August 8, 2023
WoEgypt
The Animal Ball – London’s most inspired and creative tribute to the Animal Kingdom – returned in 2023! After a three year absence, and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Elephant Family.
The event which took place at Lancaster House on 28 June 2023, aimed to raise funds for South Asian conservation projects.
The Animal Ball is known for its impressive animal headgear, created by some of fashion’s greatest creative minds, including Sabyasachi, Prada, Chloe, Burberry, Charlotte Olympia, and Missoni.
Among the world’s renowned artists, Egyptian fine jewellery house, Azza Fahmy’s creation was displayed. Inspired by the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, a mesmerizing creature that gracefully roams the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea. Azza Fahmy’s mask was designed from Sterling Silver and semi-precious stones to encapsulate the beauty of this mesmerising creature that lives deep within the colourful corals of Egypt’s Red Sea, bringing the underwater kaleidoscope to life.
The turtle’s carapace, adorned with intricate patterns and textures, was the inspiration for this mask. One side features the starfish, another threatened aquatic creature, combining it perfectly with the turtle as they would in the ocean.
The opposite side draws inspiration from Azza Fahmy’s 2019 collection and pays homage to the rich heritage and timeless beauty of the Mamluk era, the pinnacle of the Renaissance period in Islamic history, all the while interweaving smaller turtles delicately into the design.
Head Designer Amina Ghali really enjoyed the process of bringing this piece to life, not only did it present a creative challenge, it was also an expression of her love of the sea and dedication to the cause. ”My mother has always adored turtles; in fact, she has dozens of them around her house. Also, my sister and I love diving, so we are fascinated by all sea creatures, particularly turtles. Therefore, it made perfect sense for us to draw inspiration from the sea when designing this mask. We are thrilled to be a part of this year’s Animal Ball, as it gives us an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of endangered animals while also showcasing our creativity in a brand new way!” Amina Ghali said.
Finally, each mask serves as a visual testament to the intricate beauty of sea creatures and the urgent need for their conservation. By fusing artistry and advocacy, Azza Fahmy works to safeguard not just a species but an entire ecosystem.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended the Animal Ball at Lancaster House in London to the 20th anniversary of wildlife conservation charity Elephant Family, which was established by the Queen’s late brother Mark Shand in 2003.
***If you liked this article, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and receive our articles by email
Women of Egypt Network 
