In recent weeks, the rap scene has been set ablaze by a heated feud between two heavyweights of the music industry, namely Compton-born MC Kendrick Lamar and Canada’s very own ambassador of hip-hop, Drake. As diss tracks fly back and forth in what Pitchfork has since dubbed “the most miserable spectacle in rap history,” the two titans have been going at each other’s throats in a ruthless battle to knock the other off their respective perch.
Generating millions of views, streams, and likes within minutes each time the artists release their respective diss tracks, amidst all ongoing tensions, one particular figure is slowly emerging as an unexpected victor of this rivalry: Nadine Ghosn. The part-Lebanese jeweler, who’s already a stand-out name recognized for her lavish creations, has found herself collaterally embroiled in the argument after her namesake brand was spotted on the cover art of one of Lamar’s responses, piquing the curiosity of many who are now scrambling to uncover her identity and the exact reasons as to how she found herself involved to begin with.
Over the weekend, Lamar dropped Meet the Grahams, a brooding slow-paced track that takes direct aim at Drake and in which he alleges the Toronto-born hitmaker has a hidden daughter and suspicious relationships with underage girls, questions his parenting skills, and even suggests him having undergone cosmetic surgery. The accompanying cover art of the song sparked intrigue as it featured what appeared to be a snapshot of several of Drake’s personal items, including prescription Ozempic pills and Maybach Music gloves, amongst other things. While some speculated Lamar had received insider information from his rival’s camp, others dismissed it as a mere hoax, even hinting at Drake having planted a fake mole to feed the Good Kid MAAD City singer with false information.
Amidst the buzz, one detail caught our eye: a jewlery box from none other than Nadine Ghosn. Rather than let her craftsmanship fade into the background and drown in noise, we decided to take a moment to spotlight her work and help you get acquainted, once and for all, with the Lebanese designer.
Below, five facts about Nadine Ghosn.
She’s Carlos Ghosn’s daughter
Nadine is the second daughter of Carlos Ghosn, born from his first marriage to Rita Kordahi. She has three siblings, namely Caroline, Maya, and Anthony.
For those who may not be aware, Carlos Ghosn is one of the world’s most wanted individuals. Back in 2018, the business tycoon was indicted by Japanese authorities on the grounds of “breach of trust, misusing company assets for personal gains and violating securities laws.” Behind one of the most spectacular evasions in recent years, the former Nissan CEO fled house arrest by smuggling himself back to his native Lebanon inside an audio equipment box. Today, he can regularly be seen giving various talks and lectures around the Cedar State appearing almost unfazed by his tumultuous past.
Although international arrest warrants have been issued against him, as there is no extradition agreement between Japan and Lebanon, Ghosn remains beyond the reach of authorities and enjoys a level of freedom that seems almost surreal considering the alleged gravity of his offences.
She founded her brand in 2015
After a couple of years spent as an Associate at the Boston Consulting Group and as a junior manager at Hermès, Ghosn decided to found her eponymously named jewellery label, Nadine Ghosn Fine Jewellery, in 2015. On how the idea of building her own brand came to be, according to an interview with British magazine Tatler, she explains that it was “the creativity fostered at Hermès, as well as the limitless possibilities, (that) awakened (her) interest in the industry and exposed the opportunities that existed in the marketplace.” Since, she is widely perceived as one of the luxury industry’s most promising and exciting talents.
She’s an award-winning designer
In 2017, Ghosn experienced a major breakthrough in her career. First, she managed to clinch renowned American trade show Couture’s Innovation Award, which cemented her position as the next creative to watch and keep under the radar in the world of luxury. Mere months later, she was also the laureate of the DDCF Award, presented by Vogue Arabia, in the high jewelry category. The latter earned her a financial production grant, the chance to showcase her Spring 2018 collection at Harvey Nichols Dubai and Bloomingdale’s Kuwait, an exclusive mentorship with industry insiders, as well as an advertising campaign to promote her items large scale.
She’s a Stanford alumni
Just like her brother Anthony, Nadine also graduated from the very prestigious University of Stanford. Part of the Class of 2011, she obtained a dual degree in arts and economics.
She has a number of A-list fans
Fans of her work can be found all around Hollywood. From being asked to design custom-made pieces for Drake, Karl Lagerfeld being a fan of her headphone necklace, and Beyoncé seen donning her “Shut Up” earrings, it’s safe to say that Ghosn’s creations have become must-haves in both the music and fashion industries. Her playful takes on fine jewelry and fashion accessories have garnered widespread acclaim, making her a sought-after collaborator and a trendsetter in her own right.
