A WHIMSICAL NEW WORLD
New brand Maid in China has launched with two collections – one a range of quirky and beautiful tableware, the other an innovative set of leather travel accessories
A year ago, Maid in China founder Em Royston was working for a London gift design company but she decided to go it alone and now has her own design studio in Hong Kong, designing, manufacturing and distributing her products for the home and gift market. A lot has changed in one year.
Maid in China stands for a product that is beautiful, functional, on-trend but above all, clever.
Founder Em explains: “The ethos of my design is reflected in the brand name. The wordplay suggests multiple levels of meaning. I want to surprise people as they discover there is more than initially meets the eye. My work looks to find a balance between a simple idea and a surprising element, something that sets it apart.”
Em believes that a product does not only have to last a long time, it needs to be kept a long time. All the products are made from high quality materials, from fine bone china to real leather.
The ‘Stitch Your Way’ range is a collection of cross stitch-able leather travel accessories. These items require interaction and thought from the user. The series was inspired by Em’s love of travel and lifelong obsession with crafting and customisation. The perforated leather passport holder can easily be stitched to mark countries visited, while the luggage tag is a blank canvas on which to sew initials, flags or a personalised design. Once stitched, not only will each be unique, but will evoke feelings of accomplishment and individuality, increasing the likelihood that it is kept and cherished.
In the ‘Circus Collection’ ordinary kitchen items come to life, combining the tradition of afternoon tea with all the fun of the fair. From a tea set that mimics a moving merry-go-round, to a toast rack disguised as a travelling tiger.
The collection stems from a belief that good products should be kept on display, not hidden away in cupboards.
Em explains: “I love to design items that create their own miniature world.”
To go along with the unique tea set are the equally creative circus stacking mug set and sugar booth.
The products play with scale, creating a whimsical world designed to amuse and delight.
