Nafees Fazal, a former minister for Medical Education and Science and Technology, in Karnataka “loves politics and jewellery. I have a passion for beautiful things,” explains the lady herself. Dressed in an elegant sari, she is not wearing any jewellery herself. “I don’t like to look like a Christmas tree all the time. A lovely sari, draped well, is enough to get me through the day,” she beams.
Nafees is now in the news as she launched her own jewellery studio called The Private Collection by Nafees Fazal. She has converted a room in her bungalow into the studio. “Having a studio at home helps me cut the overheads,” she explains.
As of now she has a limited range of jewellery called the “Naf Collection”. “Naf is short for my name,” she says, and dons the role of a model as she stylishly demonstrates how a particular piece of jewellery must be worn or carried in style.
“I am itching to get back into politics. But what do I do in the meantime? I can’t play housewife all the time. I decided to travel, and curate this collection for women. Who doesn’t love jewellery?” asks Nafees. The collection, currently on display, starts at Rs. 4,000. It is collected from Tanjavur, Rajasthan, and Delhi over the “last four months”. It offers designs in precious and semi-precious stones, antique pieces from Trivandrum, “which are bought at the princely sales”. Then there are jhumkis, large earrings, kangans, neck pieces and so on.
From bridal wear, to party wear or just making a style statment, the collection has something for every occasion. “They are created in silver, plated with gold, and come with kundan in polki and other hand works. Hence, it brings the cost down drastically. The aim is to offer the traditional with a touch of modernity. Part of the proceeds will go towards my Kare Foundation, which was started to help poor patients in 2009,” states the former minister.
She adds that she is “passionate to help the poor”. “I do not have crores but am all game to help those in need.”
Will she get into designing as well? Pat comes the reply, “No! I am not into manufacturing but only curating. I need to get back into politics. This is just a hobby. The studio will continue. I assure you that there is something stylish for everybody here.”
