Solo Exhibition: Boutique Fairs SS2024 Edition

A conscious exploration of material, form and function with Studio Karyn Lim

Boutiques was yet another unexpected venture when the studio first made an appearance at The Gifting Edition in 2022. Prior to receiving the Young Designers Showcase Grant (YDSG) that November, Karyn had only been showing at design exhibitions or trade shows. Boutiques presented a different opportunity — one that allowed her to connect directly with shoppers in a retail environment, and offer them a more intimate understanding of her work before committing to a purchase.

Her Boutiques debut prompted the creation of “Lightness”, a line of accessories inspired by and developed for the community at Boutiques. The “Lightness” line is more accessible compared to other pieces in Karyn’s portfolio, most of which are one-of-a-kind. At the same time, Karyn stays firm to her design ethos — often making each piece by intuition and playing around with new shapes, colours and proportions, resulting in limited collections of certain designs. Over subsequent editions of Boutiques, “Lightness” has evolved through Karyn’s own experimentation and conversations with shoppers she encounters at the event.

What are you most excited for at the upcoming edition?
I’m looking forward to meeting both new and familiar faces. I enjoy connecting with the Boutiques community, exchanging tips and ideas, and sharing about my work with people who might be interested. At each edition, I have been able to chat with the lovely people who support the studio by appreciating my work and wanting to own a piece or two. People would ask where else they can see my work, and that led me to create a dedicated Instagram account for the pieces that I retail at Boutiques. Regardless, Instagram does not replace the in-person experience, since each piece that I make by hand is unique.

This upcoming edition, I will be showing a wider range of pieces including larger works such as the “So Plast!c” tables. I am excited for the conversations around these pieces and hearing the thoughts that people have when they encounter my work. 

Featured in: Business Times | Her World | Female | Tatler Homes | SG Magazine

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Excerpt from Boutique Fairs Conversations, by Public Culture.