Kai-Yin Lo
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https://scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3044434/kai-yin-los-design-life-how-celebrated-hong-kong-designer Celebrities
Kai-yin Lo’s design for life: how the celebrated Hong Kong designer, curator and historian keeps track of time
Following the publication of her new memoir Designing a Life: A Cross-Cultural Journey, the Chinese cultural historian and one-woman jewellery brand looks back on working with Cartier and forward to opening Hong Kong’s M+ Museum
In 2019, Hong Kong jewellery designer, curator, professor and cultural historian Ka-yin Lo celebrated the publication of an autobiography titled ‘Designing a Life: A Cross-Cultural Journey’. Photos: Handouts
Jewellery designer, curator, professor and cultural historian – Kai-yin Lo is a woman with many tales to tell. So it was only right that the author of five academic titles put all her stories together in her latest book, an autobiography titled Designing a Life: A Cross-Cultural Journey.
Though it was an obvious move, it wasn’t an easy undertaking. “I have been thinking about my autobiography and planning it for over five years, and spent three years writing it,” she says.
The Chinese cultural historian says writing on topics such as Chinese ceramics or furniture was in many ways less challenging than penning her autobiography. “I have written books before but it is more difficult when it's about your own life,” she muses.
The multitalented Lo is best recognised for her work as a jewellery designer. Her design career began at one of the world’s most prestigious jewellery houses. “When my first collection of assembled Asian antique pieces was accepted by Cartier New York, it was encouraging,” she says.
Later, her eponymous collection was given a stand-alone space at the New York department store Bergdorf Goodman. Lo takes antique artefacts and transforms them into exclusive jewellery, while her easy-to-wear and more affordable range of semi-precious necklaces and earrings has gained a significant following in the US, UK and France.
Lo has dedicated much of her life to spreading Chinese culture and the arts, not only as a designer but also as a professor of cross-cultural studies at Central Saint Martins University of the Arts London. Today, she continues to spend her time immersed in the art world and is on the board of M+ Museum and the Hong Kong Design Centre.
Lo’s favourite pastimes coincide with many of her official duties. “My interests and recreation do not lead to relaxation,” she jokes. “I enjoy researching art and history, so more reading and research and visiting museums – that’s how I recharge!”
Keeping track of time is key when your life is as full as Lo’s. But the designer does so in a rather personal, and original way. She has taken to customising her timepieces with her own bejewelled watch bracelets. She has created several watch bands with pearls for her Bulgari Bulgari watches, each a reflection of her personal style.
Kai-yin Lo’s preferred watch
Kai-yin Lo has created several watch bands with pearls for her Bulgari Bulgari watches.
“A watch has to tell the correct time, and it also has to look good. I wear watches by Bulgari; I change the watch bands to my own designs.”