Yingying Qiu - UK / China
Yingying Qiu
Designer biography:
Yingying Qiu is a London-based jewellery designer who graduated from the Fashion Design Department of the China Academy of Art and the Jewellery and Metals Department of the Royal College of Art. She inadvertently bought her grandmother a cheap oval stone pendant necklace in a small souvenir shop on a class spring hike at the age of nine, which she kept and wears to this day. Regarding metallic texture as a metaphor for ‘skin’, Qiu explores the intimate relationship between jewellery and the body, and embodies the fluid emotional connection between individuals around time and space.
Collection concept:
I regard the texture of the metal as a metaphor for 'skin', exploring the intimacy of the relationship between jewellery and the body. There are two branches: individual differences and individual connections. The 'fragments of wings', such as the hybrid parts, symbolise the differences in the physical or mental character of the individual, which may seem insane and incomprehensible to the mainstream. Yet, they are a real and unique part of the individual's fluid identity. Whether these differences cause pain, isolation, pride, or inner harmony, my purpose through my jewellery creations is to protect and celebrate these fragments of skin (differences) and make them visible. This branch is named 'Easy & Insane'. Also, I extend these connections between individuals. The relationship between humans and animals, humans and machines, or individuals from completely different backgrounds who, despite their individual differences, still have the right to embrace and love each other. Here, the 'wing' becomes a medium through which love and information can transcend species, space and time. This branch is named 'Ready to Love'. Here, jewellery conveys and guards individuality and relationships, respecting and celebrating one's body, every sense, and every inch of skin, along with inner consciousness. Wearability, the uniqueness of visual aesthetics, durability, and the relationship between jewellery, body, and emotions are all continuously explored.
