In 2006, the Burrell Collection in Scotland was the first museum in Europe to stage a solo exhibition devoted to a contemporary Chinese jewellery artist—a female one. Jewellery exhibitions were relatively rare then, but this was early recognition of the remarkable creativity emerging from Asia. The exhibition was dedicated to Michelle Ong, co-founder of jewellery house Carnet, whose exquisite jewels signalled not only a new movement in jewellery design, but also the arrival of a group of gifted Chinese female creators into a sphere long dominated by Parisian maisons.
Ong was the first Hong Kong-Chinese designer to fuse east and west, incorporating both influences in her jewels, translating Chinese themes and motifs, such as the dragon or floating clouds, and using refined, sophisticated European craftsmanship. “I think this was the start of the huge influence of China and Asia generally on western aesthetics and consciousness,” Ong, who grew up in Hong Kong, studied in Toronto and spent a long time in Europe, tells Tatler. “It coincided with the opening of China to the west, and the creation of new wealth in Asia.”
Other creators followed her lead, including Cindy Chao, Anna Hu and most recently Feng J who, like cultural ambassadors, have brought a new eastern aesthetic to high jewellery design. “They have introduced fresh cultural references, dipping into their roots and heritage, and combining these references with a western refinement in terms of craftsmanship and form,” explains jewellery historian and author Vivienne Becker. They come without familiar preconceptions and boundaries, she says, and “dare to try new ideas and, in particular, new techniques”.
Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Tatler Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Tatler Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Waves of Wonder
Chaumet's Ondes & Merveilles high jewellery collection invents a unique language of the sea, capturing the colours and joy of life within and around the expansive depths
Bright, Light, Bella
Bella Hadid's star shines brighter as the new face of Chopard's iconic Ice Cube collection
Beauty Playbook
We tapped the British make-up extraordinaire Pat McGrath to talk all things beauty as she takes us through her early beginnings, creative process, make-up tips and more
The Chloé Woman, Reborn
As we head into fall-winter 2024, let's unpack one of the most anticipated collections of the season-Chemena Kamali's homecoming collection for Chloé
To the Mun and Back
Korean actress Mun Ka-young opens up about her dream destinations and her non-negotiable in-flight skincare essentials
One Step at Time
We speak to Edgardo Osorio, founder of luxury footwear brand Aquazzura, on his vision of comfort and glamour, from weddings to world stages
Seams Like Art
Eleen Tan, a fashion illustrator and art lecturer, talks about finding success and fulfilment in the fast-paced fashion industry without sewing a single stitch
POWERFUL LITTLE PERFORMER
In both her wardrobe choices and acting roles, Eyka Farhana demonstrates remarkable range
HOT DAME!
Meet the chic 89-year-old great-grandmother whose story of family and romantic reunion is as awe-inspiring as her timeless elegance
Digital Transformation
Newly appointed managing director of Microsoft Malaysia Laurence Si brings 30 years of experience to the role