Ghazaleh Lebaschi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ghazaleh Lebaschi ("GL") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

GL : I graduated at the university of Architecture in Florence. I obtained a Goldsmith certificate followed by my MA in Jewelry Engineering in Polytechnic of Turin. I immediately started to work, after my internship at Bulgari where they introduced me to a very famous High quality Jewelry company where I learned the ropes. I have always been fascinated in design in all its aspects so I gradually moved towards Jewelry Design.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

GL : I am passionate about Jewelry design and I really enjoy when I design the whole collection.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

GL : Hard work, Passion and patience, these are the most important characteristics.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

GL : I think a good designer is worth a lot for companies, as in these days a social media directly or indirectly put you in the world of competition. I think a good designer should know the product very well in almost all aspects like the production processes, the materials, ergonomics etc. plus a good designer should be always updated in it’s field of design.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

GL : The first thing that comes to mind is: the length of time it takes for the designer to design! You can not design a good product in 2 days. The more you elaborate and study your design in varieties of aspects, the more solutions you find and Your design will get better and better. I never judge a design because it is not my style and I appreciate the amount of work involved.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

GL : Good design doesn’t get old!

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

GL : Queen of England : )

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

GL : My secret ingredient is passion. I really love what I do and I put maximum effort into every single piece that I design and produce

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

GL : I love every design by Bulgari. I think the designs are elegant, understated combining with meticulous manufacturing and well thought out, every piece is a work of art.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

GL : One of the most complicated projects I had was to replace the arms of existing eyeglasses of my client with new arms in Gold and Titanium set with diamonds an Sapphires. If was an extremely complicated project but a great experience.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

GL : The more experience you obtain the Better you will become in almost everything. If you are passionate about your work just don’t give up.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

GL : I would like to have been an Architect.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

GL : My husband and my family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

GL : I think I was so fortunate by being selected by the university of Turin and then great opportunity to work for the prominent companies which work for big brands.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

GL : I have one of my favourite collections on the way. Caleido Collection. This collection is very Young and strong with a touch of Kaleidoscope effect.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

GL : I would like to see designers given more importance.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

GL : It depends on the project. If you have to design a single ring or you have to think also about the whole collection. If your client has a clear Ideas etc.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

GL : Long hours, hard work and persistence. I think the more time you spend designing and creating, the more experience you achieve and that’s how you develop your skills and your mind as a master designer.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

GL : I was so happy and honoured when I got the notice. It is always a pleasure when you figure out that your design is appreciated by a select professional International jury.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

GL : I don’t have a favourite color, The place I love the most is Florence, I love Pasta alla Carbonara and sushi a lot, I love spring and my favourite brand is Bulgari.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

GL : I remember when I was 11, I asked my mom to help me to buy a pair of earrings. I actually knew how I wanted those earrings. So we went to a shop and I started to ask the sales person about how I wanted those earrings. I remember he was looking at me and looking at my mother and wondering if I was serious. I still have those earrings and they are still beautiful. This is my first and maybe the funniest memory.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

GL : It is always beautiful and emotional when you see your designs have been realized. Actually one of the best moments are when I get a call from my clients having received their jewelry, stating how extremely delighted they are and especially when they reorder.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

GL : When I was a child I was so creative and I remember that I used to do paintings and creating postcard. Then I started to make sculptures and I remember I was always creating something. But at the same time I always liked mathematics and geometry and I had been selected for the Mathematical Olympiads at the age of 11. Maybe I could have become a designer or a mathematician!