YAHN ADAM: Exclusive Interview

By Eva Fydrych

"Fashion is incomplete without accessories"

Zeus' Talon Ring by Yahn Adam (Photo courtesy of the designer)

Yahn Adam is a self-taught jewellery artist based in Singapore. Inspired by his childhood memories and fueled by the pursuit of happiness, Yahn Adam always tells a story through his unique pieces. In his designing process, he tries to find a perfect balance between different opposites: masculinity and femininity or light and darkness. His jewellery is fearless and full of character and the young designer is already making a strong statement on the Singapore fashion scene.

In an exclusive interview for Fashion Studio Magazine, Yahn Adam talks about the beginning, the present and the future of his fashion career.

Yahn Adam

Occupation: Jewellery Designer
City: Singapore

Lookbook "Theseus: Minotaur" (Photo courtesy of Yahn Adam)

FASHION STUDIO: How did you get interested in jewellery design?

YAHN ADAM: In 2010, I took part in Star Creation, a regional fashion contest jointly organised by Textile & Fashion Federation (Singapore) and Audi Fashion Festival. I was the only self-taught finalist and I had one of the greatest opportunities as a young designer then to be able to showcase my collection at Audi Fashion Festival's Gala Night which was attended by noted fashion industry players and celebrities.

Although I didn't cliched one of the top 3 prizes, I scored a separate internship at FJ Benjamin, an international fashion distributor, where I assisted in designing RAOUL's Spring/Summer 2011 accessory collection. That is where I discovered a hidden interest in jewellery.

FASHION STUDIO: What was the first thing you ever designed?

YAHN ADAM: Friendship band for my pre-school teacher.

FASHION STUDIO: How would you define the style your work exemplifies? 

YAHN ADAM: I would describe it as contemporary yet edgy. The collections were designed for the undeterred, resilient men and women who dare to go against all odds. When it comes to Yahn Adam, every moment is an opportunity for a fashion statement. With the perfect accessory, even the simplest outfit can be instantly glammed up. Its either you live it or miss it. We invite discerning jewellery hunters to live it up in true one-of-a-kind style.

Theseus' Helmet Rings (Photo courtesy of Yahn Adam)

FASHION STUDIO: What is your brand's mission and how do you promote it?

YAHN ADAM: Our mission is to create and share the joy of edgy quality fashion jewellery that will be used and loved by our valued customers without being affected by fashion trends. Through constant innovation, we seek to delight and surprise our customers with products of superior design and quality. To do so, we pay close attention to details and only high quality materials/gemstones are selected in the process. The various textures and colour contrasts provide a stunning effect, the perfect touch of glamour and sophistication for a fabulous day out.

FASHION STUDIO: What has been your biggest challenge so far?

YAHN ADAM: Bringing the label globally. Although there have been several progressive support for local talents such as Singapore Designer Work Attachment Programme, "Wear Emerging Designers" Campaign and PARCO Next NEXT's incubator programme, I feel that as a local young designer, there is still a need to know where we stand in the international market.

FASHION STUDIO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

YAHN ADAM: Mostly childhood memories; colours and stories of the past intrigued me most. I am and has always been an introvert. I see Art as a platform to express myself. 

Minotaur Large Pendant Necklace (Photo courtesy of Yahn Adam)

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe your fashion style?

YAHN ADAM: At events, I'm usually very casual. I would be seen in shirt and jeans but heavy with accessories. My current favourite accessory obsession would be Theseus Helmet Ring from my latest collection, "Theseus: Minotaur". It's a versatile piece where it can be both bold and sophisticated for everyday wear.

FASHION STUDIO: What is the best fashion tip you've ever received?

YAHN ADAM: Fashion is incomplete without accessories. Know what to bare, and what to keep under wraps.

FASHION STUDIO: What are your favourite shopping spots in Singapore?

YAHN ADAM: It would be Arab Street. A good mix of quality traditional handicrafts as well as some amazing vintage pieces.

FASHION STUDIO: Which famous jewellery designers do you admire?

YAHN ADAM: Pamela Love, Eddie Borgo and Aurelie Bidermann. I greatly admire their works and if there are opportunities, I would love to work with any of them.

Minotaur's Fang 2 - Finger Ring (Photo courtesy of Yahn Adam)

FASHION STUDIO: What advice would you give to all aspiring designers? What are the most common mistakes they should avoid?

YAHN ADAM: Never to allow anyone to slow you down, never be made to feel that you are not good enough. There are people out there who will try to bring you down with hurtful words or give you false hopes but to my dearest aspiring designers, most importantly, never doubt yourself. TRUST YOUR INSTINCT.

FASHION STUDIO: What motivates you to do what you do? 

YAHN ADAM: I'll have to say it was my childhood's love for fashion being the catalyst that drives me to do what I do today. I graduated with a Diploma in Intelligent Building Technology and it wasn't my choice to pursue engineering. Nonetheless, I strongly believe being an engineering student then has made me the person of character that I am today: determined and innovative. Although I have minimal interests in my tertiary courseworks then, I have to emphasise that I did not have the slightest intention of quitting or dropping out of school. I was more busy flipping through the editorial pages of fashion magazines than to pay attention in lectures or do my assignments. I would then spend my time in the lecture hall daydreaming about having a fashion show of my own. And I've always dream of becoming the top student in an Art/Fashion institution. So upon graduation, feeling unsatisfied, I decided to self-teach fashion design, with a seamstress as a mentor.

Labyrinth Stack Rings (Photo courtesy of Yahn Adam)

FASHION STUDIO: Where can we find out more about or purchase your work? 

YAHN ADAM: You may visit the label's website at www.yahnadam.com to find out more about what we do and our collection is currently stocking at Gnossem, 735B North Bridge Road, Level 2. GNOSSEM is a newly fashion portal dedicated to bringing you some of the worlds best independent designers.

FASHION STUDIO: What projects are you currently working on?

YAHN ADAM: I can't disclose much, but what I can tell now is that I am actually in the midst of doing a customised ring design for a client. My 3rd collection is already in the pipeline which will be out early next year and hopefully 2013 will be another great year for Yahn Adam.

FASHION STUDIO: Where do you see yourself in the future? What would you like to achieve as a designer?

YAHN ADAM: Taking the label to the international platform and to have a flagship store to house my collections. It would be great to be able to further fine tune my craft in design, as I strongly believe in whatever I do, there is always room for improvement. As a designer, one should not limit themselves to just a fashion line but also to be able to design several other accessory type. I feel that being versatile is the key.