There are some jewellery designs that go beyond adornment, they become vessels of storytelling, identity and intention. Few embody this modern narrative more elegantly than Milka Karaağaçlı, founder and creative force behind Kısmet by Milka. What began 15 years ago as intimate sketches in London has evolved into an internationally recognized fine jewellery house, blending craftsmanship with personal vision, and heritage with modern Arab identity.
Now, with a flagship boutique on London’s Bond Street, a growing global presence and a loyal following that spans from Hollywood to the Middle East, Kısmet by Milka continues to redefine personal luxury.
In this exclusive conversation with L’Officiel Arabia, Milka opens up about her journey, her intuitive design process, the rise of self-expression in fine jewellery, and how Dubai’s dynamic spirit plays an integral role in her global expansion.
Delna Mistry Anand: When you first began designing jewellery for friends in London 15 years ago, did you ever imagine it would lead to opening your flagship store on Bond Street? What does this full circle moment mean to you, personally and professionally?
Milka Karaağaçlı: It’s emotional, to be honest. London is where it all began - sketching designs, showcasing them to my friends in London and creating with intuition. I never imagined those early moments would one day lead to a flagship on Bond Street. Personally, it's a reminder of how far you can come when you stay true to your vision. Professionally, it's a testament to consistency, evolution, and an unwavering belief in storytelling through design. It’s more than just a store for me; it’s really a significant milestone.
The Turkish ‘Evil Eye’ was your starting point, but today, even the smallest details - chains, railings, textures – have found their place in your designs. How has finding inspiration in life’s often-overlooked moments helped shape Kısmet by Milka’s signature aesthetic?
I’ve always been drawn to contrasts - to softness in strength, to finding beauty in things people often overlook. The Evil Eye was never just a symbol for me; it was a portal and once you start seeing the world through that lens, everything becomes a source of inspiration. A railing, a crack in the pavement, a conversation; suddenly it all has depth. That’s what Kısmet by Milka’s aesthetic is about: the sacred hiding in the everyday.
It’s beautiful that so much of your creative vision is rooted in personal emotion and observation. How do you see that story continuing once your pieces leave your hands and become part of someone else’s life journey?
Designing is my way of speaking, but once a design is worn, it’s no longer just my story. It becomes theirs. I always say my work begins the moment I let go of a design. Watching someone wear it for strength, for love, for loss—those are the real chapters. I don’t just envision that handoff; I celebrate it. That connection is the soul of Kısmet by Milka.
You often say that Kısmet by Milka is about self-expression rather than just adornment; how do you see the role of personal style evolving for today’s fine jewellery collectors?
There’s a shift happening; people aren’t just buying jewellery to complete an outfit; they’re curating looks to reflect who they are. It’s less about status and more about story. I think we’re entering a new era where fine jewellery is lived in, layered, and deeply personal - nan extension of identity rather than an occasional statement. At Kısmet by Milka, that’s exactly what we stand for. Moving forward is more about a mindset for us, one that celebrates individuality, evolution and the power of self-expression through design.
Beyond design, craftsmanship is at the heart of your brand. Many of your artisans have been with you for years. How has investing in their expertise and nurturing that creative partnership shaped Kısmet by Milka’s authenticity as you grow globally?
Craftsmanship has always been a vital part of Kısmet by Milka - not the only pillar, but an essential one. Our designs are born from creativity and emotion, but they come to life through the hands of skilled artisans. That balance between vision and execution is what gives our designs their soul.
More than just working with our master craftspeople, we invest in them, we train our team from the ground up, and one of our dreams is to establish an academy where new generations of artisans can be nurtured. As we grow globally, staying true to this craftsmanship culture ensures that every design carries not only our aesthetic but also our values.
Dubai seems like a natural extension of your design philosophy; how has your presence in the Middle East influenced Kısmet by Milka’s evolution and your larger global vision?
Dubai holds a special place in our journey. It’s a city built on bold dreams and vision, qualities that resonate deeply with the spirit of Kısmet by Milka. There’s a shared language between what the city represents and how we design: both rooted in imagination, progress, and pushing boundaries.
Our presence in the region has been incredibly inspiring. The Middle Eastern customer understands the storytelling through jewellery and embraces both heritage and modernity with confidence. That energy continues to shape how we design and dream.
Your Bond Street flagship is clearly a pivotal moment for the brand. Why did now feel like the right time and place for Kısmet by Milka to step onto the world stage in such a powerful way?
Opening our flagship on Bond Street feels both deeply personal and incredibly strategic. It’s the street I used to walk as a young designer 15 years ago, dreaming of one day seeing Kısmet by Milka among the great names in fine jewellery. So, in many ways, it’s a full circle moment. But it’s also much more than that.
Bond Street has become our gateway to the world. It’s where we’re establishing ourselves not just as a brand, but as a global jewellery house. It represents our next chapter - one where we continue to grow, expand into new cities and bring the spirit of Kısmet by Milka to women around the world. This to us, is just the beginning of our international story.
Kısmet by Milka now offers one of the few APP-certified luxury piercing experiences on New Bond Street. Why was it important for you to merge medical-grade precision with high fashion and fine design?
At Kısmet by Milka, piercing is a form of self-expression rooted in trust and precision. That’s why all our stores include dedicated piercing corners operated by trained professionals who meet the global standards set by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
APP is the international gold standard in body piercing, setting strict guidelines on hygiene, technique, jewellery quality, and aftercare. Both our piercers and our piercing jewellery comply fully with these standards, meaning medical-grade safety is never compromised.
For us, it’s essential that this technical precision exists within the world of Kısmet by Milka - where self-expression, fine design, and craftsmanship intersect. Piercing should feel empowering and elegant, and we’ve created an experience that reflects both the highest level of care and the bold energy of the brand.
Your pieces have found their way into the hearts of both Hollywood stars and everyday women. What do you think makes the Kısmet by Milka universe so magnetic?
I think people are drawn to sincerity. Kısmet by Milka has always been about more than jewellery; it’s about identity, energy and rebellion living side by side. Whether you're on a red carpet or walking to work, you want to feel powerful and expressive. And moving forward, we want to keep pushing, more cities, new design chapters and deeper storytelling. But always with that same spirit - bold, fearless, and full of soul.
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