JCAMD Alumni is a cover star

Yuki Saito, a graduate of the BA Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Crafts course at the Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design (JCAMD), has been making waves in the international fashion scene.

Last month, Yuki was featured on the cover and inside pages of Italian style magazine NP and in a six-page section of UK magazine Sublime. In addition her work is currently being showcased at the new window gallery at Canary Wharf until the 28 February.

Yuki came to the UK as an export fashion buyer from her home country of Japan. She went on to study Jewellery and Silversmithing at London Metropolitan, where she developed an interest in wig making. Since graduating in 2004, she has worked as a freelance designer gaining valuable experience in many different fields.

Yuki’s studio is based at Cockpit Arts in Holborn. She is passionate about the baroque French period for its drama and theatricality. Her creations use a variety of construction processes such as felt making and jewellery techniques, and are inspired by her mother who was a hairdresser in Japan.

The wigs have been used in theatre productions, operas, window displays, on the catwalk and for corporate events. Her work has been showcased as part of a special Christmas window display for Selfridges London, at London Fashion Week and most recently at a Creative Industries event held at Coutts Bank London. Speaking of her work, Yuki said: 'By using unconventional materials my work communicates a set of moral values not based around riches and high society but rather quality and love.'

Recalling her time at JCAMD, Yuki said: ‘The course gave me lots of freedom to design. It was also very informative about design history, which was really useful. I learned that designing is a deep thing to do. I would love to say 'Thank you' to all my teachers who taught me at Sir John Cass jewellery workshop.’ Asked what advice she would give would-be designers, Yuki added: ‘Believe in yourself, follow your work and heart.’

Read more about Yuki Saito and her work:
http://www.yukiness.com

26 February 2008