explains Walid as he gambols around with Edward and Wallis, his adorable jet black pugs. His elegant London home, furnished with ornamental antiques and gilded trinkets, alongside tempting dishes of homemade truffles, reflects his vast gamut of passions – fashion, antiques and chocolate. Towers of shelved history books and touches of brocade silks add to the romantic surroundings that motivate and inspire his decadent accessory designs so well.

Gracing the walls of Walid’s studio are examples of his coveted antique neckpieces displayed on vintage busts flanking iron baskets packed full of 18th century trimmings, crystals, precious gems, silk buttons and embroidery appliqué. With Princess de Lamballe as his muse, Walid trawls vintage markets and antique auctions to unearth the materials for his handcrafted neckpieces and capes.

Speaking of his source of inspiration and passion for digging out hidden treasures, Walid enthuses: "I enjoyed a wonderful upbringing surrounded by rare antiques as my mother was an avid collector. I was also lucky enough to accompany her to the couture shows and really developed an appreciation for exceptionally handcrafted pieces."

Walid has a flair for extricating lost treasures and fabricating them into one off accessories of exceptional allure. Intricately snipping at a new mink cravat design, he describes the type of woman he envisages wearing his pulchritudinous creations: "I design for a woman whose style transcends fashion; they have one commonality- a real strength and an element of eccentricity". Somewhat of a modern Renaissance man, Walid’s talents lie beyond the realms of accessory designer, with his latest guise as chocolatier.

As co-owner of London’s gorgeous new chocolate shop, Cocomaya, Walid has reflected his antiquary character into the concept of the store – cakes and chocolates are arranged on vintage ceramics he has collected and the delectable handmade treats are made using only the finest ingredients. Speaking of this unusual move into confectionary, Walid explains: "Making chocolate is an artisanal craft, much like handcrafting accessories and of course, there is great skill involved in creating fine chocolate". So, whether it’s unique accessory design or developing a one of a kind chocolate store, Walid’s zest for blending refinement and the unexpected is what makes his creations irresistible.