Yiqing Xie

This jewellery piece is crafted from brass and loofah, drawing inspiration from the traditional labour tool—the apron—while incorporating loofah, a sustainable material commonly used as a natural dish scrubber. This unique combination not only reimagines the traditional roles associated with household labour but also emphasises the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in design.

Loofah is an exceptionally eco-friendly material; it is biodegradable and renewable, reflecting a growing awareness of our environmental impact. By utilising loofah, I am committed to promoting sustainable practices within the fashion and jewellery industries, which often contribute to environmental degradation through the use of non-renewable resources. In this piece, I aim to challenge conventional material usage and inspire others to rethink their choices by showcasing the beauty and versatility of sustainable alternatives.

Moreover, this piece serves as a catalyst for dialogue surrounding the gendered division of household labour. The apron symbolises the often-unrecognised work done within the home, primarily by women, while the loofah represents the everyday tools that facilitate this labour. By merging these elements, I intend to provoke deeper reflection on the value of domestic work and its implications in contemporary society.

Through this work, I hope to encourage an appreciation for the complexities of household labour and to spark conversations about how we can collectively support a more equitable distribution of these tasks. This piece is not just jewellery; it is a social call to re-examine the value of domestic labour and consider how to achieve gender equality in modern society.