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Voice on the High street – Jianhui London

We sat down with Jianhui Yan, founder of Jianhui London, to find out more about his business

Talk me through your personal story as a designer and how that reflects in the company?

I studied ceramics in China and then came to the UK where I studied for an MBA.

One time when I was preparing for a return visit to China I decided to make my mother some jewellery similar to what I had seen the women in London wearing. I picked up second-hand pieces in Portobello Road and recreated the beautiful flowers that captured my childhood imagination. It is from creating these original designs that Jianhui London was born.

Over the past six years since then company has flourished.

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What are the main features of your designs?

Sustainable materials.

Where do you gather your inspiration from?

Nature. When I was a boy in China I would spend my days in the mountains and I became fascinated by nature. I loved looking at the wonderful array of flowers with their bright pinks, purples and oranges. Nowadays I am also inspired by London and its people.

How do you manage to bring your environmental message to some trends today that do not acknowledge it in their designs?

We carry on doing whatever we believe in. Using recycled material to create something our customers want and let them enjoy the beauty of ‘repurposed jewellery’ and reflect on it.

What have been some of the challenges your company has had to overcome?

To be recognised initially. Then after we started doing shows in different continents, cultural differences become an issue sometimes.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

I was praised by famous Italian designer Ellio Fiorucci, he said: “This is the most beautiful eco friendly design i have ever seen”, when I first showed Pashmina Collection in Milan.

My other biggest accomplishment was to be invited by Lisbon fashion week as the only British designer to showcase my Pashmina Collection during their 20th anniversary.

Do you have any expectations for your company in the next five years?

We are hoping that our newly designed online store will reach a new a new audience world wide.

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