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Jewellery & Metal (MA)

Yun Liang Hsu

Yun Liang Hsu is a Taiwanese designer who is particularly drawn to fashion and its related facets.

During his bachelor's degree, Yun honed his skills in various creative disciplines, such as graphic design, industrial design, and metalworking. His diverse background allowed him to explore different aspects of design and develop a multidimensional approach to his work. Notably, he earned the privilege to participate in esteemed programs such as the Google Creative Campus in 2020 and the Roger Hatchuel Academy in 2021. In 2022, driven by a deep desire to contribute to the fashion jewellery industry, Yun embarked on a master's degree at the Royal College of Art. This educational endeavour has provided him with a unique opportunity to further refine his vision and delve deeper into the world of fashion and design.

Yun's work reflects a blend of technical proficiency, innovative thinking, and a keen eye for detail. His creative pursuits are characterized by a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities in the realm of fashion. With each project, he strives to create pieces that captivate the imagination, evoke emotion, and resonate with contemporary aesthetics.

A series of fashion jewellery draws on the spirit of Ikebana and the semiotic theory by Roland Barthes.

In the FW22 season, the introduction of the pigeon clutch bag by JW Anderson dropped a bombshell in the fashion industry with its captivating design and widespread acclaim. This intriguing observation of daily objects motivated me to think about the profound influence of things surrounding us. It reminded me of the importance of creating ornaments that resonate with people's emotions and experiences, rather than simply making jewellery for the sake of adornment.

In this collection, I attempted to push the boundary of traditional jewellery by integrating the philosophy of Ikebana and the concept of semiotics by Roland Barthes. Drawing inspiration from the shape of tape and Kenzan, I sought to unravel hidden narratives and imbue new layers of significance into things we neglect. Through the transformation of functions, I intended to evoke a sense of familiarity and association with the principles and aesthetics of traditional Japanese flower arrangement. Moreover, by embracing the idea of ritualistic design, this series of works provides people with a transcendent and transformative experience beyond their utilitarian nature through the action of arrangement.

Through a seamless blending of modern and traditional, natural and artificial, I endeavoured to challenge conventional notions of form and materiality. My intention was to invite contemplation on the interplay between art, design, and the narratives we attach to everyday objects. Through this thought-provoking exploration, I aimed to engage viewers in a thought-provoking exploration of the connections and meanings that emerge from this fusion of cultural references and functional fashion jewellery design.

Brooch. Picture 1. Front view.
Brooch. Picture 2. Front view with the model looking at the brooch.
Brooch. Picture 3. Right front view with a hand on the clavicle.
Brooch

Medium:

Silver, Fresh/ Dried Flowers, Mindfulness

Size:

N/A
Bracelet. Picture 1. Close-up view with the left-hand droops naturally.
Bracelet. Picture 2. Side view with the model lifting the hair around her ear.
Bracelet. Picture 3. Close-up view with the model lifting the hem of the skirt.
Bracelet

Medium:

Silver, Fresh/ Dried Flowers, Mindfulness

Size:

Around 15 cm (model's size)
Ring. Picture 1. Right front view with the model slightly touching her face.
Ring. Picture 2. Right rear view with the model holding a bunch of flowers on the back.
Ring. Picture 3. Front view with the model putting her hand on the chest.
Ring

Medium:

Silver, Fresh/ Dried Flowers, Mindfulness

Size:

FR48, FR52, FR56, FR60
Earrings. Picture 1. Side view with the model lays down.
Earrings. Picture 2. Front view with the model leans slightly to the right.
Earrings. Picture 3. Right front close-up view.
Earrings

Medium:

Silver, Fresh/ Dried Flowers, Mindfulness

Size:

N/A
Shoe clip. Picture 1. Left rear view with the model walking.
Shoe clip. Picture 2. Side view with the model slightly touching the clip.
Shoe clip. Picture 3. Left front view with the model steps forward with the right foot.
Shoe Clip

Medium:

Silver, Fresh/ Dried Flowers, Mindfulness

Size:

N/A
Incense stick holder. Picture 1. Front view with the model lighting up the incense stick.
Incense stick holder. Picture 2. Front view with the model holding the holder and arranging the flower.
Incense stick holder. Picture 3. Right front view with the model looking at the holder.
Incense Stick Holder

Medium:

Steel, Brass, Mindfulness

Size:

Square/ 23.5 mm* 23.5 mm, Round/ 23.5 mm* 23.5 mm

Jewellery

In the world of Ikebana, particularly within the context of Sogetsu, the concept of a container extends beyond traditional boundaries, embracing the idea that any object capable of holding a flower can serve as a vessel. This profound insight resonated deeply with me during my creative journey. Along the way, I came across a captivating practice where flowers were delicately taped onto garments on various occasions. This inspired me to perceive the tape itself as a vessel with unconventional beauty and symbolism. 

By combining the act of arranging flowers with this vessel, I sought to present a fresh perspective on Ikebana. Through this series of fashion jewellery, I endeavour to capture the essence of Ikebana and its transformative power in our daily lives. Each piece embodies the spirit of Ikebana, merging traditional and contemporary elements, and offers an intriguing and thought-provoking interpretation of this timeless art form.

Object

Drawing inspiration from the essence of Ikebana, I found the captivating connection between the Kenzan and the incense stick holder. These objects not only hold and display the main element in their respective contexts but also evoke a profound sense of tranquillity and elegance, enveloping those in their presence with a serene ambience.

Based on these observations, I ingeniously merged the two forms, giving birth to an innovative incense stick holder that embodies the spirit of Ikebana. This harmonious fusion pays homage to the shared aesthetics and functionality of these traditional objects while offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between beauty and utility.