This month, we celebrate the arrival of a brand new jewelry concept to Kuwait with the opening of the first Luxenter boutique at Al Fanar Mall, a one-stop destination for glamorous jewelry pieces and chic accessories by an iconic Spanish brand. bazaar meets with Mr. Alfonso Escribano, Luxenter’s Export Manager, and Miss. Mencia Lizarriturri, daughter of the founder of Luxenter, to tell us more about the brand’s exciting vision.  

How did the African culture inspire Luxenter, a Spanish jewelry brand?

M: Before the company was founded, my father, who was a hunter, lived in Africa, and started doing business with many nations in the continent, trading raw materials; stones, ivory, and other desired decorative items. My mother, on the other end, started developing the jewelry and decorative design aspect using, ebony, onyx, and elephant hair. And so, Luxenter was born.

Luxenter is a family business. Can you elaborate on that?

M: The way the company was founded made it so that our direct involvement with the business grew with time. After my father died, my mother became the sole business owner, and had to develop the business alone. She first focused on diamonds and gold, but with time, the economy presented us with many challenges. When my brother and I entered the business in 1999, we wanted to change the concept of jewelry to make it accessible to more people and markets. This turned the gold to sliver, as we were able to compete on offering fine jewelry at competitive prices.

When did the transition from gold to silver happen and why?

A: Between expensive gold or diamond jewelry, and high street fashion accessories, silver jewelry came in the form of crafts, or artisanal pieces. There was nothing like silver jewelry with rhodium plating. Using the same process as plating gold, yet using less expensive materials like silver, allowed us to use all of these precious stones in interesting and imaginative shapes to create more options.

What is the Luxenter vision today?

M: Our aim is to offer an accessible jewelry line that is elegant, luxurious, and affordable. Everybody should be able to wear jewelry!

Is the African history always present in the design of the pieces?

M: Absolutely, it always was, and will continue to be present. It is our heritage, and our newest addition to our collections includes the Africa Collection.

A: Using updated materials that represent the history of Luxenter, we created the Africa Collection. Popular with big, bold creations, we used new materials like different kinds of steel and precious stones.

How many collections are created every year?

A: Two seasonal collections are released every year, with four extensions that allow for different design ranges inspired by different materials and customer needs. The Simple collection, designed with natural and precious stones, followed by the Classic line, with cubic zirconium cut like diamonds and pearls. Then we added the Creative collections, which include customized collections like composing your own bracelet or necklace, collectable rings from our Ring Bar, and earrings. Lucky for you, this collection is available in Kuwait in our boutique.

Do Luxenter designs follow fashion trends?

M: Always! We look at the trends, and in light of that we design, in advance, our collections with natural stones that compliment fashionable trends. For example, bright colors are in season, amazing pieces like big rings and necklaces that match this trend using beautiful precious stones.

Kuwait marks Luxenter’s first appearance in the GCC and Middle Eastern Market, how does it feel?

A: It feels great! We are so excited about developing our relationship with the Kuwait market by entering in this fantastic partnership in Kuwait; we think it’s a perfect fit.

What collections should customers in Kuwait expect?

A: All collections should be present, as well as the fantasy collection that mainly includes natural stones. It is very fashionable and young and all are offered at affordable prices. The shopping experience we are offering in Kuwait is the same experience as shopping in the Madrid store. The European design, the ambience of the store and designs offered are inspired by main street Madrid. Also, our Kuwait Store is the first independent boutique in the region, offering customers more than a display stand of Luxenter jewelry at other retailers.

Do new markets mean new designs?

A: I think our collection fits well with the market here, and perhaps with time we will make some special collections for the region. For example, our collectible charm bracelet series can allow us to design a line inspired by Middle Eastern designed symbols. The ideas are endless!

M: We have a great open mind! The Spanish culture is already inspired by African and Middle Eastern influences, so we would love to see where else we can go.

Luxenter is located on the basement floor of Al Fanar Mall. For more information, please visit luxenter.com.