By Lynn Fung
11 MAY 14:04
Kai-Yin Lo is a jewellery designer, author and general renaissance woman in terms of everything art- and culture-related. Not only does she design contemporary jewellery using traditional Chinese designs that had been sold everywhere from Harrods to Saks, Lo also has a degree in history from Cambridge as well as an MBA from Harvard. She has edited four books ranging from Chinese furniture to family life and general living environments that are now used by numerous Asian Studies departments as teaching materials. She has also curated numerous shows for the British Museum; the China Institute in New York; the Hong Kong Heritage Museum; and she is also curating the Hong Kong Design Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. Lo gives us her thoughts on good taste; why coloured stones are popular; and why diamonds never go out of style:
* For me, the value of jewellery lies not in its worth and cost - but as a complement to enhance one's look and style. That changes the value system and how jewellery is regarded.
* There has been a growing trend of very noticeable fashion jewellery that uses a mixture of glass, Swarovski stones and semi-precious stones. A lot of it is handmade which makes it designer-like and expensive. I think in 2010, a lot of coloured and rough diamonds will continue to be used because they create high-impact designs at a low cost.
* I have been called a pioneer of semi-precious stones, which I started using over
20 years ago. These stones have colours that go with the fashion of the seasons and are less costly than precious stones.
* For 2010, I think that there will be a lot of dark grey and black gold. Diamonds will also continue to be used in a big way. As the Chinese market grows, diamonds will continue to be in demand. They represent value that can be measured.
* Statement earrings and necklaces will continue to be important. However, this winter's fashions have introduced a 1960s look: all those suits and dresses will call for significant-looking pins.
* I have never liked anything overly ostentatious because that's just not good taste. Style and taste can be represented in designs that may not be instantly arresting but endures the passage of time.
* My designs may not always be at the forefront of fashion but collectors value their longevity - they do not go out of fashion. People recognise my style: just as one can always tell an Yves St. Laurent or Balenciaga original even though their styles have been copied over and over.
