“My Customer Is Generally Very Daring, Bold, And Not Afraid To Be Unique”
Wendy Yue Rapacious Rose
Establishing her first atelier in 1998 and eponymous brand four years ago, jeweler Wendy Yue has spent the last decade and a half transforming her design firm into one of the most renowned in Hong Kong, celebrated for its bold, fantastical designs inspired by the sights, sounds, and experiences of nature. Recently, Jing Daily had a chance to speak with Yue about her company, plans for expansion, sources of inspiration, and what’s to come for the Wendy Yue brand.
Jing Daily (JD): Can you tell us a little about yourself and your brand?
Wendy Yue (WY): I have been in the jewelry industry for almost 20 years and built my atelier in 1998. I had worked on different projects of my own, and sometimes, even as a ghost designer for renowned fine jewelry designers/brands.
The Wendy Yue brand was established in 2008 when I became a guest designer for Annoushka, the founder of Links of London. Since then the brand has grown into more than what I had ever expected.
JD: Your brand seems to have a strong presence in the Hong Kong, the US and Europe. Are you looking to expand in mainland China?
WY: Certainly, in the near future. We are actually just starting off in Hong Kong, opening our very first Wendy Yue gallery/showroom in the Soho area of Central. We welcome your readers to come visit us by walk-in, or we also take private appointments.
JD: Who are your target customers in each region?
WY: There is no specific target customer in each regions. But I would say my customer is generally very daring, bold, and not afraid to be unique.
Jewelry Designer Wendy Yue
JD: What has the experience been like as a Chinese jewelry designer working mainly in the Western sphere?
WY: It has truly been an honorable experience, in some sense, to be one of the representatives of the Far East designers in fine jewelry At the same time, it has humbled me tremendously to have the opportunity to meet all the accomplished and talented designers.
JD: Since starting out in 1998, what challenges have you faced in establishing your brand?
WY: I started my own jewelry business in 1998, but the [Wendy Yue] brand started just four years ago. I have to say we have been very lucky, though, I believe that an original, creative vision and a passion for jewelry are crucial to building the brand.
JD: Your collections are beautifully done and quite romantic. From where do you draw your inspirations?
WY: Everywhere — from my travels, dreams, children, friends, family…the possibilities are limitless. I especially have a liking for nature, unique stones, and bright colors.
JD: What collections are you working on now, and what can we expect in the future?
WY: Oranges, golds, browns for the coming Spring. More statement necklaces — after achieving quite some success in statement rings, earrings, and bangles, I believe it’s time for something bigger.
Wendy Yue’s jewelry is available at the following stockists worldwide:
Flagship
Showroom/Gallery – Hong Kong
G/F, 3 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong
US
Bergdorf Goodman – New York, NY
Neiman Marcus – San Francisco; Tampa Bay; Bal Harbour; Natick; King of Prussia
Fragments – 116 Prince Street, New York, NY
Stanley Korshak – 500 Crescent Court #100, Dallas, TX
UK
Annoushka – 41 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London SW3 2TB
Annoushka at Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Selfridges
MSC Cruises
MSC Fantasia
MSC Magnifica
“Rapacious Rose” by Wendy Yue
“Sweet Serpent” by Wendy Yue
“Imperial Bat” by Wendy Yue