We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Mimaya Dale about their original and creative Ring design work. Mimaya Dale is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original ring works.
Mimaya Dale ("MD") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Ohgi Ring. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
MD : The biggest inspiration of my design came from the divine meanings behind the Japanese folding fans. The shape of the fan opens 180 degrees and the shape is considered to bring endless luck. I believe in designing jewelry that have meanings and that is my principle. Therefore the ring is not only unique but also to bring graceful luck to people who wear it.
MD : My concept of jewelry is East meets West. My inspiration obviously came from the traditional Japanese culture and arts, but I also am deeply focused on integrating the culture into the western style, and that was my main focus on designing this ring.
MD : I would love to start designing in other fashion fields, such as clothing, shoes, and accessories that can open up more opportunities.
MD : The concept has been on my mind for a long time, maybe a few years.
MD : It was totally my inspiration. From this concept I became more certain what my style really is.
MD : I intend to produce my work myself and it is available to order on my website.
MD : My Japanese heritage and the history of the Japanese fan, it's beauty and for all its uses.
MD : The target for this jewelry is people who are interested in unique and meaningful artistic pieces of jewelry. Particularly people who love the Japanese culture and oriental fashion are the target customers.
MD : There are many pieces of Japanese inspired designed jewelry I believe, but it is not that easy to convey the meanings and messages into designing. I believe my designs convey in depth meanings and collaborate the idea with my style of designing.
MD : Ohgi means Japanese folding fans. It is a graceful word in the Japanese language and brings an elegant emotion when I hear it.
MD : Drawing on a sketch book, water color pencils, caliper, gemstones, carving wax, computer software.
MD : My designs represent who I am.
MD : There was no collaboration at all, purely a solo project.
MD : 3D computer software and printing play the most important role in this design.
MD : Studying the history of the Japanese Fan.
MD : Time, frustration with weight and measurements.
MD : People who know me well, kept on telling me "you should enter a design competition" . I never really saw my potentials before but I am glad I listened to them, Sometimes people know you better that you do!
MD : What I learned from this designing experience was that there is no right or wrong in designing, and there is not a set process in designing either. What matters the most is to believe in your own intuition, be persistent and keep pushing your limits. Because when you keep challenging yourself your designs get better and better, and you become a better designer.
