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Design Trends in Asia - Nature, Harmony and the Embrace of the New
By James Posey
"A truly dynamic market."
"Customers embrace change quickly."
"Very colorful."
These are just a few of the descriptions provided by Roslyn Collins – a key member of the Ciba® XYMARA™ team in the Asia region. XYMARA.com took a few moments to get to know Roslyn a little better.
Where do you see current design trends headed in terms of styling in Asia?
Certainly, as anywhere in the world, being more "green" is a key focus. Especially with recent health and product warnings in the region, as well as obvious changes in the global environment, everyone is sensitized to this topic. Japan is most prominent in this regard for now but other markets are quickly following suit especially as they continue to globalize their businesses.
In addition, I see a lot more focus on “nature” effects. Thailand, for example, is one market that immediately comes to mind, where they are moving to designs that reflect an environmental awareness, including the use of wood, flax and other textures or effects.
Is there a consistent “Asian taste”?
You name it. If it can be imagined, it can be found here! I love the diversity of Asia and its people and their love of color in general. All one has to do is look at the many temples or mosques, wau bulan (kites), dress styles (baju kurun/kebaya, sari) batik, and even their vibrant fresh food markets, with all the vegetable and fruit stalls, spices and anything else you can possibly dream of being offered!
A favorite example of the true beauty of Malaysia and its people.
How do you see Asia's role developing in terms of global trends?
One key characteristic of Asia is the harmonious co-existence of opposites, such as the "old" with the "new". The people are proud of their different ethnic backgrounds and celebrate their differences, but they also have fierce national pride, which shows in their innovation and solid work ethic. Key to all of this – and here I speak from my experience world-wide – there is perhaps no other place where the markets – including end-use owners, designers, applicators, etc. – are so willing to embrace new effects and concepts and get them to the market quickly. It is exactly this dynamism that makes it such an exciting region to work in!
Roslyn, how did you come to be where you are today?
Before I joined Ciba, I had been working with VMP's (vacuum metallized pigments) for about seven years, and working with metallics (bronzes, aluminums) for about 10 years on both the technical and commercial sides.
Now, I'm supporting our promotion of XYMARA range products across the board, including not only the metallic pigments but also our pearlescent and other specialty ranges as well.
Has it been interesting?
Absolutely! Not only do I have an even greater platform for pushing ahead my previous know-how in terms of metallic effects, but we have so many more possibilities for effects for an even broader variety of industries than I ever dealt with before!
The combinations and styling possibilities are endless; including, for example, using METASHEEN with Ciba's solvent soluble dye ranges or transparent pigment preparations, or looking for opportunities for organic pigments.
In addition, Ciba offers such tremendous potential in terms of innovation with so many new products being launched. I'm very eager about our first range of metallic inks, as well as growing other businesses including XYMARA Nordic™, Satin Black Pearl, etc.
Plus, we've had a lot of interest generated for stylings using our new highly saturated, highly transparent orange pigment as well as our new range of electrically conductive inks which can be used to print electronic circuits.
You mention the beauty of Asia. Where are some of your favorite places to visit?
Well, I absolutely love Malaysia, where I am living. The country combines the modern comforts of "the Big City" with so much wonderful nature close-by! Whereas many of my friends love the excitement (and shopping perhaps) of Tokyo, Shanghai and Seoul, I have to admit I'm a bit of a "country girl" at heart. I prefer quiet places like the natural areas in Cambodia and New Zealand.
Central Java, around Solo, Yogyakarta is beautiful, as is also Bali. The more rural parts of China (for example around Kunming, Wenzhou) are breath-taking in their splendor ... Oh there's just too many great places to name them all!
A brave little warrior faces down the garden invader!
I understand that you often come face-to-face with, let's say, “unique” local nature ..?
Ha ha. Yes, we have had some adventures! First, last year, we had a very poisonous spitting cobra in our house for 3 days before it could be located. It was eventually caught nestled in a cabinet in our main living area!
We've also been faced with scorpions about the size of my hand that occasionally wander in. I've got a photo of my dog facing one down. He’s even taken out a snake or two, to protect "his" family! He's a brave little warrior, and I can understand why Shih Tzus were used as guard dogs in the Imperial Chinese Court!
We also get visits from macaques from time to time; very interesting and intelligent creatures, but they can also cause a lot of mischief! Anything brightly colored attracts them. They even once tried to take a brightly colored pillow-case off our washing line! So maybe at least that's one argument against bright stylings in the region! Let's see!