Yuliya Nip
1. Congratulations on winning the London Design Awards! Can you introduce yourself and share about what inspired you to pursue design as a career?
Thank you very much! I am the jewellery designer and co-founder of White on. Before becoming a jewellery designer, I worked in fashion design, which gave me a deep understanding of aesthetics, proportions, and practicality, and inspired new thinking about design.
I believe that whether it’s clothing or jewellery, they are not just external decorations but expressions of emotion and personal characteristics. I hope my designs can bring confidence and strength to the wearer in everyday life and make each piece a vehicle for conveying emotions and stories, integrating design truly into people’s lives.
2. What does being recognised in the London Design Awards mean to you?
Being recognised in the London Design Awards is a great honour that affirms my design concepts and capabilities while serving as a powerful encouragement. This award reminds me to persist in creating designs that combine beauty and storytelling, making design not just an appearance, but also a carrier of emotion and value. This award also makes me more convinced that we are moving in the right direction.
3. How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?
This award is significant for our brand and team. It has not only increased brand awareness but also given us more confidence to explore further possibilities. This honour has attracted the attention of many new customers and partners, allowing us to expand our market and convey our brand to a more diverse audience.
4. What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?
Experimentation is crucial in my creative process, allowing me to refine designs and explore new possibilities. For the Wavy Heart collection, we used 3D printing technology to create different moulds to achieve the best design outcome. Throughout this process, we continuously adjusted design details and material choices to optimise visual effects and wearing comfort.
5. What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?
My most unusual source of inspiration for a project was coral bleaching. This phenomenon goes beyond being an environmental issue; it provokes deep reflection and insight. Observing corals lose their vibrant colours due to pollution inspired me to create a collection that highlights the beauty of corals and underscores the importance of protecting them.
6. What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the design process?
I wish more people understood that the design process is not just about creativity, but also involves a lot of problem-solving. It requires a deep understanding of materials and user experience.
Each design has been revised and tested many times to ensure that it meets both practical needs and aesthetic standards. Patience is a key factor in bringing a design from concept to reality.
7. How do you navigate the balance between meeting client expectations and staying true to your ideas?
I prioritise our clients' needs while staying true to my design idea. Through open communication and thorough analysis, I gain a clear understanding of their expectations. Regular feedback with clients helps ensure that the ideas are effectively integrated.
8. What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was perfecting the design shape. I repeatedly modified sketches, created moulds, and conducted tests to achieve the ideal form. Additionally, the varying materials of the gemstones demand higher standards for consistency and completion in each piece.
I overcame these challenges by continuously refining our production techniques, leading to significant growth in both technology and design.
9. How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?
When I feel creatively blocked, I usually choose to step away from daily work, seek inspiration in nature, or read books unrelated to design, which often helps rekindle my creativity. Moreover, communicating with team members can provide new perspectives, helping me break through bottlenecks.
10. What personal values or experiences do you infuse into your designs?
In my designs, I value functionality, aesthetics, and storytelling. Each piece of jewellery is designed with everyday use in mind, ensuring the wearer feels comfortable in any setting, allowing them to confidently express their personal style.
Additionally, I believe each product carries unique emotions and stories, which may stem from my personal experiences, cultural background, or design inspiration. This makes each piece of jewellery not just an ornament but a product capable of resonating emotionally with the wearer.
11. What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?
One key piece of advice for aspiring designers is to stay passionate and let your love for design fuel your creativity and perseverance.
12. If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any designer, it would be Victoire de Castellane. She is known for her unique and creative jewellery designs, full of colour and charm. Working with her would be a great chance to explore luxury jewellery and learn how to combine art with craftsmanship to create beautiful pieces that tell a story.
13. What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?
"What inspired you?"
My answer would be that I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including nature, everyday experiences, and the stories of people around me. These influences help shape my designs and keep my work fresh and meaningful.
