Kajal Naina Sherchan Rai

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Kajal Naina Sherchan Rai ("KNSR") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

KNSR : I was originally trained as a dentist. In 2016 I decided to quit dentistry and pursue my passion for creativity. I joined Jewelry Design and Management International School in Singapore and got my Diploma in Jewelry Designing and Diploma in Fashion Jewelry. I also did a number of certificate courses related to jewelry making. In 2017 I registered my own company in Singapore and have been designing and manufacturing my designs since then. Currently, I am in the process of finishing my Graduate pearl degree from GIA.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

KNSR : I love creating beautiful things. I became a designer to give outlet to all my feelings and emotions through my art. It was a way for me to overcome the challenges I faced in life. I want to inspire and send a message to others facing their hurdles in life to find a passion worth living for. Because with my passion and knowledge, I want to impact people in a positive way, be in a position to help not only myself but others too and in doing so live a life greater than me, which my mother always inspired me to aim for.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

KNSR : I chose to become a designer.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

KNSR : I have been designing jewelries that that inspiration from nature using gold and diamonds and different colored gemstones. Since I started, I realize I am being more and more attracted to the beauty of pearls. I love working with pearls too and will definitely be incorporating them extensively in my designs.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

KNSR : Have a good understanding of jewelry making, artistic elements and also collaborate with manufacturers to make sure that it is produceable.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

KNSR : A good designer makes a beautiful creation but a great designer combines beauty and art in such a way that the jewellery can have a profound affect on the wearer both emotionally and physically. His creations : empower the wearer, shows their hopes and dreams and in many cases gives them the pieces to fit their life stories.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

KNSR : A good design goes goes beyond simple adornment, it becomes a timeless piece that can become a family heirloom to be passed down generations.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

KNSR : A good design is beautiful, wearable and pulls the outfit together. A good design hardly goes out of style and can be worn for generations. If the wearer connects with the design it can give make her feel loved and special.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

KNSR : In contemporary Jewelry designers Cindy Chao, Joel Arthur Rosenthal, Hammerle.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

KNSR : Keep designing. I believe one gets better and better with every project accomplished.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

KNSR : Definitely become a painter. It was very coincidental but I realized just now that in recent years I have been painting waterfalls and flowers just like I was obsessing over this theme in this particular necklace. I recently started painting portraits because I am loving exploring the human face in my art.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

KNSR : Many people out of which if I have to name one it's definitely my husband Suraj. He has shown unconditional love, support and belief in me which allowed me to flourish and move ahead without fear.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KNSR : From what others tell me, it's my eye for detail,

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

KNSR : I would like to say that when someone buys my jewelry they are not just buying a piece of jewelry. They are buying My design and reputation My ability to select the right materials for them My ability to assemble a lasting piece of jewelry My ability to communicate interesting information about what they wear Hence I strive to give them my best.