In a world where mass production often overshadows artistry, two brands are proving that dedication to craft isn’t just a passion—it’s a powerful business strategy. Cindy Chao and Maison de Sabré, though worlds apart in their offerings, share a common thread: they’ve turned their founders’ love for handcraft into a driving force for growth and longevity. But here’s where it gets fascinating: how do a high jewelry artist and a tech-savvy leather goods brand both thrive by staying true to their roots? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the craft itself, but how they’ve reimagined it for today’s consumers.
At the Global Fashion and Business Conference, moderated by WWD’s Tianwei Zhang, Yuting Hung of Cindy Chao the Art Jewel and Omar Sabré of Maison de Sabré unpacked this very idea. Their discussion, titled Past, Present and Future: The Importance of Heritage in Inspiring the Consumers of Today and Tomorrow, highlighted how heritage and craftsmanship can become a competitive edge in a fast-paced industry. While Cindy Chao’s exquisite high jewelry pieces grace Paris Couture Week and art fairs like Art021 in Shanghai, Maison de Sabré’s accessible leather goods and tech accessories are on track to hit a staggering $100 million in revenue this year. On the surface, their stories couldn’t be more different—yet both brands have mastered the art of blending tradition with innovation.
Cindy Chao, the daughter of a sculptor and granddaughter of a renowned architect, bypassed formal training to forge her own path in jewelry design. By 2009, her butterfly creation had earned a spot in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History—a rare honor for any living artist, let alone one from Asia. For Chao, success isn’t about being different; it’s about how she pushes boundaries. She infuses her Asian heritage into her work, not through literal motifs like phoenixes or dragons, but by capturing a poetic essence—twists, turns, and unexpected material combinations like diamonds, wood, and ox horn. As Yuting Hung explains, it’s about creating something unique, something no one else has. This borderless approach to technique and collaboration with ateliers in Geneva and France ensures her pieces are both innovative and technically flawless. But here’s the controversial part: does relying on modern tools like microscopes dilute the purity of traditional craftsmanship, or does it elevate it to new heights? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Meanwhile, Maison de Sabré has transformed the humble leather phone case into a luxury accessory, proving that accessibility and craftsmanship can coexist. Cofounded by Omar and Zane Sabré, the brand has grown from a single product to a multimillion-dollar empire in just eight years. Their secret? Modernizing traditional leatherworking techniques and presenting them in fresh, innovative ways. Take their Hello Kitty bag charms, crafted from leather marquetry using offcuts from other products—a playful yet sustainable approach that retails for around $90. But here’s the kicker: maintaining this balance at scale requires operational discipline, from sourcing to quality control. In an age where transparency is king, Sabré emphasizes educating consumers about the craftsmanship behind each piece, turning them into brand advocates. Is this the future of luxury, or is there a risk of losing the personal touch? Let us know what you think.
Both brands remind us that in a world chasing trends, authenticity and craftsmanship are timeless. Whether it’s a high jewelry brooch or a leather bag charm, the key lies in honoring heritage while pushing boundaries. So, here’s our question to you: In an era of fast fashion and mass production, can a focus on craft truly set a brand apart? Or is it just a niche strategy? Share your thoughts below—we’re all ears!
