Photographed by Paula Ojansuu
Hi Chao and Eero, it's my pleasure to be able to feature you here. So, please let me know, what made you want to be a jewelry designer? How did you form Chao & Eero jewel?
(Chao): I knew this is what I want to do since my first jewelry class in 93’. Through the years, I love my work more and more because I create something which will be part of people’s life, and many will be cherished. Eero and I are not only jewelry designers, but also master goldsmiths. We not only design, but also make all the jewelry ourselves. Therefore, we have very different feeling towards our jewelry than if we only design and factories produce the pieces. We are very confident to say that it is very rare to see such high quality products from companies our size or even bigger.
(Eero): the challenge. I applied to different crafts schools, and I chose to study jewelry because that school was more difficult to get in. Jewelry design is very delicate because every little thing counts- the curves, the proportion, the size of the loops, the thickness of the chain- lots of time is needed on adjusting the balance of the design.
We decided to create Chao & Eero Jewel in 2005 to realize our goal- to make jewelry of our own designs. No one will tell us which designs to make or not to make due to so and so reasons. We are in charge of everything in the brand, and will be able to be truthful to ourselves. We are very lucky to create a job for us which we love very much.
I am glad you two created this brand or else I will not be able to see some amazing pieces from you! I am curious, where do you get the inspiration to create your collections?
Everywhere. On the way to studio, taking a walk in the forest or by the lake, traveling… etc. Everything in life can be an inspiration for creative works. What behind our jewelry is the simple beauty and joy in everyday life.
Photographed by Paula Ojansuu
(Chao): Leaflower, because it is my first production collection. There was much time spending on realizing a simple leaf shape into a collection of jewelry. Also I needed to figure out and learn how to run the production by myself. Leaflower is also our best selling collection so far, and whichever places we show, we always find customers.
(Eero): Ringring, because I was able to combine my interest in graffiti into work. It was a long but pleasant process to create all the designs. I first hand-drew everything and then finish the designs with the help of a computer program. I wanted to create a graffiti- inspired collection, which is more thought and different from others.
One of my favorite collections is the Ringring collection too! I guess guys are attracted to that collection! Well, Are you planning to expand your brand to an international level in the future? If so, which country will you want to "invade" next?
Yes we are! Our target country in 2011 is Japan. We have just found a distributor who really appreciates our jewelry, and also understands all the work behind every piece. Last year we included a Japanese version to our website, which was a preparation for entering the market. Moreover, we took part at a big Finnish design exhibition- HIRAMEKI design x Finland- held in Tokyo during the Designers Week 2010, and realized that Japan indeed is a potential market for us.
Of course we also would love to expend more in EU. We have been actively looking for suitable retailers.
Photographed by Paula Ojansuu
You know, I do see a big potential market in Japan for your jewelry collections! I hope everything will work out! What is your plan for this year?
We will add a couple of new designs to the existing collections, and create new Heart in the autumn.
Besides “regular” works, Eero has been working on big unique pieces as a cooperation work with a model and a photographer, and Chao will make time to continue on her unique works. These are exciting and challenging projects which will take the imagination further.
I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us this coming year! Please keep me posted! Finally, if you could choose any famous people to be the spokesperson for your brand, who would you choose? Why?
Shu Qi ( Taiwanese movie star ).
She is not a traditional type of beauty, but she has a unique sweetness in her smile that makes her so charismatic. She is delicate but with a very confident elegance.
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Now let's take a look at the trivia questions I have for them!Gold or Silver?
silver
Coffee or Tea?
For Chao, black coffee in the morning and tea the rest of the day. In Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, Iced Latte!!
For Eero, coffee always.
Pearls or Diamonds?
The elegance of pearls, and sparkles of diamonds.
2D or 3D?
3D
Apple or Oranges?
Apple from neighbors’ backyards or freshly picked from people’s own gardens and sold in the market square.
Finland or Denmark?
Finland
Mickey Mouse or Snoopy?
Hmm….. Hello Kitty and Patrick from SpongeBob
Winter or Summer?
Love the snow in winter.
Love the mid-summer nights by the lake.
Both are magical.
Christmas or Easter?
Christmas
Thank you so much to Chao and Eero for taking some time from their busy schedule to answer my questions. I wish them all the best and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us in this year. If you want to see more of their collections, please click here. All photos are courtesy of Chao & Eero Jewel.
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