – How and when did you realise that you wanted to pursue a career in design?
Nour Shamlou – I’ve always been drawn to art, beauty and the stories behind objects. Coming from a family with a long heritage in goldsmithing, jewellery felt like a natural starting point. Over time, I realised that design could be more than creating beautiful things, it could also communicate ideas, evoke emotions and raise awareness.
OHLALA – What education and training did you undergo to follow this professional path?
Nour – I hold a master’s degree in Jewellery and Accessory Design from Politecnico di Milano, where I graduated with merit. I’ve also trained in jewellery gouache, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and traditional leather craftsmanship through programmes with Van Cleef & Arpels, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and meeting with the artisans at Hermès, among others.
OHLALA – How did working with Louis Vuitton in Paris contribute to your expertise?
Nour – Being part of the design team at Louis Vuitton gave me valuable insight into the level of precision, research and craftsmanship behind luxury design. It taught me how an idea evolves into a product while maintaining the identity and standards of a maison. That experience helped shape my approach to my blueprints and product development.
OHLALA – Tell us about L’Atelier Nour Shamlou, founded in 2020.
Nour – I founded L’Atelier Nour Shamlou back then to share my knowledge and make jewellery design more accessible. Through its online courses and workshops, I teach students internationally, covering techniques such as digital jewellery design on the iPad and traditional gouache rendering, which is a painting method. My goal is to help people develop both their technical skills and their creative perspective. I have taught 150 students up to now from different countries, like the GCC, France, Portugal, USA, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Egypt, India and Syria.
OHLALA – How did it feel to be honoured by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) in Bahrain in 2021?
Nour – Winning the ‘Twenty Years, Twenty Creative Works’ award that commemorated the SCW’s 20th anniversary in 2021 was a momentous recognition, particularly as a Bahraini woman working in design. It encouraged me to continue developing my work and reinforced my belief in the importance of supporting women’s creativity and contribution to the industry.
“I reinterpret cultural references through contemporary forms, subtle architectural details and symbolic elements rather than relying on traditional motifs alone. I want the designs to feel connected to their origins while remaining internationally relevant.”
‒ Nour Shamlou
OHLALA – Tell us about Maison Nour Shamlou and why you chose to launch it in Paris this year.
Nour – Maison Nour Shamlou is my vision on contemporary luxury daily wear, bringing together fine jewellery, leather goods and meaningful storytelling. I chose Paris because of its deep connection to craftsmanship, fashion and the luxury world, and due to my experience there. Launching during Haute Couture Week felt like a natural way to introduce my maison within a city that has greatly influenced my creative journey.
OHLALA – How would you describe the jewellery, and who is it made for?
Nour – My jewellery is contemporary, refined and expressive, combining exceptional craftsmanship with intelligent design. It is created for women who appreciate understated luxury but also value individuality, meaning and pieces that reflect their personality.
OHLALA – Are there Bahraini or Middle Eastern influences in your work?
Nour – Absolutely. My Bahraini heritage and my family’s goldsmithing history are important foundation
Read more from original article, all rights reserved Nouf Shamlou on Telling Stories Through Her Craft
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