In this exclusive interview, we unpack the inspiration and craftsmanship behind the Xuān Collection. Drawing from Kevin's childhood experiences with Chinese calligraphy, Kevin shares how these memories have influenced his jewellery designs.
Q: Kevin, what inspired the Xuān Collection?
The longer I live in New Zealand, the more vivid my childhood memories become — maybe it’s a bit of homesickness. After leaving my architecture career, I finally had the chance to explore a truly personal expression of creativity through jewellery. Those childhood memories became the first place I returned to. I remember practicing calligraphy on newspaper, with my mum knitting beside me. I can still recall the smell of the ink and the feel of the paper. I guess that’s really where it all started.
Q: How did you translate this inspiration into jewellery?
What I really wanted to capture was the touch of paper — a kind of silent conversation between me and anyone who wears or touches the pieces. I don’t know where or when they’ll be worn, but it feels personal. I explored transferring the paper’s texture onto silver and observed how it transformed the surface. From there, I wanted to use very simple forms — just two planes — letting the composition speak for itself. The balance and flow come naturally, shaped by years of training in calligraphy and architecture.
Q: What makes the Xuān Collection distinct in terms of design and materials?
I reckon if you haven’t made jewellery yourself, you might not realise just how fascinating silver can be. It can be matte or shiny, darkened with fire, or treated with acid to a pure white. In this collection, I love how silver has a soft, skin-like matte finish, similar to Xuān paper. I also love how it plays with light and shadow. In some spots, I’ve added 18k yellow gold soldering to show the handcrafting — little details that celebrate the making process and the maker’s touch.
Q: Who do you envision wearing pieces from the Xuān Collection?
The Xuān Collection isn’t your conventional silver jewellery — it’s not shiny, polished, or soft and rounded. The pieces are more like sculptures you can wear, so I think anyone who loves unique, standout pieces would find them interesting. They suit someone with a quiet, confident sense of self-expression — mature, chic, and understated. Most importantly, they’re for people who value the story behind the piece and want jewellery that carries personal meaning, rather than just following trends.
Q: Lastly, what do you hope wearers feel when they adorn themselves with Xuān pieces?
I hope the story behind how each piece was made resonates with the wearer and connects deeply to their life, identity, and beliefs. Even the smallest or most ordinary memories hold so much value — they’re the moments that shape who we are. And I hope people feel empowered, knowing they have the ability to make choices now that shape their future.
Explore the full Xuān Collection to discover jewellery that tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and personal memory.