Two Emirati ambassadors chosen to design labels for the consistently popular Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream will have their limited-edition jars rolled out nationwide this month, exclusively at Bloomingdale's in The Dubai Mall. Donations from the sale of the Dh202, 50ml pots will go to Emirates Environmental Group. The new ambassadors, the furniture designer Khalid Shafar and the co-founder of The Dinner Club by No. 57 and No. Fifty Seven Boutique Cafe in Abu Dhabi, Alamira Noor Bani Hashim, told us about working with the veteran healthy skincare company.
Khalid Shafar
How did your involvement with Kiehl’s come about?
I was approached by their PR agency last year and it was very easy for me to agree to the collaboration. What we as brands both represent, believe in and the message we want to convey is very similar which, again, made it an easy decision. Kiehl’s is a brand I admire and I know its history well. I am very proud to represent them, Noor and I are so lucky to be its ambassadors.
What are the key synergies between your brand and theirs?
I think there are a few. Kiehl’s is not a cosmetics brand as I see it, their products are much more than that and people use them based on trust. It’s a trust borne out of their thorough research, the medicinal qualities of their products, their environmental friendliness and their use of natural ingredients. Theirs are products that cure and help protect our skin and the association with nature has always been important in my work too. I love wood and while I love to mix it with pure and industrial materials, natural materials – like marble, stone or cotton – will always be number one. Secondly, Kiehl’s’ belief in recycling is important to me. I won’t claim I am doing it all the time in my practise, but it’s something I’m very keen to explore.
Explain the equestrian theme of your label.
I’ve long had an image running around my mind – it’s a horse carousel. Perhaps it relates back to my childhood – I just always feel happy to see one. So I designed the label with the Headless Horse piece as its focus, having previously designed a similar wooden chest for the famous French furniture manufacturer Moissonnier. I placed the horses in a circle on the label and they humorously look like they’re chasing each other. It didn’t occur to me until after I’d finished the design that it looked like a clock face. I’d positioned the Kiehl’s sign as the number 12, the charity logo at 3 o’clock and writing became the arms of the watch. It’s small but I think it grabs attention.
Alamira Noor Bani Hashim
Why do you think Kiehl’s approached you?
a I guess they thought of me because of the nature of what I do and the fact I can reach out to so many people. Plus I’m a strong Emirati woman so the reasons are multilayered. We have a very graphic brand; it’s strong visually, but everything has a very specific identity too. It’s the same thing with Kiehl’s, there are many overlaps. Then there’s the charity element and all the good they’re doing for the environment – there’s much going on behind the scenes. And, of course, there are the products themselves, which reflect us in terms of quality and what works naturally; producing and giving people what they want.
How quickly did the label design come to you?
I kind of knew how I wanted it to be, right from the beginning. As we’re so well known for our dinners and our table layouts, the label design needed to be something fresh and colourful.
What Kiehl’s products are old and new to your bathroom cabinet?
I’ve been familiar with the products for a long time but wasn’t entirely aware of the diversity of the range, having mainly used the Ultra Facial Cream and the body lotions. Since becoming a brand ambassador, however, I’ve become absolutely obsessed with the Midnight Recovery Concentrate – with its pipette. It’s insane; I’ve turned so many of my friends onto it. Another completely underappreciated product – and that I can’t now imagine living without – are Kiehl’s hair masks. I use an olive oil conditioner and it’s magic. I wouldn’t have agreed to be an ambassador had I not loved the products.
rduane@thenational.ae
