As the founder of sustainable jewellery brand BASLIQ, designer Amaan Duffer is a young entrepreneur on the rise, currently taking the fashion world by storm.
Launched in the winter of 2021, the celebrity-approved label combines sustainable materials, and ethical production with contemporary styles, to produce unique, one-of-a-kind designs.
With its name a derivative of the Greek word for ‘thriving’, Duffer aims to create pieces that provide customers with a sense of identity and understanding, whether they be a conscientious modern day trend setter, or the newest IT girl / IT boy making waves on the international party scene.
“This brand is all about thriving!” Amaan says when describing the Basliq ethos. “I want people to wear my designs and feel like they can do anything. We all need to get better at putting good energy out into the world, and believing that one day the stars will align, and everything we dream of will fall into place – so yeah, I say anytime you wear Basliq you’ll feel good, and you’ll thrive – I promise!”
We caught up with Amaan Duffer for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
Marylebone! Without a doubt, it’s got the best bars, shops and restaurants! Also it’s small enough to feel homely but not isolating enough that you forget you’re in the city!
Favourite place for brunch:
Jean Georges in the Connaught for something special – they do the best full English in London! More casual I am impartial to 180 House.
Best coffee in London:
Saddle Spanish latte, I’d die on this hill! It’s my favourite coffee shop from Dubai, and they just recently opened in Knightsbridge
Favourite gallery or museum:
I’m impartial to the V&A, and always love their exhibitions. However I do enjoy roaming the British Museum and actually spent a lot of time there last year.
Tell us a secret…
If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret!
Favourite place to shop:
For luxury I’m a Harrods boy, I am a sucker for a good rewards system. When it comes to vintage shopping, Pandoras Dress Agency is a hidden gem – they have the best pieces on consignment and the staff are so friendly.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
This is so difficult, because you can be inspired on the tube at 9am or watching the ballet! I think for most of us it’s that and everything in-between. I’d say being in the city period is the best place to find inspiration. Being at a gallery, speaking to a stranger in a smoking area, sat in the stalls of a show you saw on the tube.
Best London destination for a date:
An activity you and your date would enjoy! Extra points if they have the same taste in art or theatre as you. Anything but dinner or drinks at a bar you’ll see half of your friends! Go to a museum, go to the zoo, and then debrief and unwind somewhere with a romantic vibe – zēphyr in Notting Hill is always a good idea, or a night cap at the Red Room.
Favourite park:
I used to spend a lot of time reading in Green Park, but now I am going to say St James – the side next to Downing Street, as I’ve found it gets the best sun!
Favourite food market:
I actually don’t love a food market, am I allowed to say that? 7 Dials has a great pizza spot though!
Your sanctuary in the city:
There’s a Palestinian restaurant my friends and I LOVE called Shakeshuka on Baker Street! Over the last year or so we’ve really turned that place into a second home. The food is perfect, the staff are like a family and the vibe is just something else. You can sit there for hours and it would feel like ten minutes.
What inspires you?
Love and conversations. Everything I design pulls from one of those two sources, and I find the best things come from both.
This season I’m loving…
My friend Alissa Kobeissi Core is so stylish, and is so good at mixing things up! Picture a crystal Miu shirt layered with a Lebanese sports jersey and a perfectly cut trouser. My summer uniform is Mary Janes and a lot of bling! Prada has an amazing pair of T Bar Mary Janes I have my eyes on. Cool shoe, simple fit and a lot of bling is my vibe this season. Stacking my fingers up with a load of BASLIQ, and dressing a Miu Miu bag with a handful of charms.
