Jewellery designer Shamsa Alabbar teams up with Piaget to create watch steeped in Arabic symbolism

For the watch, the designer’s inspiration was drawn from the ‘Mashrabiya’, an Arabic architectural element known for its repeated cutout patterns

Dubai: Piaget has partnered with designer Shamsa Alabbar to transform one of the brand’s iconic Limelight Gala timepieces into a watch steeped in Arabic symbolism. The Piaget x Shamsa Alabbar iconic Limelight Gala timepiece blends the artistry of both houses and celebrates landmark anniversaries of both the brands.

This is the first time that the luxury house Piaget has ever collaborated with a creative entity from the Middle East on one of its timepieces.

Reflecting on what it took to build her successful business, and what it means to work with Piaget as it celebrates its 150th anniversary, Alabbar said, “It is truly a privilege to be part of Piaget’s 150th anniversary festivities and play a role in this significant chapter of their history. Being given the chance to create a dial for the Limelight Gala watch is like a dream manifested into reality. The design journey was remarkably smooth once I understood that they weren’t seeking to conform my style to theirs. Instead, they aimed to find a harmonious balance, merging my passion and signature style with their rich heritage.”

“I would describe my design aesthetic to be modern, geometric, and Arabic. I have a passion for creating patterns, putting together different shapes to create multiple series of patterns, a sort of echoing design. For this particular watch, my inspiration was drawn from the Mashrabiya, an Arabic architectural element known for its repeated cutout patterns. The different gold tones on the dial shift colours as light hits it, unveiling different patterns under varying light conditions. The dial has a sense of vitality and motion,” elaborates Alabbar, defining her design aesthetic with regard to the dial of Piaget’s Limelight Gala watch.

Shamsa Alabbar is a jewellery designer headquartered in Dubai, operational since 2014. Her designs are inspired by Arabic typography, featuring clean geometric lines and symmetrical shapes, combining traditional influences with a contemporary feel.

Courtesy: Villa 88