The Secret Behind 's Stunning, sustainable accessories Jeanine

the scenes with niin’s founder and creator

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I studied Fashion Design at Central St Martins in the UK and gained experience working with the Vienna costume workshops for the Burgtheater and the Salzburg Festivals as well as with such brands as Vivienne Westwood, Bora Aksu and Warren Noronha. started the niin brand offically in 2009 once moved back to HK from London to be with my family, and enjoy the fast pace of HK life

How did you come to start NIIN?

What was your journey?

After seeing the amount of waste the fashion industry created first hand, decided it was time for change and started niin to offer people more sustainable, environmentally-friendly fashion. I wanted the key ethos behind the brand to be to ‘tread lightly on the earth’ and sought to create artisan jewellery that combines natural materials and a light environmental footprint.

How do you come up with your designs and where do you find inspiration?

I'm very much inspired by the materials that I come across that are either discarded or found. Having said that my fashion design background plays a big part in my design process and aesthetic. like combining new materials wherever possible.

How long do your boxes and trays take to make from concept to production?

Generally from the moment I first sketch some ideas to the first production delivery it's about 5 months depending on the location of the craftsmen.

How are your pieces produced?

If have sourced the raw materials, Ill sketch designs accordngly and give the materils to the makers to re-work into and add the elements missing. We have a few workshops who help to make the different styles, depending on my designs so Ill spend a lot of time co-ordinating between them too to get the finished pieces to a finish which is 'up to scratch.' niin works with various charities to raise awareness and funds for environmental causes including the likes of WWF Hong Kong, The Nature Conservancy, Cuipo, Bloom, Plastic Oceans, and The Shark Foundation; as well as local Hong Kong charities including The Women’s Foundation, and Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation. Through our work hope to continue to spread a message of positivity and the importance of protecting and preserving the environment and our global community.

Where do you usually find and source your materials such as abalone and wood?

Other than these 2 what other materials do you like to work with?

The abalone shells are sourced from HK restaurants and the driftwood is found on various beaches around Asia. There is a community of fishermans wives also in the philippines who help to source the driftwood. You can't design jewellery without enjoying working with precious metals, and gemstones as well of course!

Which charities do you support and why?

Describe yourself in 3 words?

I'll choose: CREATIVE, SPONTANEOUS, OPEN (positive and negative!)

Can you share any exciting things you have planned for 2022?

Yes - this year we are expanding our homewares range after such a positive reaction to the first pieces. We're also introducing more gentle / lab-grown diamonds into the range and we're continuing to ensure that we're working with the most sustainable materials and processes we can find.