Interview with Anika Rashid Founder & Creative Director, LUSTER | Fashion Designer | Artist | Entrepreneur

Q1. From Fashion to Jewellery
You have over 20 years of experience as a fashion designer across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. What inspired you to expand your creative journey into jewellery design and establish LUSTER as your second brand after ANIKAIRES?

A. Jewellery has always been an essential part of the fashion industry. Beyond being a beautiful accessory, it is one of the most loved and commercially successful segments of the fashion market. As a fashion designer, I have always believed that the right jewellery completes an outfit and brings an entire look to life. Establishing LUSTER was therefore a natural extension of my creative journey, and I also see it as an important step towards my upcoming ready-to-wear and fast-fashion collections.

Q2. The Korean Inspiration
Your journey with LUSTER began during a visit to a jewellery factory in South Korea in 2019, where you discovered handmade jewellery crafted with natural flowers, pearls, and crystals. How did this experience influence your artistic vision, and what did you learn from Korean craftsmanship?

A. My visit to a jewellery factory in South Korea in 2019 completely opened my eyes. I had never imagined that jewellery could be created in such an extraordinary way, using natural flowers, pearls, and crystals. What I witnessed was not simply jewellery; it was truly a form of art – state-of-the-art craftsmanship. I created several pieces with them, some of which I still treasure today. This experience also led to remarkable milestones, including showcasing selected pieces at Dubai Fashion Week in 2023 and having one of my designs featured in British Vogue in 2020 during the launch of my luxury couture brand, ANIKAIRES.

Q3. The Philosophy Behind LUSTER
The name LUSTER represents brilliance, radiance, and shine. What does this name mean to you personally, and how do you translate its meaning into jewellery that empowers women to express their individuality and confidence?

A. To me, jewellery is deeply connected to personal taste, emotions, and personality. I have always loved soft pink, for example, because certain colours create an immediate emotional connection within us. At LUSTER, I want to introduce trend-conscious yet unconventional designs that are creative, distinctive, and inspired by everyday life, architecture, nature, and our surroundings. Our BEACH & BOHO collection reflects the beauty of the sun, sand, and sea, while LOVE & LIGHT represents my personal journey of discovering love, light, energy, and positive frequencies. The name LUSTER embodies this brilliance and radiance that I hope every woman discovers within herself.

Q4. BEACH & BOHO: Inspired by Dubai
Your first collection, BEACH & BOHO, draws inspiration from Dubai’s sea, sand, and sunshine. How has living in Dubai influenced your creative identity, and what makes this collection special for women who appreciate natural beauty and effortless style?

A. Dubai has had a tremendous influence on my creative identity. It is a city of contrasts, where rich heritage meets extraordinary modern architecture, and where elegance and glamour are embraced with confidence. Living here has taught me to think beyond boundaries and believe in a larger-than-life vision. BEACH & BOHO captures the warmth of Dubai's sunshine, the beauty of its beaches, and its vibrant lifestyle. I want women who wear this collection to feel connected to their surroundings while expressing their own individuality. I believe jewellery is an essential part of everyday life, just like clothing, because it effortlessly reflects our mood, personality, and personal style.

Q5. LOVE & LIGHT: Jewellery with Meaning
Your LOVE & LIGHT collection features crystals and gemstones associated with different symbolic meanings, such as love, serenity, clarity, and courage. What inspired you to connect jewellery with emotions and personal symbolism, and how do you hope women feel when wearing these pieces?

A. I believe every woman carries her own emotional world, with feelings and stories that she sometimes wishes to express and sometimes chooses to keep private. With LOVE & LIGHT, I want jewellery to become more than something beautiful to wear; I want each piece to create a personal connection with the woman who chooses it. As a designer, I have always believed that we do not simply create products – we create art, inspire dreams, and give people the confidence to become who they aspire to be. My philosophy is simple: Designers don't just create clothes; they create the personality you want to express. Through LUSTER, I hope to bring that same philosophy to jewellery.

Q6. Art, Individuality & Modern Women
You envision LUSTER as a brand for women of different ages, professions, and lifestyles. In a competitive global jewellery market, how do you balance artistic originality, contemporary fashion trends, and the diverse tastes of modern women?

A. I believe the key is to remain true to your artistic identity while staying curious and connected to the evolving world of fashion. Originality always comes first for me. Rather than simply following trends, I study them, understand them, and reinterpret them through my own creative perspective. Every woman has a different personality, lifestyle, and way of expressing herself. Some prefer bold statement pieces, while others love delicate and timeless elegance. At LUSTER, I want every collection to have its own artistic identity and story, celebrating the diversity of women. Ultimately, jewellery is more than an accessory; it is a powerful form of self-expression that reflects individuality, confidence, and personal style.

Q7. Korea–UAE Cultural Exchange Through Art
LUSTER’s creative journey began in South Korea and is now being showcased in Dubai at the Gulf Korea Festival. What does this milestone mean to you, and how do you see fashion, jewellery, and artistic collaboration strengthening cultural connections between Korea and the UAE?

A. South Korea has always impressed me with its rich heritage, world-class beauty industry, and unique ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern science and innovation. My experience working with Korean manufacturers opened the door to a new world of creative possibilities and taught me that innovation is an endless journey. While Korea unlocked my creative imagination, Dubai gave me a completely different source of inspiration. Having lived in London before, I find Dubai's sunshine, energy, positivity, and vibrant lifestyle truly inspiring. Bringing LUSTER to the Gulf Korea Festival is therefore very meaningful to me. I see it as a beautiful opportunity to bring together Korean craftsmanship, UAE-inspired creativity, and international fashion, strengthening cultural connections through art and design.

Q8. The Future of LUSTER
As LUSTER begins its next chapter in Dubai, what are your future plans for the brand in terms of new collections, international markets, and creative collaborations? What message would you like to share with aspiring designers and women who dream of turning their passion into a business?

A. I believe LUSTER was born to be a global brand. We launched in two continents – the UAE and Bangladesh – within just one month, which was a challenging but courageous step that required enormous dedication, investment, and belief in myself. My next ambition is to bring LUSTER to London, expanding our presence across three continents. Beyond international growth, my greatest goal is to build a personal connection with every client. My motto is simple: "You buy it once, and you fall in love with it." I want to know the women who wear my designs, understand their stories, and create something meaningful for them. My message to aspiring designers and women entrepreneurs is simple: believe in your talent, follow your passion, and never limit your imagination. When you truly believe in your vision and are willing to put your heart and soul into it, anything is possible. I dream of creating a beautiful world where fashion, art, and dreams exist hand in hand.