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"Gintsugi"
Tiffany & Co Concept Collection
A Men's Accessory Collection inspired by Japanese Pottery Mending
Modeled and Rendered using Blender
Inspiration
銀継ぎ “Gintsugi” or 金継ぎ “Kintsugi” is a traditional Japanese art form that involves repairing broken pottery with a lacquer mixed with powdered silver or gold. Rather than concealing the damage kintsugi highlights the fractures as a part of the object's history, celebrating imperfections and creating a unique and beautiful piece that emphasizes the beauty in its repairs. The process not only restores functionality but also transforms the object into a piece of art, embodying the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which values the beauty of imperfection and the passage of time.
As a designer with Japanese heritage, I drew inspiration from this philosophy to create a collection of leather bracelets as part of my application for a design internship at Tiffany & Co. I designed a collection of leather bracelets with streaks of silver that emulate the look of Gintsugi. The inspiration wouldn’t just be its appearance; these bracelets would use recycled leather to both appreciate the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi and reduce waste and carbon emissions.
Sketching
After refining my concept, I finalized my ideas through sketching. I kept the streaks of silver simple and understated, ensuring they aligned with Tiffany & Co.'s elegant and modern design identity. For the bracelet’s clasp, I drew inspiration from my recent interest in watches and incorporated a miniaturized version of a standard watch clasp.
Modeling and Rendering
The final steps of the process involved modeling and rendering my designs using the 3D software Blender. This was the most time-consuming part, primarily due to the limitations of my computer, but it was incredibly rewarding to see my concept come to life in such a beautiful manner.
Through this process, I was able to combine traditional Japanese art with modern design elements, creating a concept that reflects both my personal heritage and my design approach. The project not only allowed me to experiment with materials and techniques but also deepened my appreciation for the intersection of craftsmanship, sustainability, and aesthetics.
Though I completed this project in a single day, I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself to distill my design ideas quickly and effectively. The fast-paced process allowed me to prioritize essential elements, ensuring that the final concept remained cohesive and true to my inspiration. This time constraint also taught me how to focus on what truly matters in a design, a skill I value in both fast-turnaround projects and long-term work.
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