London Design Awards interviewee - Kevin Ching

1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.

I am the Founder and Creative Director of BIG HORN, a designer eyewear brand. I have been involved in the eyewear industry since 2011 and my passion for design began in my teenage years. I have successfully turned my love for fashion and eyewear into a career, developing avant-garde and fashion-forward eyewear styles for my label. My vision is to create designs that are accessible to everyone, and I have achieved this by producing unisex styles.

In addition to my commitment to fashion, I am also dedicated to sustainability. Since 2018, I have been using sustainable materials for my collections as part of my major project to protect the environment and promote ethical production practices. I have established myself as a prominent figure in the eyewear design world, and my designs have won numerous international awards for my butterfly eyewear. I am also a member of the United States Accessories Council and China Fashion Designer Association (Accessories field) respectively.

My designs have been featured in prominent publications such as Vogue (UK), Tatler (UK), Traveller (UK), Candid, WWD, GQ Brazil, Pump Magazine, Picton' Magazine, Numero, and more. Many celebrities, artists, and stylists from the United States and the United Kingdom have expressed their interest in my designs. I have collaborated with notable brands including Justice League and Swarovski.

2. What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?

After joining to eyewear industry, it was found that people had no many choices to select eyewear. There had many styles as same or similar, just different brands. Therefore, I tried to design something different for my brand that the styles based on the trend and fashion to satisfy people

3. Tell us more about your agency/company, job profile, and what you do.

I tried to do different research via primary data and secondary data from the fashion industry, including magazines and fashion show. I always review those data to evaluate a coming trend and needs for people. It helps me to have more inspirations and ideas to make good designs for people. Of course, my job is including making new drawing and gather new materials and colors for coming collections.

4. What does “design” mean to you?

Design means a combination of innovation, creativity, problem-solving, and art. During design, there must have some problems to solve, especially technical issues. Also, a design must require the elements of innovation, creativity, and art that they can assist to make new designs after combination.

5. What’s your favorite kind of design and why?

My favorite kind of design is polygonal design. The polygonal design is simple and easy to create different shapes or combinations with different designs or more varieties.

6. To you, what makes a “good” design?

A "good" design will depend on the specific context and goals of the project. For me, a good design should be able to perform its intended function effectively, should be innovative, and should be environmentally friendly and socially responsible now.

7. How did you come up with the idea for your award-winning design?

I believe that sustainability is the main important topic for all products now. Also, it is not talking about sustainability only, shall talk about reducing wastage. Therefore, I designed this collection by using bio-based and biodegradable materials. Meanwhile, people can buy the parts for replacement if damaged or changing styles. In the end, it is eliminated the impact for the earth. About the designs for this collection, I designed 3 fashion eye shapes. The eye shapes included rounded, rectangle, and wayfarer respectively. It looks smart and trendy. Meanwhile, the temple design included the embossing surface. The texture is sharp and strong, and it looks distinctive. In addition, there has difficult colors to select and matching. People can select what they like and match with different dress to show off their styles.

8. What was your main source of inspiration for this design?

The design concept from the Fashion show, it based on the trend to estimate the needs. Also, I always read different magazines from different countries, especially fashion magazines and optical magazines. I stimulate and assist me to brainstorm about the styles and trends. I don

9. Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

I don't think that my country has something to impact on my design process. Actually, Design is a creative process that involves problem-solving and creating solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Cultural heritage can play a significant role in this process, influencing the design choices made by individuals and communities. Cultural heritage encompasses the beliefs, customs, practices, and traditions of a particular group or society. It can include everything from art and literature to architecture and design. Cultural heritage is often passed down from generation to generation and can have a profound impact on the way people think, behave, and create. In the design process, cultural heritage can influence the materials used, the colors chosen, and the overall aesthetic of the design. For example, in traditional Japanese design, natural materials such as wood and paper are often used, and the color palette is typically subdued and earthy. This aesthetic is influenced by the natural landscapes of Japan and the country's emphasis on simplicity and harmony. In other words, the cultural heritage have some impact on me that my design mixed the cultures of European and Chinese. It is because people love different culture. They love to have some designs to have Chinese culture or European culture that look different. Therefore, I also take it into account for designing some new products by using such ideas, including heritage building or antique products. Trying to fulfill what they need.

10. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

The award is very important for me because it is recognized my works and designs. Also, it could assist to promote the brand and designs. The designers will be recognized by people too.

11. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the London Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

I chose this collection to enter into the London Design Awards, because I want to promote and highlight about the sustainable eyewear, not only my eyewear design. It is because I believe that sustainable fashion is the trend and it is more and more important for us now. Therefore, I designed this collection, and used it for participation.

12. What were the main challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?

There has the big impact on the development, because the sunglasses are not done by injection. They made by acetate. It is not easy to match with different parts perfectly if there required changing with the new pair. However, the technical team in factory assisted to modify the shape of the temple that it is more easier to fit into the front, even the new pair. As a result, we could develop such things to people, and achieve our goal.

13. How do you think winning this award will impact your future as a designer?

For winning awards, it recognized my work. I am impressed that the design direction for my brand is correct too. It encourages me to focus on designs, and make more new designs for people. People need designs, and designs for people.

14. What are your top three (3) favorite things about the design industry?

The design industry is a fascinating field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from graphic design and industrial design to fashion design and architecture. Here are three great things about the design industry as I think:
1. Creativity: One of the most compelling aspects of the design industry is the opportunity to express creativity. Designers have the freedom to experiment with different colors, shapes, textures, and materials to create something unique and beautiful. It's incredibly rewarding to see an idea take shape and come to life through the creative process.
2. Problem-solving: Designers are problem-solvers at heart. They have the skills and expertise to identify problems and create solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether it's designing a user-friendly website or a comfortable piece of furniture, designers are always looking for ways to improve people's lives through design.
3. Collaboration: Design is a collaborative process that involves working with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. Designers must be able to communicate effectively and work well with others to bring a project to fruition. The design industry offers opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds and disciplines, which can be both challenging and rewarding.
In other words, the design industry is an exciting and dynamic field that offers opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

15. What sets your design apart from others in the same category?

Design is a highly competitive field, and standing out from the crowd can be a challenge. To create a design that sets itself apart from others in the same category, it's essential to focus on a few key areas:

Innovation: One of the most effective ways to create a design that stands out is to innovate. This means thinking outside the box and exploring new ideas and techniques. An innovative design can capture people's attention and leave a lasting impression.

User Experience: A design that prioritizes user experience can also set itself apart from others in the same category. A good design should be intuitive, easy to use, and functional. By focusing on the needs of the user, a designer can create a design that stands out from the competition.

Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is critical in design. Small touches can make a big difference and set a design apart from others in the same category. By paying close attention to typography, color, and spacing, a designer can create a design that is visually appealing and memorable.

Brand Identity: A design that effectively communicates a brand's identity and values can also set itself apart from others in the same category. By understanding a brand's personality and target audience, a designer can create a design that resonates with people and sets the brand apart from its competitors.

Quality: Finally, the quality of a design can set it apart from others in the same category. A well-executed design that is crafted with care and attention to detail can elevate a brand and establish it as a leader in its field.

Lastly, I think that the most important on the design is everything from the heart. Think about needs, think about people. As a result, you will make the good designs.

16. Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

There has many fashion brands trying to go into the metaverse now. I believe that the designs in the future will focus on metaverse (including NFT), not only product designs. Product design is important, but NFTs become more important too.


17. What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create award-winning designs?

See more, and think more about people. Design always from the heart. When focusing on people more, you will come up to know what people want and need. Meanwhile, trying to absorb more different things and digest them to inspire designs and trend.

18. What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?

Trying to learn from designers that you like. Think about their designs concept, inspiration, and story. Digest their design why they did such designs for people. Also, learn more from their experience. Trying to make your mind wider, and use different view and angles to make your own designs.

19. Tell us something you have never told anyone else.

I always make the designs at night time, because I can concentrate my mind to make the designs in that time, especially after mid-night. Don't know why, maybe this is my habits.

20. Who has inspired you in your life and why?

People always inspire me in my life. I always try to look for their needs, and think about the trend to make my designs. It is the reason why the slogan of my brand is "Designed for People, Designed for you".

21. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Look for people, take care of them, think of them from the heart, design for them from the heart.

Winning Entry

2023
London Design Awards Winner - Magical by Winky International Ltd
BIG HORN

Entrant Company

Winky International Ltd

Category

Product Design - Accessories