Qike Qilo Debuts at London Fashion Week 2024, Showcasing Sustainable and Diverse Materials
LONDON FASHION WEEK
Recently, London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 commenced, marking a significant milestone as the event celebrates its 40th anniversary. This year’s festivities highlight London’s creative community, its status as a leading global cultural hub, and its role in nurturing emerging talent. Among the standout participants was jewellery brand Qike Qilo, which made its debut at London Fashion Week with the Aqua Wave collection, captivating audiences with its unique charm.
Inspired by the fluid beauty of water, the Aqua Wave collection aims to showcase the purity and strength of water in nature through the art of jewellery. Designer Lei Qin envisioned this collection not only to bring an air of elegance and lightness to its wearers but also to convey a fashion ethos —that harmony between fashion and nature is possible, and beauty can coexist with environmental responsibility.
“I hope these designs inspire people to reconnect with nature amid the hustle and bustle of urban life. By wearing pieces from the Aqua Wave collection, individuals can express their respect for natural beauty and environmental conservation, while also reflecting a pursuit of refined living. Through this collection, I aim to convey more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a lifestyle and philosophy. Even in the glamour and fast pace of modern life, we can embrace an environmentally conscious and sustainable approach, respecting and protecting the natural world that sustains us,” shared Lei Qin.
The Aqua Waves jewellery collection draws its inspiration from the flow of water in nature and the interplay between light and water, reflecting the designer’s profound understanding of the depiction of simple, natural elements in both Eastern and Western art. “In Eastern painting, emotions are often conveyed through simplified brushstrokes and an emphasis on negative space, whereas Western art tends to capture the dynamism of nature and the effects of light and shadow with intricate details and layered techniques. In this collection, I’ve combined these two approaches, using clean, fluid lines to represent the movement of water, while employing modern jewellery-making techniques to meticulously render the textures of ripples and the interplay of light and shadow,” Lei Qin explained. “Through this fusion, I aimed to create a visual experience in jewellery design that embodies the tranquillity of Eastern philosophy alongside the dynamism and depth of Western art.”
With years of experience in the fashion industry, Lei Qin has developed a deep appreciation for jewellery as more than just an accessory—it is a powerful medium for expressing personal style and emotions. Her extensive background in fashion has nurtured her passion for the artistic and expressive potential of jewellery. To Lei Qin, every piece of jewellery holds a unique story and profound cultural significance.
During her time studying and living in the UK, Lei Qin was deeply inspired by local women’s love for jewellery. “They use jewellery to enhance their confidence and express individuality. Whether for everyday life or special occasions, jewellery is key to showcasing personal style,” she shared. “This reliance on jewellery sparked the idea for me to create my own brand, Qike Qilo. I aim to design jewellery that connects culture with personal expression, going beyond mere decoration.”
Lei Qin has always focused on blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design, incorporating natural elements and refined materials into her creations. This ensures her jewellery not only reflects the wearer’s style but also demonstrates respect for nature and culture. Her approach underscores her profound understanding of jewellery as more than a fashion accessory —it is a tool for both personal and cultural self-expression.
Lei Qin draws inspiration from the expansive worlds of nature, art, and architecture. The dot art of Yayoi Kusama and the Impressionist painters’ nuanced depictions of light and shadow have significantly influenced her design philosophy. “Kusama’s endless dots are more than visually striking; they represent limitless possibilities, encouraging me to create infinite creativity and variation in jewellery design. Similarly, Impressionist painters like Monet and Renoir have taught me to use materials and colours to capture the fleeting beauty of nature,” Lei Qin explained.
Natural landscapes encountered during her travels are another crucial source of inspiration. From the rise and fall of ocean waves to tranquil mountain springs and the stillness of deserts, every facet of nature ignites her creativity. For instance, the waves she observes represent more than water’s movement; they embody the union of strength and beauty, which she translates into dynamic and layered jewellery designs.
Looking ahead, Lei Qin plans to explore other natural elements, such as fire, wind, and earth, in her creations. “I aim to capture fire’s intensity and energy using orange gemstones and streamlined gold designs; to symbolise wind’s freedom and lightness with airy materials and flowing shapes; and to convey earth’s solidity and depth through robust metals and natural stones. These designs will not only enrich my brand language but also showcase how jewellery, as an artistic medium, can embody the profound connection and dialogue between humanity and nature,” she shared.
As times change, the profile of jewellery consumers is continuously evolving. Today, younger generations have emerged as a new force in jewellery consumption, bringing their own set of expectations. While their knowledge of jewellery may be somewhat limited, brand value has become a key influence on their purchasing decisions. The younger demographic often associates jewellery brands with trust and value alignment.
Lei Qin shared her perspective on these trends, “Firstly, consumers are placing significantly more importance on the emotional value and environmental attributes of jewellery. Modern consumers are no longer solely focused on luxury and appearance, but rather on the personality, emotions, and values that jewellery represents. Particularly, sustainability has become a critical factor when selecting jewellery. Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that use eco-friendly materials, responsibly mined gemstones, or recycled metals, reflecting their commitment to environmental protection and consideration for future generations. Secondly, the demand for personalisation and customisation has surged. As consumers’ desire for individuality grows, they want their jewellery to reflect their unique personal style and story. Customisation services offered by jewellery brands go beyond just size and style adjustments, involving the integration of personal preferences and life stories into the design from the very beginning. This approach makes jewellery not just an accessory, but a carrier of personal identity and narrative. Additionally, advancements in technology have changed the way jewellery is purchased and how consumers interact with brands. The rise of digitalisation and online shopping has made it easier for consumers to browse, customise, and purchase jewellery, while social media platforms have become key spaces for brands to showcase their designs, share stories, and engage with consumers. These technological developments not only enhance the convenience of purchasing but also deepen the connection between brands and their customers.”
Focusing on sustainability, environmental protection, corporate responsibility, and a greener planet, Lei Qin’s primary principle when selecting jewellery materials is eco-friendliness and sustainability. “I often use materials such as 18K recycled gold and non-toxic enamel. These materials help reduce environmental impact while maintaining the aesthetic appeal and durability of the products. In addition to the eco-friendly materials I currently use, I am actively exploring new material options to further expand the boundaries of my designs and enhance the functionality of the products. Currently, I am particularly focused on the development and application of several new materials, including lighter, more durable synthetic materials. These new materials not only offer additional durability and lightweight properties, but also open up a wider range of aesthetic design possibilities. For example, I am experimenting with a new type of synthetic gemstone, which is not only eco-friendly but also allows for customisable colours and gloss, offering visual effects that compete with natural gemstones.”
Furthermore, she is exploring the use of bio-based plastics and recycled metals, which provide an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional jewellery materials. Through these innovative materials, she hopes to launch more lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly jewellery that not only meets consumers’ demands for both fashion and functionality but also drives the entire jewellery industry toward a more sustainable future.
Looking ahead, Lei Qin revealed that Qike Qilo will continue collaborating with other sectors of the fashion industry, such as participating in international fashion weeks and co-branding projects with renowned fashion brands, to launch more jewellery pieces that blend natural beauty with modern design. “These collaborations will not only expand the brand’s market reach but also deepen its roots in the fashion industry, elevating the artistic and cultural value of my works.” In terms of promoting sustainability, Qike Qilo will remain committed to using innovative eco-friendly materials and technologies. “I plan to introduce more materials such as renewable metals and bio-based enamels to reduce environmental impact. Through continuous technological innovation, I aim to explore more effective methods of recycling and resource utilization, driving the green transformation of the entire fashion industry.”
Additionally, Lei Qin plans to collaborate with local British artists and sustainable fashion advocates to develop a new jewellery collection that will not only promote cultural exchange and fusion but also increase public awareness and support for eco-friendly fashion through fashion exhibitions and art events focused on environmental themes. “I also plan to host a series of jewellery design workshops and educational programs, aimed at teaching young designers and students in the UK and worldwide about sustainable design principles and techniques. Through education and training, I hope to inspire more young people to engage in eco-friendly design, further promoting sustainable development across the entire design industry.”
Lastly, she intends to launch a “Green Jewellery Program” in collaboration with environmental organizations, promoting jewellery leasing and recycling projects. “This will help reduce waste in the jewellery production and consumption process while offering consumers a more flexible and cost-effective way to use and own jewellery, driving the practice of a circular economy in the fashion industry.”
