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Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Zehui Ni (ZN) for A' Design Awards and Competition. You can access the full profile of Zehui Ni by clicking here. Access more information about the award winning design Hmong Silver here.
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Interview with Zehui Ni at Monday 10th of February 2025 FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design? ZN: The design is inspired by two exquisite oriental techniques—mother-of-pearl inlays and Hmong silver craftsmanship. It captures the essence of these historic art forms and translates them into a wearable garment that bridges tradition and modernity. The Mamian (Horse-Faced) skirt, symbolizes power, strength, and cultural pride. FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve? ZN: The focus was on reinterpreting heritage craftsmanship in a contemporary, wearable form. I wanted to create a garment that preserves the beauty and significance of traditional Hmong silverwork while making it accessible for everyday fashion, keeping cultural storytelling alive. FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design? ZN: I plan to further develop this design into a collection, exploring different interpretations of Hmong silverwork and pearl inlays. I am also considering collaborations with artisans and brands that value heritage craftsmanship. FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept? ZN: The entire design process took 12 months, from research and material exploration to development and refinement. FS: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration? ZN: This design was a pursuit inspired by both Hmong silverwork and pearl inlays. It is a tribute to traditional craftsmanship and a reflection of my interest in preserving and modernizing heritage techniques. FS: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself? ZN: Currently, the design is being produced independently, but I am open to collaborations with brands or companies that align with my vision of preserving and reinterpreting heritage craftsmanship. FS: What made you design this particular type of work? ZN: As someone passionate about cultural heritage and craftsmanship, I wanted to create a piece that embodies tradition in a way that is wearable and relevant to contemporary fashion. FS: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work? ZN: The historical Mamian skirts from the Qing and Ming Dynasties, along with traditional Hmong silverwork and pearl inlay techniques, played a significant role in shaping this design. FS: Who is the target customer for his design? ZN: The target customers are individuals who appreciate heritage fashion, cultural craftsmanship, and statement pieces that tell a story. This includes collectors, fashion connoisseurs, and those interested in luxury and artisanal garments. FS: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts? ZN: This design uniquely combines two historical techniques—pearl inlay and Hmong silverwork—in a modernized, wearable form. It is both a cultural artifact and a high-fashion statement piece that seamlessly bridges tradition and contemporary elegance. FS: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean? ZN: The name Hmong Silver Heritage Skirt reflects the fusion of Hmong silver craftsmanship with the legacy of the Mamian skirt. It emphasizes the design’s cultural significance and artisanal foundation. FS: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project? ZN: I used a combination of traditional craftsmanship techniques, fabric manipulation methods, and digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator for pattern development and Rhino for precise detailing. FS: What is the most unique aspect of your design? ZN: The most unique aspect is the intricate use of woven techniques to mimic the effect of pearl inlay while integrating the delicate beauty of Hmong silverwork. The result is a visually stunning and deeply cultural garment. FS: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills? ZN: I collaborated with skilled artisans specializing in Hmong silver crafting and traditional fabric weaving. Their expertise was invaluable in ensuring authenticity and precision in the details. FS: What is the role of technology in this particular design? ZN: Technology played a role in pattern development and material experimentation. Digital modeling was used to refine the design, ensuring that the woven techniques accurately represented pearl inlay aesthetics. FS: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design? ZN: Yes, extensive research was conducted on historical Mamian skirts, Hmong silver craftsmanship, and pearl inlay techniques. I studied antique pieces, cultural significance, and material properties to ensure an authentic yet innovative approach. FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept? ZN: One major challenge was translating pearl inlay, which is typically a furniture technique, into a textile format. Another was preserving the integrity of Hmong silverwork while ensuring the garment remained wearable and durable. FS: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition? ZN: I believed this design deserved recognition for its cultural significance and innovation. Showcasing it at an international level helps highlight the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship in modern fashion. FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work? ZN: I deepened my understanding of heritage techniques and learned how to innovate within traditional constraints. Working with artisans also taught me patience and the importance of cultural preservation in design. FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions? ZN: This design is more than a garment—it’s a cultural bridge. It’s about honoring craftsmanship, preserving history, and giving new life to heritage fashion through contemporary expression.
A' Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers. |
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NEWS Results will be Announced to Public on April 15, 2025. REGISTRATIONS OPEN Registration to A' Design Award & Competition 2024-2025 period is now open. |
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