Designer Miryam Labiad started honing her craft early, spending her youth crafting bracelets and necklaces using treasures from her mother’s jewelry box.

Marrakech – On October 7, Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative proudly announced its collaboration with internationally acclaimed jewelry designer Miryam Labiad, the visionary behind Mimia LeBlanc Jewelry, to create an exclusive collection. 

This bespoke line is set to honor the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, with each piece celebrating the deep-rooted traditions of both nations.

For this special collection, Labiad drew inspiration from the rich heritage of Amazigh jewelry, made by the indigenous people of North Africa’s Maghreb region, as well as the intricate artistry of Andalusian influences, the statement detailed.

The collection will debut at the prestigious Fashion Trust Arabia Prize Ceremony in Marrakesh on October 23 and will later be displayed at the Qatari Museums of Islamic Art.

A collection that tells stories of heritage 

The first design in the collection, a striking statement pendant, boasts natural lapis, grey diamonds, cabochon rubies, and mother-of-pearl inlays. This piece is inspired by the Royal Silver Jewelry Collection of Morocco, which was exhibited earlier this year as part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture’s opening display.

Another standout piece pays homage to the Amazigh tradition of coin adornments, featuring a rare Moroccan coin with an engraving of the late King Mohamed V, the grandfather of Morocco’s current ruler King Mohammed VI.

The third design is a stunning reimagining of the ancient Moroccan “serdouk,” a traditional necklace shaped like a phoenix, brought to life with rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and mother of pearl, all set in frosted yellow gold.

Reflecting on her work,  Labiad was quoted in the statement as saying, “It has been an enormous honor to spend time with peerless examples of Amazigh and traditional Moroccan jewelry.” She continued, “These masterpieces inspired me to design unique pieces that celebrate Morocco’s rich jewelry-making heritage. I look forward to seeing my creations displayed alongside the objects that sparked this journey.”

Uniting culture  through  creativity

The Years of Culture initiative, led by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, sister to Qatar’s ruling emir, plays a vital role in forging long-lasting cultural bonds between Qatar and other nations. 

The program fosters cross-cultural understanding and dialogue, building bridges through art, fashion, and more. Although each year highlights a specific nation, the initiative’s impact continues through various legacy projects that ensure ongoing collaboration.

The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture is a result of close cooperation between key organizations in both nations, supported by Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Qatar’s Embassy in Morocco, and the Embassy of Morocco in Qatar.

With Labiad’s dazzling collection taking center stage, this collaboration promises to be a sparkling tribute to the beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship and its influence on global culture.

Labiad’s journey in jewelry design began at an early age, crafting bracelets and necklaces from her mother’s jewelry box. 

After honing her creative eye while studying communication and advertising at Sup de Pub in Paris, she founded her fashion consultancy agency, Fashion Affair. 

Inspired by her Moroccan royal heritage, her jewelry brand, Mimia LeBlanc, blends timeless elegance with bold, modern touches.