A one-of-a-kind trip down memory lane: Clare Ngai’s nostalgia-driven jewellery brand, BONBONWHIMS
This is A HOT MINUTE WITH, a quick-fire interview series championing all the rising talent catapulting into fashion, art and music’s fickle stratosphere. From pinch-me moments to bad dates and even worse chat-up lines, think of it as an overindulgent conversation – like the ones you have in sticky club toilets at 4.A.M. Except these guests don’t regret the overshare…
Credit: @maegangindi
NAME CLARE NGAI
AGE 30
LOCATION NYC baby!
STAR SIGN Capricorn sun, scorpio moon (loyal but don’t f*ck with me!!), cancer rising.
BIGGEST PET PEEVE Flaky people, periodt.
Described by Hong Kong-born, NYC-based jewellery maker Clare Ngai as “small-batch custom nostalgic & whimsical goodies”, the BONBONWHIMS business is a one-woman show: run by Ngai all on her own. Inspired by all things ‘kawaii’ and ‘kitschy’, Ngai's goal is for everything to be personalised, unique, and one-of-a-kind, meaning everything is custom, cultivated through a sense of community and connection.
Known for childhood-reminiscent, y2k-esque jewellery, my first encounter with the brand was through the salon where I get my hair done, JENNY PERRY HAIR STUDIO (Jenna does Bella Hadid's hair, so clearly they're well trusted). They have a small selection of Ngai's rings on display, and I immediately fell in love with the JUICE BOMB in ‘Confettini’ - a piece handmade from Japanese resin, Swarovski crystals, gold-plated gems and freshwater pearls. Since then, I've seen the brand pop up everywhere (even Kylie Jenner has been spotted wearing the PEARL DROPS bracelet and POP DROP earring).
I spoke to Ngai about how she took her jewellery making business full-time during quarantine; everyday pieces v.s. date night looks; and the biggest lessons she's learned from launching her own brand.
Audry Hiaoui: What’s your origin story?
Clare Ngai: BONBONWHIMS was a passion project while I was working a creatively uninspiring job. I’d go to the jewellery district in NY and peruse beads just to feel creative again! I’m really picky when it comes to jewellery and am always having a hard time finding funky, unique pieces that are also of good quality and at a reasonable price point. When the pandemic hit, I saw an unprecedented opportunity and thought it’s ‘now or never!’ It’s been a wild ride doing everything on my own, but also unbelievably gratifying!
AH: Can you tell me about your jewellery making process?
CN: The majority is custom made or made-to-order; the personalisation is a huge part of my brand and sets me apart from the others. I’ve always really enjoyed having those 1:1 conversations with my customers and working with them to create one-of-a kind pieces.
AH: What’s been the biggest thing you’ve learned from starting your own business?
CN: Never give up, and never take no for an answer! I always say there’s nothing worth having — especially in a city like New York — that’s going to be easy. There are always going to be a ton of nay sayers and doubters, but you have to stay true to yourself and just grind it through. I’m sure there were a lot of people who didn’t believe in what I could build in the beginning - but believe in yourself and your products, like really believe it! Otherwise no one else will. Also, build a community around your brand so you’re not just selling products but a sense of a connected experience.
AH: Favourite BONBONWHIMS item?
CN: I really love the chunky lucky rings because not only are they so comfy to wear, they are also customisable like most of my designs.
AH: What are your go-to everyday pieces v.s. your date night look?
CN: My everyday go-to would definitely be a stack of rings, whether it’s a mix of the chunky charm rings and the enamel drip bands or the tinker bell bands. I love wearing the enamel pop drop earrings, huggies and cuffs too - they are such a statement on your ears! When it’s date night with my hubby (Mr. BonBon), I style the stack up with my personal diamond wedding band and it just works so well in mixing the ‘high’ and ‘low.’
AH: Where do you draw your inspiration or influences from?
CN: I think growing up in Hong Kong and having access to those super kawaii, kitschy baubles and the gum ball machines really influenced me. BONBONWHIMS is primarily for adults like me who are still reminiscing about their respective childhoods but want something a little more elevated yet accessible. My customers are also a huge source of inspiration for me — I pay close attention to what trends they love and what they wear. It’s a crucial part of the process.
AH: If you had to choose, which would you pick: necklaces, earrings, or rings?
CN: Rings, because like many I have really sensitive skin and can be allergic to even real gold or sterling silver at times. With the lucite rings I don’t have to worry about anything like that!
AH: And lastly, best quarantine meal you’ve been cooking?
CN: My husband makes a mean penne alla vodka that puts Carbone to shame. So mostly him cooking, not me, haha!