Corine Liu, an illustrious name in the world of design, has masterfully woven her academic and professional journey into a tapestry of creative brilliance. Her story begins at the esteemed Communication University of China, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Advertising Design. This foundational education was further enriched at Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts…
Corine Liu wearing her “Window of Little India” pendent. All pictures courtesy of Corine Liu.
Corine Liu, an illustrious name in the world of design, has masterfully woven her academic and professional journey into a tapestry of creative brilliance. Her story begins at the esteemed Communication University of China, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Advertising Design. This foundational education was further enriched at Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts & Design, where her flair for innovation led her to contribute to design projects such as the ADIDAS 2008 Beijing Olympics gymnastics poster and Swarovski’s Swan collection.
Eager to expand her horizons, Corine pursued a master’s degree in Fashion Design at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Frosinone in Italy. Graduating with a full scholarship, her work gained international acclaim, winning accolades at the European ECO-FASHION competition and being featured in the esteemed publication Fashion in Fiber Recovery. Her designs, celebrated for two consecutive years, toured across Europe, marking the beginning of her ascent in the fashion and luxury industry.
Corine’s professional trajectory took a significant leap as she honed her craft in Europe’s high-fashion epicenters. She started as an assistant designer in haute couture at Valentino and ascended to the role of chief designer for the Italian brand Le Gallinelle. These experiences provided her with invaluable insights into the intricacies of high-end fashion, grounding her expertise in the luxurious aesthetics of European design, and her expertise in Europe’s high-end fashion industry and provided valuable professional insights.
At pesent, Corine Liu serves as the President of the China-Italy Cultural Exchange Association (CHINOWER) and is the CEO and Chief Designer of COSI STUDIO PTE. LTD. in Singapore. In 2015, Corine launched her own fashion jewelry brand, COXIVIVIAMO, in Rome, which has since established a strong presence in the Singapore market.
Having lived in Europe for 12 years before settling in Singapore four years ago, Corine brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her work. She skillfully blends Eastern and Western aesthetics, infusing Eastern elements not only as visual motifs but as deeply integrated aspects of her design philosophy. Her creations draw inspiration from the various countries and cities where she has lived, combining cultural diversity and aesthetics to craft her distinctive design language and style.
With two decades in the design arena in graphics, fashion and jewelry, Corine approaches her craft with a gentle heart, boundless passion, and sincerity. Her jewelry is more than visually captivating; each piece tells a story, carries a soul, and resonates with meaning. She deeply values the environment and humanity, cherishes cultural preservation and exchange, celebrates the strength of women, and finds beauty in the everyday. Her designs have touched many, earning her the title, “A Designer Who Writes Poetry with Jewelry.”
Corine Liu’s Showcase
Royal Blue Sapphire Proposal Ring: This ring was designed for a German haute couture collector as an proposal ring for his Chinese wife. Using sapphire for proposal rings is a European tradition, particularly cherished in Germany, representing deep commitment and hopeful expectations for the future with its profound color and brilliant shine. The ring features a 3.16-carat Sri Lankan sapphire surrounded by 12 pear-shaped and 8 marquise diamonds. The overall design style focuses on “traditional” and “classic,” incorporating elements of “clover” and “butterfly.” In Germany, the clover symbolizes luck, representing good fortune and eternal happiness, while in China, the butterfly symbolizes a harmonious union and steadfast love, conveying beautiful wishes for love. By combining these cultural symbols, the ring not only showcases the fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics but also conveys deep emotions and blessings.
The award-winning Swallow series is one of the highlights of her designs. Having lived abroad for almost 20 years, Corine Liu deeply resonates with the swallowtail roof ridge, a traditional architecture element of Chinese mansions in the Southern Fujian, as well as a symbol of being homesick and nostalgic. Her jewelry series, centered around the theme of swallow, a migratory bird coming back home every spring, emotionally connects with classic European designs.
Swallow’s Graceful Homecoming Necklace which can be used as Earrings: Paying tribute to Tan Kah Kee, a patriotic Chinese entrepreneur, educator and philanthropist who devoted his life building schools and education in China and Singapore, Corine seamlessly blends the aesthetics of the East and the West. Inspired by Mr. Tan’s “Return Hall,” this necklace features swallows on the right, symbolizing diverse knowledge, skills, and experiences flying home. On the left, a large pearl represents the homeland and Mr. Tan himself.Well-known Singaporean model Ally Teo wearing Swallow’s Graceful Homecoming NecklaceThe Soaring Swallow Earrings: Paying tribute to Tan Kah Kee, a true pioneer, this pair of earrings reflects his soaring success and passionate return to his roots. Just like a swallow, he quietly made his impact with profound brilliance.Swallow’s Generosity Tiara and Necklace: This collection symbolizes blessings for the homeland of Tan Kah Kee and Jimei School Village. It embodies the transfer of wisdom from one generation to the next, with the new generation surpassing the elder, building on ancestral knowledge to reach new heights.The “Fishbone” Necklace. Costume design: Peilin Liu.The “Fishbone” Necklace. Costume design: Peilin Liu.The “Fishbone” Necklace: The necklace is whispering a tale of the ocean, with deep blue fish exuding grace and elegance, as if swimming serenely in the vast, boundless sea. Gradually, the fish transforms into a fishbone, conveying a beauty that fades over time. It represents the ocean’s depth and mystery, while also symbolizing the fragility of marine resources. It signifies humanity’s excessive exploitation of ocean resources and the impact of global warming on marine ecosystems, reminding us to cherish natural resources and focus on environmental protection. It enables the wearer to enjoy its beauty while deeply feeling the responsibility to protect our ocean and planet.The “Window“ Collection: This is an ongoing and long-term project. At present the collection consists of “Window of an Italian house”, “Window of Little India”, “Window of the Orchid House” and “Window of the Red House”, all inspired by windows of the heritage houses in Singapore, Corine’s residing country. Since she was very young, she has travelled to many different countries and cities, often immersing herself in busy streets and quiet alleys. She always loved to gaze at the windows of the buildings along the road, wondering about the lives of the people behind. These small windows often reveal a wealth of information and moving stories. The designer wishes to reveal a different Singapore and through the “Window” series, in which the viewers can see a different world from her perspective. Moonlight and Bamboo Shadow Earrings: The inspiration for these bamboo earrings comes from the long growth process of bamboo. In the first few years, it grows only 3-4 centimeters, but from the fifth year, it grows at an astonishing rate of 30 centimeters per day. These earrings symbolize resilience and the persistence of silent effort. Like those who work quietly under the moonlight, accumulating energy. Just like the bamboo, they are not in a rush to succeed but proceed steadily in silence, believing that one day they, too, will stand tall like towering bamboo – evergreen, booming and proud.Tradescantia Brooch and Earrings: This brooch draws inspiration from the purple Tradescantia, whose bloom is fleeting, lasting only a day, often withering before being noticed. Despite their modest size, these flowers bloom resolutely, indifferent to the world’s gaze. When in bloom, they resemble clusters of fragrant blossoms, poetically described as “a fairy’s lingering fragrance on earth.” The brooch captures the strength and elegance of the flower as it grows upward through fleeting clouds. Each bloom silently conveys the meaning of life, leaving a lasting impact despite its small size. This brooch is not just jewelry but a symbol of a life attitude, encouraging the wearer to bloom courageously and pursue dreams, unaffected by external judgments. Each moment blooms for oneself.Muzo Emerald Camellia Ring: The ring is designed for a haute couture collector, combining the beauty of nature with the brilliance of precious gemstones. Inspired by the elegant posture of the camellia and the collector’s love for it, the emerald serves as the core, symbolizing resilience and tranquility. The unique deep green hue of Muzo emerald contrasts with the gentle beauty of the camellia, offering visual balance and depth. It blooms like a “bouquet of flowers” on the finger, yet retains a serene strength amidst the floral abundance, reflecting the wearer’s calm and poise in the midst of opulence. The ring’s design not only symbolizes the prosperity of natural life but also expresses the wearer’s taste and pursuit, revealing the emotional and rare essence inherent in the design.Ranunculus Asiaticus “Smile” Necklace: This necklace was designed for a Spanish collector, inspired by the white Ranunculus Asiaticus, symbolizing pure nobility and elegance. The flower, gentle and serene, exudes a charming allure, like delicate petals swaying gently in the sunlight, offering a sense of peace and comfort. The necklace design combines diamonds and emeralds, creating an elegant vine-like form. It draws inspiration from the jewelry gifted by Eddie Fisher to Elizabeth Taylor in 1960, created by Bulgari. This necklace is both a tribute to classic elegance and a celebration of modern women’s independence and confidence. Wearing this “smile” necklace feels like having the flower’s grace and charm with you at all times, filling every moment with confidence and brilliance.Cherry Blossom Earrings: These cherry blossom earrings were specially designed as a gift for a mother. Each petal is meticulously crafted, capturing the moment cherry blossoms sway gently in the breeze. Unlike the traditional soft pink cherry blossoms, these earrings center on rubies, incorporating European vintage jewelry style. The deep color of the rubies symbolizes the passion and strength of life, adding an elegant and rich magnificence to the cherry blossoms, exuding a charming classic charm. May every mother be as beautiful and vibrant as spring, and these earrings serve as a reminder that while beauty is fleeting, the power of love is eternal.Royal Blue Sapphire Snowflake Ring: This sapphire ring is designed for a haute couture collector, inspired by the unique beauty of snowflakes. The design incorporates the popular Italian Buccellati openwork style and combines elements of Chinese paper-cutting. The exquisite openwork craftsmanship gives the ring a light and transparent feel, reminiscent of snowflakes sparkling in the sunlight. The Chinese paper-cutting elements adds cultural depth, symbolizing auspiciousness and good wishes.
Authored by Julius Zheng, this article is the cover story for the November/December 2024 issue of Bangkok Gems & Jewellery print magazine.
This article was published and printed on Gem Spectrum print magazine Issue #2 Winter 2025, page 44.Please browse the Flipbook below.
1)Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief @ Gem Spectrum print and digital magazine.
2)China and Asia Expert who has developed many projects to connect the East and the West. Organized 80+ China delegations to America, Europe and Asia. Organized 20+ international gemological courses.
3)Editor of China Diamond Yearbook by Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Editor of Bangkok Gems & Jewellery print magazine; Correspondent of several important trade magazines.
4)GIA Graduate Gemologist, AGA Accredited Senior Gemologist, AIGS Graduate
