GRAZIA Singapore: How would you describe your jewellery collection, Strange x Curious, and who is it for?
Kimberly Wang (KW): At Curious Creatures, we design demi-fine and fine jewellery for the creative-minded woman with an individual sense of style and spirit. Something classic with a twist that is unique yet perfect for everyday wear.
GRAZIA Singapore: What has been your experience creating a jewellery collection?
KW: I first toyed with the idea of designing a collection because there were pieces I wanted but couldn’t find in the market. So I partnered with Curious Creatures to do a collab-collection as a passion project and it was an eye-opening experience. Creatively, Larissa Tan (co-founder of Curious Creatures) gave me free rein, but there were so many technical aspects I had to learn. For example, which clasp or setting would be more suitable for combining clusters together, if the necklace will sit nicely on the neckline, where the placement of the elements should be so that it doesn’t interfere with the collarbone, and more.
It was definitely a learning experience and with all the subsequent collections I’m still learning new things with each new design. That’s why the sampling process is so important for us and we start way in advance to allow ample time for refinements before each collection goes out. It’s incredibly interesting!
GRAZIA Singapore: What have been the highlights and challenges so far? Any unexpected revelations or discoveries?
KW: Oh yes, I’m always humbled by how little I know. Creatively, it’s an absolute joy, but technically the consumer experience is key. So sampling and trialling the pieces is really important (we literally get the team to wear the sample pieces and give feedback before we confirm production). But the highlights are definitely learning an incredible amount of knowledge about various things from stones, their properties, quality control and more.
GRAZIA Singapore: How did you prepare yourself for this new opportunity? Did you have to teach yourself jewellery design, for example?
KW: Thanks to the power of imagination, I’ve been dreaming up designs so far! (laughs) But no, I’m constantly inspired observing my friends and the styles around me. I have the team to thank for allowing me creative freedom, and a talented graphic designer (Sherrin Chan, our co-founder and partner as well) who converts my chicken-scratch sketches into beautiful renderings. There’s definitely much to learn. In preparation for the expansion and growth of Curious Creatures, I also looked into luxury piercings in the market from Los Angeles to London to learn more about why the best studios that offer cartilage piercings and curated designs opt for needle piercings. We’re happy to now offer that at Curious Creatures!
GRAZIA Singapore: What do you feel is missing in the local demi/fine jewellery scene?
KW: Definitely curated piercings! It’s such a different experience, to have someone to walk you through how gorgeous and different your ears could look when you plan for a curated stack instead of just getting a regular piercing. We’re also on a mission to create more beautiful labret and cartilage studs, which are definitely lacking in Singapore, so customers can walk out the piercing studio with pretty ears from Day One. It was definitely a big deal for us because cartilage piercings take a longer time to heal and that means you’d have to wear the studs for six to eight months before you can switch them out.
GRAZIA Singapore: How do your previous and other creative endeavours influence your new role at Curious Creatures, and vice versa?
KW: As someone who has been active in the media and entertainment industry, I have been fortunate enough to make amazing friends and meet inspiring individuals and brands. I hope to work together with many of them to continue to foster the spirit of collaboration.
GRAZIA Singapore: What’s your personal history with jewellery? What are some significant pieces you’ve owned or worn, and why?
KW: I think I’ve just always been drawn to shiny things and curated piercings. That’s how I’ve become friends with some jewellery brands and owners over the years hahaha. I also believe in pieces that you can own for longer, or forever, and Curious Creatures also has a fine and bespoke jewellery range.
GRAZIA Singapore: What’s your personal jewellery style?
KW: Classic with a twist and sparkle! Jewellery can really elevate and complete your look (plus put you in a good mood).