JNA Sep/ Oct 2021

設計 JNA Sep/Oct 2021 | 37 C elebrated jewellery designer Anna Hu – whose creations have adorned high-profile individuals such as Oprah Winfrey and Madonna, to name a few – had her eyes on the prize even at a young age. “I have always dreamed of becoming a solo cellist, so I practiced hard every day when I was little. That was the sole focus of my life,” shared Hu. But destiny had other plans for the Taiwan-born cello player. At the age of 20, Hu injured her shoulder so badly she could no longer play as a soloist. It was her father who encouraged her to channel her creative energy elsewhere and start forging a different path in life. Coming from a family of jewellers, Hu was no stranger to the world of diamonds and coloured gemstones. As a child, she helped her father sort out gemstones, inadvertently setting the foundations for a glittering career in jewellery design. The artist within Setting her sights on a career in the jewellery sector, Hu took up design courses from various prestigious institutions, including the Gemological Institute of America, Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology and Columbia University. She then started working for major companies and jewellery houses, including Christie’s, Van Cleef & Arpel’s and Harry Winston, where she honed her skills to perfection. I have always sought inspiration from music and nature, which are two very important elements in my jewellery creations. Elixir of Youth brooch "仙丹"胸針 Melody Ribbon ring 現代裝飾藝術戒指 In 2007, she founded her own brand, Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie – marking a turning point in her career. She would go on to redefine the rules of jewellery design, injecting her own interpretation of an East-meets-West philosophy in her collections. With her musical background deeply ingrained in her psyche, the designer draws inspiration from classical music, interspersed with elements from nature, her cultural background as well as several artistic movements. “Jewellery is the best representation of its owner and wearer,” Hu tells JNA . “Jewellery has a very human element to it – soft, organic and fluid. I always keep this in mind when I design and create my collections.” Clients who ask for customised designs essentially give Hu access to their innermost dreams and individual narratives, allowing her to create an intimate piece of jewellery that families can pass on to the next generation. “It is precious, and it carries personal significance, emotions and warmth. That is what makes my creations stand out in the fine jewellery space,” revealed Hu. The modern consumer Today’s buyers are ever-more discerning, opting for jewellery pieces that represent their values and individuality. And Hu embraces this trend.