Gold-plated connections

Wan Yingyu's knowledge of history and literature has added a spiritual connotation to her work. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

With time spent living in China, the United States and France, and a love for French literature and Chinese furniture, Wan Yingyu bridges East and West in both her lifestyle and jewelry designs, Yao Jing reports.

Clad in a silver Alexander Wang dress and elaborate gold Ofira cuff bracelets, Wan Yingyu recently strolled down the catwalk in Cannes, surrounded by models, for an event organized by the Foundation for AIDS Research.

The granddaughter of Wan Li, a former chairman of China's National People's Congress, she was a guest at the show, one of many social events on the socialite-cum-entrepreneur's calendar.

"This is one part of my work, and sometimes I just feel tired," says the 32-year-old, who recently changed her name from Wan Baobao to Wan Yingyu. Today she looks quite different, wearing a T-shirt, ripped jeans and no makeup.

Her main occupation these days is her own jewelry business, although the road to choosing this as her career has taken many twists and turns.

Her designs have proved popular in China and now she hopes to expand the business into Europe and the United States.

She has just returned from Europe and talked with some high-end department stores. "I believe you will see my products in Paris and London within the year," she says.

She launched her Hong Kong-based brand Bao Bao Wan Fine Jewelry in 2007, acting as both designer and manager. Her jewelry is sold online and at Lane Crawford, a Hong Kong-based department store.

She has also designed a necklace, bracelet and earrings set for Hong Kong jeweler Chow Tai Fook and created a cuff bracelet for Swarovski.

She's a designer whose work has graced the pages of Vogue and Bazaar, a businesswoman and also a celebrity.