Meet Clau
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, at the French Hospital in Chinatown. My parents were from Hong Kong, where I lived until I was around three years old before immigrating back to Los Angeles. Hong Kong’s culture and my family’s roots continue to influence and inspire my designs.
What is your biggest influence?
Form, function, materials, and culture are the driving forces behind my designs. I love exploring shapes, playing with scale, and combining different materials to create pieces that are both visually compelling and functional. With a background in product design, I approach each piece with a focus on purpose, often incorporating multifunctional elements.
My signature Clau Knot is a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese knot button, or Pankou 盤扣, paying homage to my Chinese heritage and a cherished childhood memory. When I was much younger, my mom and I would sit together with silk cords, working our way through a book of Chinese knots and trying to recreate each one. That experience continues to inspire my work today, allowing me to weave personal history and cultural tradition into contemporary and timeless designs
What is the hardest part of your creation process?
I think my biggest challenge is managing which products to work on and when, depending on deadlines, customer orders, and the need to build inventory. Since I handcraft each piece myself, I have to carefully manage my time and production as a one-person operation.
What's your favorite item that you've created, and why?
My k(not) clutch is my very first design for clau. I named it k(not) clutch because it is not just a clutch, you can also use the handle strap from the interior as a handle bag. Another favorite is my leather k(not) red envelope, because red envelopes are part of my culture and why not make a leather version where you can carry your good luck with you at all times. :)
What do you love most about Pasadena?
Pasadena feels like my second home. I’ve spent much of my young adult life there and continue to have a strong connection to the city. I lived in Pasadena while attending Pasadena City College and later ArtCenter College of Design, and I also worked part-time at several stores in Old Town Pasadena. Even today, I continue to return to Pasadena to practice yoga and to my favorite farmers market, the South Pasadena Farmers Market!
What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I’m a trained product and industrial designer, a dedicated yogini, and an avid explorer of challenging new yoga poses. I’m always eager to learn, grow, and push my limits, and perhaps one day, pursue yoga instructor certification.
We’re so excited to see your incredible pieces in person so soon! Catch Clau in Central Park this November 14th & 15th!
See more from Clau:
Website: claudesignla.com
Instagram: @clau_designla
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