Interview with Mao Lichen, Founder of CHIC Studio: Jewelry Inspired by Nature and Art

Interview with Mao Lichen, Designer Behind CHIC Studio: Fusing Nature and Art in Jewelry

Debris (D): Mao Lichen, thank you for joining us today! CHIC Studio has quickly gained attention for its beautiful fusion of nature and art. Can you tell us about your journey and how CHIC Studio came to life?

Mao Lichen (ML): Thank you for having me! CHIC Studio, also known as Li-Jing, which means "the realm of dawn," was born from my deep connection with nature and the beauty found in simple, organic forms. I have always been drawn to visual design and architecture, and after establishing my own clothing brand, I realized that I was yearning to create something even more personal—something that could connect art and nature. That's when I started creating jewelry that reflected my artistic values and personal aesthetic, which led to the founding of CHIC Studio in 2021.

D: The name "Li-Jing" is quite poetic. Can you tell us more about what it represents for your brand?

ML: "Li-Jing" embodies the stillness and beauty of dawn—those precious early moments when the world feels calm and the rhythm of life is palpable. I wanted to create a brand that would capture this sense of serenity and inner peace through jewelry. CHIC Studio's designs focus on bringing that tranquil energy into every piece, allowing wearers to experience that same calmness and reflective beauty throughout the day.

D: Your designs emphasize a delicate balance between simplicity and strength. How do you achieve this in your work?

ML: I believe in using natural materials that reflect the inherent power of nature. At the heart of CHIC Studio is black ebony, which is meticulously hand-carved and polished to showcase its raw, organic beauty. Ebony’s strength and grounded energy are central to our design philosophy. I pair this material with silver and natural gemstones to create a harmonious contrast that is both modern and timeless. Each piece feels personal, warm, and full of meaning.

D: Your “Shadow & Rebirth” collection has gained significant attention. What inspired this collection, and how does it reflect CHIC Studio's vision?

ML: The "Shadow & Rebirth" collection is a deeply personal project for me. It represents transformation, renewal, and the delicate balance of life. I use black ebony to symbolize strength, while silver and pearls evoke the cycle of rebirth and growth. Each piece in this collection requires hours of meticulous craftsmanship, including wire-wrapping techniques that take up to 8 hours per piece. The result is jewelry that tells a story of life’s natural cycles—of strength, beauty, and change.

D: How do you ensure that each piece of jewelry speaks to the individual wearer?

ML: I want every piece of CHIC Studio jewelry to be more than just an accessory; it’s meant to be an experience. By carefully selecting materials and incorporating organic textures, I create pieces that resonate on a deeper level. I believe that jewelry should evoke reflection and connect the wearer to nature’s inherent beauty. Whether it’s the calming energy of black ebony or the organic elegance of gemstones, each piece carries a story that encourages personal connection and self-expression.

D: The way you incorporate nature into your designs is fascinating. How do you ensure that each collection reflects this philosophy?

ML: Nature is our core inspiration. I focus on the small, often overlooked elements of nature—flowers, plants, the changing seasons—and infuse them into each design. Even a wilting flower holds beauty, and I aim to convey that organic elegance in each piece. By using materials like ebony, silver, and natural gemstones, I create a visual dialogue that connects the wearer to the earth and its cycles.

D: What makes CHIC Studio’s jewelry stand out in the competitive jewelry industry?

ML: What sets CHIC Studio apart is our deep reverence for nature, combined with our commitment to craftsmanship. Many jewelry brands focus on either aesthetics or symbolism, but we believe both should coexist. We don’t just create beautiful pieces—we create jewelry that tells a story and resonates emotionally with the wearer. Each design is an expression of our commitment to simplicity, strength, and nature, offering a connection to the natural world through art.

D: What can we expect from CHIC Studio in the future? Are there any exciting new projects or collections on the horizon?

ML: We’re always evolving, constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques. We’re working on a collection that explores the harmony between opposites—light and dark, soft and hard. It’s about finding balance in life and in our designs. We’re also looking into collaborations with other creatives to bring fresh perspectives and new ideas into CHIC Studio.

D: Finally, what message would you like to share with your audience?

ML: I want to encourage everyone to find beauty in the simplicity of nature. CHIC Studio is more than just jewelry—it’s about creating a meaningful connection between the wearer, the design, and the world around us. Our creations are meant to evoke reflection, calm, and a sense of belonging to nature. Thank you for supporting our journey and embracing the philosophy of CHIC Studio.

D: Thank you, Mao Lichen, for sharing your vision and journey with us. We can’t wait to see how CHIC Studio continues to evolve and inspire!

ML: Thank you very much for your time as well!