Who started it?
Qeelin was started by local designer Dennis Chan and businessman Guillaume Brochard (right) in 2004.
After graduating from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chan began his career in London, before returning to Hong Kong to work at a design consultancy run by Ken Shimasaki. In 1989, Chan started his own design firm, Longford.
The inspiration for Qeelin came when Chan visited the Dunhuang Caves in the Gobi Desert in 1997. Struck by the beauty of their frescos and statues, he decided to create a line of jewellery inspired by Chinese culture but with a contemporary twist.
Actress Maggie Cheung became his official muse and spokesperson, and Brochard joined to handle business administration. Qeelin was soon picked up by fashion outlets such as Colette and Le Bon Marche in Paris, Mathilde in London and Restir in Tokyo, and Lane Crawford locally. Qeelin has two stores in Hong Kong and opened its first Paris outlet in March.
The look:
Qeelin's first collection was inspired by the shape of the wulu Chinese fruit, which is said to bring good luck.