Nadine Kanso
40 Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands 2021

Rank: 15

Nadine Kanso

Brand: Bil Arabi

Category: Jewelry

Establishment: 2006

Nationality: Lebanese

Headquarters: U.A.E.

Kanso established Bil Arabi and created her first piece of jewelry, a ring named “noon,” in 2006. She uses her background in graphic design and typography to create her pieces using Arabic calligraphy. Kanso has collaborated with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Christofle, Bernardaud, Maserati, as well as Emirates Airlines. Her collaboration with watchmaker Gagà Milano in May 2020 saw them release a unisex limited edition watch for $1,500. Kanso’s designs have been seen on celebrities such as Zaha Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Youssra, Kylie Minogue, Lupe Fiasco, and Dita Von Teese.