Maria Lau is an independent designer who is carving out a niche for creating luxury concept jewellery that is wearable and covetable, yet non-conformist. Blurring the boundary between jewellery and clothing, Maria handcrafts with a mix of materials, such as hosiery, shock-cord elastic and semi-precious stones.
Maria launched her label in 2008 at Treasure – London Jewellery Week. Susannah Lau of Stylebubble.com named Maria as one of her favourite up-and-coming designers and describes the jewellery as a ‘harmony between casual and luxury’. The debut collection ‘A Skin Less Ordinary’ and consequent ranges were sold successfully by renowned fashion jewellery retailer Kabiri, both in their flagship stores and through Selfridges in London.
Originally trained in BA (Hons) Textile Crafts at The University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, Maria went on to graduating from The Royal College of Art in 2003 with a Masters in Media Textiles.
British-born and bilingual with Cantonese parentage, a strong fusion of cultures and mixed perceptions have always been present in Maria's life. Her choice of materials and play with irony and conventions reflect this dual heritage. Using music to fuel stories and characters, Maria blends this world with influences taken from tribal jewellery and world cultures, creating unique collections with depth and meaning.
Maria Lau is based in London, and has worked with new and established fashion houses and retailers, including Hussein Chalayan, Michiko Koshino, DKNY, as well as Harrods.
All Maria Lau jewellery is handmade and finished in the UK.
Image credits (from left): Nude Twisted Collar with Hosiery - A Skin Less Ordinary – Spring Summer 2009 (Ruby Black), Dark Tales – Autumn Winter 2009 (Maria Lau), Two Planets – Spring Summer 2011 (Georgia Hudson)