Spotlight On: Carolyn Kan

Last week, I took a trip to Carolyn Kan’s showroom where she so graciously played host to me, showed me her new collection and took the time to answer a few of our questions.

So Carolyn, where do you get your inspiration from?

I get it from what people have to say, nature, everyday experiences and I add a raw edge to the designs to show the beauty in imperfection. It can be normal everyday items to random things like a flash of lightning when I’m driving!

Where did you learn how to make jewelry?

I started learning to silversmith 15 years ago but dropped out of the night classes after I started in advertising. About two years ago, I decided to take a year off to travel. I ended up in Florence learning Italian in the morning and taking one-on-one silversmithing classes in the afternoon. My teacher, Elisabetta, is a really talented Florentine artisan with an old workshop full of character, crammed with antique tools that had been passed down through generations of silversmiths. It was there that I had an epiphany and decided to take the leap to become a silversmith & jewellery designer.

I told a friend, a stationer from Florence, what I wanted to do and he helped me design and produce my namecards. He hand made the paper and wax engraved each card to reflect an age where things were handcrafted by artisans. I love it because it reflects my style – artisanal handcrafted pieces with a raw twist.

What attracted you to silversmithing?

Well, I like creating things, and I particularly like creating bespoke pieces. I love working with people to create unique pieces to suit them. It takes time and brings us back to a time where we had to wait for things to be made well. However, producing bespoke pieces are really nerve wrecking and my favourite moment is when a smile lights up my customer’s face when I present the piece! Recently, I’ve teamed up with one of the celebrity chef restaurants at the Marina Bay Sands in a collaboration that I’m going to announce soon so look out for it!

Who is the Carrie K woman?

Well basically Carrie K is all about celebrating the imperfections in life because that is what makes us unique and interesting. The Carrie K woman is one who is unafraid to express herself, is adventurous, has many facets to her personality, is eclectic, would love to explore the world and this reflects itself in my designs which are bold, but in a classic way.

What do you think about the local fashion scene?

I’m actually very encouraged about the local fashion scene here and I like that entrepreneurship is nurtured in young designers and that there is no age limit at which you can or cannot join the industry! Actually I feel that now is the time for young designers to try and make a name for themselves and for them to enter the industry.

Do you have any style icons?

I’ve always admired Elsa Peretti and the work that she’s done for Tiffany’s. Her designs are very organic and fluid. I have some of her pieces which continue to inspire me till today!

Who are your favorite designers now?

I like Gucci. I really like what Frida Giannini has done for the brand and vision that she has for Gucci. Locally, I like Baylene as her aesthetic really speaks to me.

What projects would you like to take up in the future?

I’d really like to incubate and help market young designers and artisans. I now have a range of pieces designed and made by guest artisans who have a distinctive point of view. I help market their work in my webshop and showcase what they have to say.

The local incubator projects like Parco Next Next is great but I feel that it’s not just about giving designers the retail space to sell their merchandise. Marketing and knowing how to convey their point of view to consumers are just as important as the design & the quality of the work.

A friend of mine once said, “It has to feel magical. I don’t want to feel that it’s just another boutique.” Take Alexander McQueen for example! When you look at his pieces, it’s so strong and over the top that you know instantly that he designed it and he knows where he’s going with this collection. Consumers should step into a store and feel this Alice in Wonderland experience you know? Almost like stepping into another world!

At the moment, I’m busy doing the two things I love – bubbles and bling! I’m importing artisanal champagnes and designing jewelry! My friends teasingly tell me “Everything you do is to put a smile on people’s faces!”

We took the liberty of setting Carolyn a Q&A as well!