Amazigh Berber culture and heritage is a key source of inspiration for Oumaima Benharbit when considering the aesthetic of her jewellery brand, Ashaha. The fluid forms of her jewellery, in gold and peppered with diamonds, nod to the design traditions of the Amazigh Berber tribe.
‘This influence is evident in the use of geometric shapes and patterns that are characteristic of Amazigh artistry,’ says Benharbit. ‘Additionally, the designs often feature bold, chunky forms and a rough gold finish, reminiscent of traditional brushed gold techniques. These elements not only pay homage to the rich cultural legacy of the Amazigh people but also imbue the designs with a distinctive and timeless aesthetic that connects the past with the present. I particularly enjoy working with white and yellow gold, and mixing both gold colours for their modern appeal and the variety of textures that different types of gold can offer.’
In the oversized silhouettes and celebration of clean gold, the jewellery intertwines a playful retro aesthetic throughout. ‘One of the main challenges is creating something unique, trendy and very special while staying true to the Ashaha DNA, which blends Amazigh heritage with a 1970’s twist and a modern touch. Additionally, I aim to design pieces that are chunky yet lightweight, ensuring they are not too costly and remain comfortable to wear.’
-
Herzog & de Meuron are renovating New York's iconic Breuer Building. Here's a first look at the renderingsThis fall, the brutalist icon will be re-opening as the New York headquarters for Sotheby's.
-
Eleven great things to see at 3 Days of Design 2025The scale and scope of 3 Days of Design has expanded dramatically since its inception 12 years ago. Here, we share our pick of standout exhibitions and events from the upcoming edition (18-20 June 2025)
-
Introducing Wallpaper’s new video series, Work in ProcessIn this series, Wallpaper* discovers the processes by which creative visionaries bring their work to life. First up, we head to the Fonteyne Studio at the Royal Opera House to meet esteemed ballet dancer William Bracewell
