Accessory designer Christina Wang is making face masks from offcuts, and they’re fun
- The Hong Kong-raised artist founded her quirky label CJW in 2014 and has responded to the coronavirus with a new range
- The brand counts celebrities and influencers such as Eva Chen and Ali Wong among its fans
How did you go from being an artist to creating accessories? “When I graduated from Brown University [in the United States] the plan was to work in finance. Unfortunately, it was 2009 and there weren’t many jobs available, so I decided to pursue a master’s of fine arts at New York’s School of Visual Arts.
“After that I set up a studio in Brooklyn but quickly realised that I did not identify with an artist’s lifestyle. I began looking for a different way to bring my art – which is not traditional gallery art – to life. Creating a product around it made sense. Scarves were a natural choice. I love them and the design process is like painting in terms of using a 2D surface, colour and composition.”
Is there a connection between your artwork and accessory designs? “They do not look the same, but they share a similar feeling. I’m drawn to beautiful objects that I encounter every day. It can be pleasurable or sensual, like layers of cake or a pile of cashmere sweaters.
“What is different is the design process. With painting, a lot of it happens in my head and can be never-ending. The drawings on my scarves are done using marker, watercolour, crayons and pencils, which make it a quicker process. It is more spontaneous and fun.”
How would you describe your style? “Everything I create is to bring a sense of joy to its wearer. My designs are inspired by common experiences, whether it’s travelling, a bowl of pasta or watching Netflix. These are used as a conduit for connection and conversations. I want people to identify immediately with my designs. And while we are playful when it comes to print, I’m serious on quality. I want our customers to feel like they are getting more than what they paid for.