Meet LA-Based Celebrity Jewelry Designer Kyle Chan
TGR had the opportunity of interview jewelry designer Kyle Chan to talk about his journey as a designer, what is next and more!
1. How did you realize you loved designing jewelry? From a very young age, I’ve always liked sparkly things, anything pretty, until the day I realized that one piece of jewelry could literally complete an outfit. That’s when I felt that magical moment was really there.
2. Is there a celebrity you want to design jewelry for? Someone that I haven’t dressed yet and I would love to design jewelry for is Chappell Roan. She’s hot, up and coming in the newer generation, and I really like her style.
3. In your own words, what makes a great piece of jewelry? I think the most important thing is for the jewelry to have its own identity and to have a story behind it. For me, what makes great jewelry is when it has meaning to people. I think that’s also why people to like our brand, because it’s more customizable, and speaks to each individual on a personal level.
4. How is jewelry an art form? There’s no limitation and it’s wearable art – Not only is there no limitation, you can find treasures from nature because they come in all different forms. Nature and Mother Earth don’t fail you. There are one-of-a-kind gemstones that have elaborate colors that one can’t create. Then, you can evolve that stone with metal, and precious metal, and essentially manipulate them however which way you’d like. So there’s really no limitation to it, and I truly think jewelry is one of the best forms of art that exist.
5. Is there an artist that influences your work? I’m a jewelry and fashion junkie, so everything that I see in those realms inspire me. From patterns, to animals, to nature, to colors, to the way other jewelry artists see nature, the way they see their art, understanding their points of view, all of that really excites me and helps influence my work. I’ll typically do my best to break down one’s thought processes and put my own version of a unique spin on it.
6. What should accessories do for people? Accessories should make a person feel important, feel complete, feel expensive, and speak their own character. It’s almost like having all of your furniture at your house, but you still need that chandelier to brighten the room.
7. Can jewelry change an entire outfit? I definitely think that jewelry can change an entire outfit. Imagine you have a simple black dress, and all you really need is a bold statement necklace that will speak on behalf of your own personal style. Or even a simple, thin necklace, that represents the other side of you… And pops of colors! You can never go wrong with that. All in all, all you need is one statement piece of jewelry to finish your look and make it look complete.
8. Who is your favorite celebrity you worked with? I would have to say both Beyoncé and Mariah Carey – They are both so iconic and are living legends, and it’s been an honor working with both of them.
9. Do you feel successful with your work so far? I feel fulfilled, but as far as feeling successful, sometimes I feel that way, and sometimes I don’t. I feel like I’m scraping the tip of the iceberg, I’m always waiting for that next big and exciting moment to present itself. I never want to place limitations on anything… I just want to be happy with where I am in life, and on one hand just be able to relax, but on the other I still have a lot of fight in me, and I’m always thinking about what project I can conquer next, artistically, creatively, personally and professionally.
10. Is there any specific goal you want to accomplish? For now, I just want to be happy, continue doing art the way I know how, and love to, but it’s tricky. I of course want to see my company continue to grow and flourish, but I’m currently very happy with where I’m at…!
