Traditional Taiwanese Window Grilles Become International Fashion: 'Mother-of-Pearl Princess' Chen Hsi-ya Infuses Pingtung Warmth into Jewelry

Jewelry designer Stacy Chen, dubbed the "Mother-of-Pearl Princess," is bringing traditional Taiwanese culture to the international stage with her latest collection. Chen, who has returned to her hometown in Pingtung, draws inspiration from the intricate window grilles found in traditional Minnan architecture.

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Those seemingly ordinary old window grilles are not just architectural decorations, but also embody the elders' deep blessings for family peace, prosperity, and reunion.

Her "Taiwanese Window Grille Series" collection masterfully blends the warm luster of mother-of-pearl with the symbolic motifs of these old houses. These window grilles, often adorned with blessings for family safety and prosperity, are transformed into wearable art pieces that carry the warmth and memories of her hometown.

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Mother-of-pearl's natural iridescence, refracting under different lights, is like the traces of time, echoing the charm of old window grilles that have weathered the years.

Chen, who has received numerous international awards and was the first Taiwanese designer to grace the cover of JADEITE magazine, emphasizes the connection between the iridescent quality of mother-of-pearl and the enduring charm of aged window lattices. She aims for each piece to resonate with warmth, allowing wearers to appreciate the deep stories of Taiwan's land alongside the dazzling brilliance of the jewelry.

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I hope each piece can carry warmth, allowing the wearer to experience the deep stories of Taiwan's land while feeling its brilliant radiance.

As the vice secretary-general of the Taiwan Jewelry Designers Association and a judge for TISDC, Chen plans to continue drawing inspiration from old houses, the ocean, and Pingtung's stories. Through her designs, she seeks to showcase the beauty and heritage of Pingtung to the world via exquisite jewelry.

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In the future, I will continue to use old houses, the ocean, and Pingtung stories as inspiration, using design to speak to the world, letting the globe see the beauty and depth of Pingtung through dazzling jewelry.