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KARIN CHIU

GET TO KNOW KARIN

Karin Chiu is a theatrical costume designer who has embraced the beauty of cultural fusion, creating pieces that blend Chinese and Western aesthetics. She is appreciated for all forms of art and design, which she incorporates into her work to create something entirely new. Her designs are often inspired by incorporating elements from different cultures and times in order to create something unique. She also takes pleasure in seeking out materials that have been used throughout history; these provide texture and depth to her creations as well as add a story behind them. 

 

The concept of blending cultures together can be seen throughout Karin’s work; it is not simply about combining two distinct styles but rather finding commonalities between them or creating something entirely new from their combination. She is interested in creating a beautiful contrast between two very different styles while still maintaining harmony within the piece itself. By embracing both sides equally she demonstrates how we can find unity through diversity without sacrificing our individual identities or traditions along the way 

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Karin Chiu

Karin Chiu holds a Master of Arts in East/West Theatre Studies and has served as a Panel Member for the Career Oriented Curriculum Programme for Hong Kong Secondary Schools, appointed by the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation in 2009. She graduated in set and costume design from the Hong Kong Academy of Performance Art. Emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, Karin values education beyond traditional settings, drawing insights from mentors, industry professionals, and her personal network. She welcomes the opportunity to discuss how her academic background can benefit you, so feel free to reach out.

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AWARDS

Silver Medal Costume Design

Silver Medal Award in the “Costume Design” category at the prestigious “World Stage Design 2005 – An International Exhibition of Set, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design” for the productions “Pinocchio” and “Journey to the West”. 

International Design Award of World of WearableArt 2023

International Design Award: Asia

of  World of WearableArt  2023

EXPERIENCE

STAGE PRODUCTION

Karin carried away the Silver Medal Award in the “Costume Design” category at the prestigious “World Stage Design 2005 – An International Exhibition of Set, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design” for her creative work on the productions “Pinocchio” and “Journey to the West”. She was also chosen to represent Hong Kong at the “Prague Quadrennial 2003 – The 10th International Exhibition of Scenography and Theatre Architecture,” one of only four Hong Kong designers selected for that honour.

MOVIE PRODUCTION

Karin’s unique flair and creative vision have enhanced countless productions. Her recent projects include the head dress design of “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” (film), “Happy Home 2012” (film), the armour designs for “Mu Lan” (film), and “An Empress and the Warriors” (film), costume design for “Mu Lan” (dance), costume and image direction for the Chinese TV dramas “FengChuanMuDan” and “ShangShuFang”  and so on.

AESTHETIC AND
TECHNICAL CONSULTATION

Karin’s creative vision not only applies in design but also has applicated in aesthetics and technical consultation of theme park and festival productions and management. Her projects include the costume material application on costume props and craftwork development: Rhythms of Rio Parade, “Night Of Adventure” (Chimelong Ocean Kingdom), Chimelong Ocean Kingdom day parade, RWS Musical “Lightseeker” and Hong Kong Vienna Music Festival.

The World of WearableArt (WOW) in WellingtonNZ is the world renowned wearable art experience, where an annual design competition culminates in a spectacular show combining theatre, art, fashion, music & performance. WOW offers an opportunity to express innovation, originality and to push the boundaries of creativity on a world stage.

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World Stage Design (WSD) is a significant international exhibition that showcases the work of designers in the fields of set, costume, lighting, and sound design for theater, dance, and other performance arts.

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The gallery images showcase exceptional skill in costume prop design, honed through diverse stage and film projects. Expertise in crafting costume accessories and applying various materials has been cultivated across both platforms. The creative process in film presents unique challenges, requiring extensive experimentation with materials and the ability to adapt quickly to time constraints.

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Crafting ancient headdresses and costume accessories for movies involves meticulous artistry. Elements like armor, headpieces, hats, waist ornaments, and hair accessories are intricately designed to complement costumes and enhance visual appeal.

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Cowhide is known for its natural elasticity and softness, which can be enhanced when exposed to moisture. This characteristic makes it an excellent material for various applications, including clothing, upholstery, and accessories. This natural properties of cowhide, especially when combined with its moisture functionality to enhance various applications in material for other art form.

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