DUBAI: London-based retailer Ishkar has teamed up with Moroccan-Italian model Malika El-Maslouhi on a range of necklaces delicately handcrafted by jewelers in Kabul, Afghanistan.
According to the label, founded by former UAE residents Edmund Le Brun and Flore de Taisne in 2016, the Malika x Ishkar collection is set to drop on the brand’s online marketplace soon.
“Guys, I’m so excited for this. Can’t wait for all of you to see them,” wrote El-Maslouhi on her Instagram Stories of the new collaboration with Ishkar.
The new collection draws its inspiration from the word “malika,” which translates to “queen” in Arabic.
The brand also shared some behind-the-scenes footage of the jewelers Mohammed Haider and Waqas Ahmed Amiri handcrafting the delicate gold chain link necklace.
Ishkar is an online marketplace for skilled artisans from war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria and Somalia to showcase their talent while earning a living to support their families. Ishkar also sources products from Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Lebanon and Myanmar.
Products range from jewelry and homeware to clothing and face oils.
The founders of Ishkar met while working in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The name Ishkar is derived from a plant found in the deserts of Northern Afghanistan that is used as a substance to make dyes more vibrant.
It is the first time that Ishkar has collaborated with a model for a collection and El-Maslouhi seems like a fitting choice.
The breakout star has been taking the industry by storm since making her modelling debut when she was 18-years-old.
In addition to gracing the runways of storied fashion houses that most models can only dream of, such as Dior, Chanel, Valentino and Jacquemus among others, the fashion star has also appeared in international campaigns for the likes of Off-White, Lanvin, Calvin Klein Swim and most recently, Zadig & Voltaire.
When she’s not being featured in ad campaigns, the rising star, who was born in Milan to an Italian mother and a Moroccan father, can be found posing in the pages of prestigious publications such as Vogue Paris and Elle France, for which she recently served as a cover star.
