Monica Tsang, a dynamic designer with a background spanning multiple cultures and disciplines, has been a rising star in the world of design for several years. Following her recent success at the Maison & Objet 2024 fair, we had the opportunity to discuss her experiences, market insights, and the inspiration behind her eco-conscious collections.
Earlier project with Wynn Macau. Photo: Wynn Macau.
Global inspiration
Monica's approach to design is deeply personal, shaped by her experiences living in the UK, Germany, Italy, and China. 'Hong Kong is my home base, but Berlin opened my mind, England taught me craft, and China gave me practical lessons in production,' she reflected. This diverse background fuels her creativity and drives her to produce designs that blend cultural influences with contemporary functionality.
Monica's educational background is equally impressive, with degrees in Product and Industrial Design from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a Master's Degree in Ceramic Design from Staffordshire University in the UK. Her work has earned her multiple awards, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Concept Award and recognition as one of the Rising Asian Talents at Maison & Objet Paris in 2015.
Experience at Maison&Objet
Monica was enthusiastic about the energy and excitement at this year's Maison&Objet. 'It was lively and successful,' she explained. 'Many people attended, excited to see new trends and explore different designers, artists, and brands with fresh ideas.'
The EcoBrew Heritage Tea Set.
Market challenges and shifting consumer habits
When asked about current market conditions, Monica highlighted some of the broader challenges. 'There are worries about inflation and changing consumer habits. People are cautious with spending,' she noted. However, she observed that people are still drawn to exclusive, high-quality products that resonate with them personally. 'Consumers are seeking something unique that represents their lifestyle and resonates with them personally. The new generation prefers online shopping over offline, which has significantly changed business dynamics. Investing more in online promotion is becoming crucial, but personal interaction at fairs remains important. It allows you to understand buyers' thoughts and see their immediate reactions to products.'
Blending tradition and sustainability
Monica's focus on sustainability and innovation has been a key element in her recent collections. One of her standout pieces at the fair was the EcoBrew Heritage Tea Set, which draws inspiration from a 17th-century French whisky box and marries traditional European and Chinese craftsmanship with eco-friendly materials. Here is a video of how it's used:
Her SteamCraft Tea Ensemble also gained attention for blending the ancient Chinese tea tradition with sustainability. The set includes a steam-infusion brewer and eco-friendly vessels, offering a modern, customisable twist on tea culture. 'It's perfect for the eco-conscious youth,' she said, emphasising the set's space-efficient design and focus on environmental responsibility.
Another highlight from her collection was the Tea Snacks Box, crafted with traditional Chinese joinery. Featuring a twist-to-open mechanism, the piece merges utility with aesthetics, a hallmark of Monica's design philosophy.
More information:
Monica Tsang Designs
[email protected]
www.monicatsangdesigns.com
Hong Kong