CHIC Studio, founded by designer Mao Lichen in 2021, takes inspiration from its poetic Chinese name, "Li-Jing," meaning "the realm of dawn." The name symbolizes the serene moments of early morning, where one can immerse themselves in the soft glow of the sunrise, listen to the earth's breath, and feel the rhythm of life. This tranquil energy is deeply embedded in every piece CHIC Studio creates, offering wearers a connection to nature's pure beauty.

CHIC Studio explores the use of natural materials, carefully balancing texture, form, and emotion to create a harmonious fusion of nature and art. Through their thoughtful craftsmanship, CHIC Studio brings the wearer's inner peace to the forefront, allowing each piece to evoke a sense of calm and reflection. The brand’s vision is not just to adorn but to inspire—helping each wearer experience art in its most intimate form.

Mao Lichen, the visionary behind CHIC Studio, has a background rooted in visual design and architecture. After starting her career in a 4A advertising company and later establishing her own clothing brand, Mao realized she was drawn to creating personal expressions of beauty. Finding a lack of jewelry that truly resonated with her sense of design, she began to craft her own pieces, focusing on materials that reflected her personal taste and artistic values.

With a deep and enduring affinity for black, Mao discovered the unique qualities of black ebony (zitan), a material that became the foundation of her designs. She was captivated by its steady, warm, and mysterious qualities, which convey a sense of strength and tranquility. Her designs combine black ebony with silver and natural gemstones, creating pieces that are bold yet understated, blending the earthy essence of nature with sophisticated craftsmanship.y is something I deeply cherish and strive to capture in my work.

At CHIC Studio, nature serves as the core inspiration, with all designs crafted from pure, natural materials. We draw inspiration from the microcosms of the natural world, using the cycles of flowers and plants as creative elements. In my view, even a wilting flower holds beauty, and I aim to infuse that sense of organic elegance into each piece I create.

CHIC Studio’s brand conception revolves around the perfect balance of natural beauty and craftsmanship. The brand's foundation material, black ebony, is meticulously hand-carved and polished, allowing every piece to reflect the unique qualities of the wood. The use of black ebony speaks to the brand’s core philosophy: a celebration of simplicity, strength, and the raw power of nature. Each piece is handcrafted with care, giving the jewelry a warmth and individuality that distinguishes it from mass-produced items.

Every CHIC Studio creation is a reflection of nature’s inherent beauty, capturing the textures, forms, and emotions found in the natural world. Through their craft, Mao Lichen and her team seek to create a meaningful connection between the designer and the wearer, allowing the art to serve as a bridge for emotional expression. Whether through the interplay of different materials or the delicate carving of natural textures, CHIC Studio’s jewelry embodies both artistic thought and serene simplicity.

CHIC Studio’s product line is a testament to the brand’s dedication to natural materials and refined craftsmanship. At the heart of every collection is black ebony, a material revered for its calming and grounding qualities. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike, which adds a personal touch to every creation. The collections focus on the interplay between black ebony, silver, and natural gemstones, creating a visual contrast that is both timeless and contemporary.

The signature collection, "Shadow & Rebirth," exemplifies CHIC Studio's labor-intensive craftsmanship, with each piece requiring hours of handwork, including wire-wrapping techniques that can take up to 8 hours per piece. The collection combines the warmth of black ebony with the cool elegance of silver and pearls, evoking themes of renewal, transformation, and the delicate balance of nature. Each piece is more than jewelry—it’s a work of art that carries the essence of nature’s tranquility and strength.

With every collection, CHIC Studio seeks to offer wearers not only a beautiful piece of jewelry but also an experience—a connection to the natural world and an opportunity for self-expression through art.