Elinn Fang

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

Growing up as a child I had always been inspired by lines, shapes and textures ; i was then a big fan of beading necklaces. I was constantly immersed in my own realm, isolated from the outside world. My parents were creative and my mother in particular upheld an aesthetic that was quite ahead of her time and was very gifted artistically. At the age of 12 years old, I Accompanied my mother to a high-jewellery exhibition filled with masterpieces by the jewellery mansion VanCleef & Arpels. I knew there and then that was going to be my lifelong passion, and I haven’t been able to look away since.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

Bijoux d’Elinn was founded in 2018 in England and followed me to Shanghai, China - where home is for me. The Atelier mostly works with private clients and companies in the co-creation of bespoke fine jewellery pieces to the highest standards that are truly one of a kind.

What is "design" for you?

Design is a way of life that can shift many. It is a force that is utterly transformative to everyone.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I very much like to work closely with clients and have been entrust with a lot of creative freedom that allows the work to be formed in the most natural and unclipped way. When the design transcends us as solitary beings and almost creates a sense of unity in itself, it’s a truly magical experience.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

I honestly don’t think I have a favourite. They are all a fragment of me that once was and a reflection of that time. I am my art.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

My favourite material is certainly metal. Gold / titanium / silver / aluminium - they each have their own unique qualities and manner and has in time became my best friends.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Creativity / visual cues / wearability / functionality / novice / physical quality & more… It has to be a well-balanced.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

It can be a very mixed experience. At times as if a child has been born with hardship. A sense of relief. A euphoric feeling.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Overall I look at whether or not it’s a fresh idea and how well it has been realised.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

Sustainability Should always be in the minds of designers. True environmental changes can only happen only when It had been considered before the birth of the design, rather than after the production.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

Even though it is going in the right direction, I feel a stagnate energy in the design field as we have been struggling to come up with fresh ideas to catch up with the Speed of the world now.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Nature and meditation are my two strongest sources of inspiration. Neither is definitive, either has endless possibilities.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

Modern minimal art deco with a hint of romance. Full of details. Element of surprise. Pioneering in engineering.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I spent my life between China and Europe in the past two decades. Both Weston and eastern aesthetics influenced to me greatly and thus I was able to formed my own aesthetic - which is a co-op version of the two, a dance between ancient architectures, culture symbols and signature styles.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

It really depends. It can take as little as 4 weeks and as long as 24 months.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I work with a team of expert technicians and artisans that are the best of the field.

How can people contact you?

Via email or instagram account: e.y.fang@icloud.com Miraculinn_