Of late, plenty of alien-like forms have been popping up on the design scene. In May, multi-disciplinary artist Zai Kuning staged his Venice Biennale-approved Dapunta Hyang: Transmission of Knowledge exhibition which featured the life-like skeletal replica of the reimagined vessel from the Srivijayan Empire.
Currently, the Art Science Musuem is playing host to the sculptural works of Dutch artist Theo Jansen, which are reminiscent of the creature Ohmu from the Japanese anime film Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.
So where does jewellery designer Diana Law fit into the big picture? For starters, the Sino-American designer, who also makes fine jewellery for private commissions and is a certified diamond grader, has been championing organic and ethereal forms in her work since she started her eponymous label in 2014.
It’s the school of thought – or design for that matter – that one would associate with avant-garde and experimental labels like Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen. Artfully futuristic, with a big architectural spin.
But the parallels with van Herpen do not stop there. Law, a former art consultant produces her jewellery pieces like earrings, necklaces and pendants in the Netherlands. Law also has a background in French couture training during her time at the Paris American Academy, which she parlays into her detailed and ornate creations.
But the most “woke” and exciting aspect of her work is the fact that the entire piece is produced via 3D printing. The pieces which are crafted out of plastic shortens the time taken to produce them, from 10 to 15 days to just seven to 10 days on average, making the pieces more cost-effective (from US$250 for rings) to the buyers.
Plus, the technology also allows for more inventive and complex designs – something traditional craftsmanship would not be able to achieve or produce at a low cost. Add to that the sustainability factor which 3D printing provides. Since there is no need to obtain raw materials to create the desired pieces, there is certainly no wastage of materials involved.
In an interview with Eclectic magazine, Law said: “3D printing is as far as you can get from mass production. It is about the uniqueness of each individual piece being created as well as the whole experience with this state-of-the-art technology.”
Her upcoming F/W ’18 collection (available on www.dianalaw.com/shop) exemplifies this idea neatly. Inspired by the reptilian world, it features a punk-esque minaudiere printed with the scales and bump of an alligator and comes complete with chain hardware.
Then there are the edgy-looking baubles: chokers that look like the skeletal remains of serpents, coiled rings that mimic little snakes wrapping your fingers, et cetera. Our favourite piece from the entire collection? A statement headpiece that features fangs as its crowning glory. If outre headgear is firmly looking to be a key trend for F/W ’18, then this one is definitely on our shopping list.
