Sixu Gao
Sixu is a jewellery designer who graduated from Central Saint Martins. Influenced by her mother, she has developed a keen interest in feminist themes, exploring these ideas deeply in her work. Her creations focus on examining the roles and identities of women within traditional societal frameworks, using jewellery design as a means to challenge and redefine cultural stereotypes about women.
My collection, “Hidden Silver Flowers,” explores themes of feminism and femininity, inspired by my mother’s grey hair and her role as a mother. This project challenges societal expectations of women, focusing on the repression of individuality. My mother’s habit of dyeing her grey hair black reflects her struggle with aging and the belief that grey hair is less valuable than black. However, I view grey hair as a symbol of life’s fullness, experience, and renewal, akin to flowers in nature, which represent vitality.
In my work, I draw parallels between my mother’s concealed grey hair and the hidden floral motifs in women’s lingerie. I explore the undervalued textiles and tools traditionally associated with women, such as lace, yarn, and spinning. By spinning grey hair into silk threads and incorporating floral motifs into fabric jewelry, I highlight the sacred and powerful abilities of women while challenging societal demands.
Throughout my process, I have experimented with different spinning techniques, discovering that each fiber requires specific tools. Spinning grey hair with a spindle and then a spinning wheel, I found strength in the yarn I created, using it to crochet necklaces and lace patterns. This exploration underscores the complexity and strength inherent in tasks often perceived as simple.
My final collection consists of interactive pieces that celebrate the undervalued power and work of women. Through spinning lace fabrics and showcasing beautiful grey hair, I aim to honor and elevate the often-overlooked contributions of women in textiles and beyond.
Project Gallery
