Chiyang Duan is Leading the Way in Sculptural Accessories

At Red-Eye, we thrive on spotlighting creators who redefine the boundaries of design, art, and technology, and Chiyang Duan’s work stands as a prime example of this convergence. As an emerging force in accessories and jewelry design, Chiyang crafts pieces that challenge conventions, merging digital precision with artisanal craftsmanship to create objects that are equal parts futuristic statement and wearable art. His portfolio, enriched by a stellar educational foundation and a series of high-profile collaborations, reflects an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.

Chiyang honed his craft at two of the most prestigious institutions for design. He earned a Master’s in Fashion Accessories from the Royal College of Art (2020–2022), where he refined his experimental approach to materials and form. Before that, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Jewellery and Object Design at BCU School of Jewellery in Birmingham (2017–2020), establishing a strong technical foundation that is evident in his meticulously crafted pieces.

Portrait of Chiyang Duan by @zouwillian wearing 'Distorted Objects'

Chiyang’s professional journey is marked by prestigious collaborations that highlight his ability to innovate within the realms of luxury design. Among these is his 2024 project with Hermès, where he created The Camail, a groundbreaking multi-functional leather accessory. This piece can be transformed into various forms, functioning as a helmet, waist armor, a handheld object, or fully opened into a series of flat patterns.

Inspired by the Hermès Camails Scarf series designed by Françoise de la Perrière in 1974, The Camail embodies a dialogue between heritage and modernity. Crafted in the iconic PORTIRON color using VEAU leather, it showcases the exceptional skill of Hermès artisans, merging time-honored craftsmanship with Chiyang’s forward-thinking design. This collaboration exemplifies his ability to reinterpret classic elements through a contemporary lens, creating pieces that honor tradition while reimagining functionality.

His talent has been recognised by the industry’s most esteemed accolades. In 2024, he won the Grand Jury Prize at the 39th Hyères International Festival of Accessories, a prestigious honor that firmly establishes him as a leading voice in contemporary design. He was also a semi-finalist for the Enjoia’t Jewellery Prize the same year, further highlighting his creative excellence.

In 2023, he won gold in the accessory subcategory of the IDA International Design Awards, underscoring the technical brilliance and originality of his designs. Earlier in his career, he received dual gold awards at the 5th Global Footwear Awards (2020), recognized for both fashion innovation in footwear and the use of bio-fabricated materials—a testament to his pioneering approach to sustainability and material experimentation.

Chiyang’s designs are characterized by their bold, sculptural quality, where geometric precision meets fluidity. His choice of materials—metallic finishes, transparent resins, and experimental textures—conveys a futuristic sensibility. The result is a collection of accessories that feel like architectural statements, carefully engineered to function as wearable art. His signature bag jewelry, for instance, redefines how accessories interact with everyday objects, elevating them into objects of intrigue and desirability.

The aesthetic is stark yet playful, with elements that seem to defy gravity or challenge conventional notions of balance and symmetry. His ability to juxtapose sharp lines with softer, more organic forms creates a dynamic tension in his work, making each piece not only a fashion statement but also a conversation starter.

The artist's work frequently explores themes of transformation, adaptability, and the fusion of technology with craftsmanship. His portfolio demonstrates a fascination with modularity, offering designs that can be reconfigured or layered to suit different purposes and aesthetics. This approach reflects a modern design philosophy that values personal expression and functionality, while also engaging with the broader discourse on sustainability in fashion.

Another key aspect of Chiyang work is his ability to tell stories through design. Pieces feel imbued with a narrative, whether it’s about the evolution of form, the interplay of light and shadow, or the ways in which objects can shift between art and utility. This storytelling element elevates his work, making it resonate on both a visual and emotional level.

With an impressive roster of achievements and collaborations, Chiyang Duan has cemented his place as a rising star in the world of accessories and jewelry design. His work reflects an inspiring blend of technical mastery, conceptual depth, and a forward-thinking vision that redefines contemporary design. His trajectory is one to watch, as he continues to shape the future of fashion accessories with sophistication and innovation.

Article by @danieleverse

Image Courtesy of @ch2cha

Photography @zouwillian

On the cover model Bo Sun (@the98bo)

RED•EYE WORLD