Nami Vision

About Namika's work

चर्चामा | Nakkali

Creative Direction, Styling and Jewellery by Namika Parajuli @nami.vision

Photography by Sim Kaur @s1mkaur

I have been called Nakkali probably a million times in my life by family and friends. It is a word that I am unashamedly proud of because it acknowledges my love for looking good, having beautiful clothes and feeling confident in them. So I was surprised when a google search to find the intricate nepalese characters weaving Nakkali together translated to false, fake, artificial and a show off.  Unknowingly, from my youth to my adolescence to today, between the many layers of handmade necklaces, colourful t-shirts and winged eyeliner, I had reclaimed the word as mine.

Being Nakkali has become one of my biggest tools for authenticity and self expression and a cherished ritual for joy and confidence. When I create jewellery, thoughts of my child self are a constant companion – she was so daring, so audacious, so unapologetic, so Nakkali. I am continually encouraged by her authentic and passionate pursuit of beautiful things and I know she would be so proud of my creations; the wonderful technicolour wardrobe I have amassed and the places I have been.

Image descriptions

The artwork contains two photographs, one is a child with colourful clothing and colourful handmade beaded necklaces. The second is of a young woman wearing layers of beaded necklaces and looking wistfully into the distance.