Ken Leung & Dana Chin

Ken Leung and Dana Chin were college friends.

In 2003, on the heels of leaving their careers in finance, they decided to take a chance a on a creative project. After dropping out of their jewelry 101 course at FIT after just two classes and with at best a vague idea on how to build a jewelry studio, they purchased a saw, a bench, some sheet metals, a flex shaft and a torch, and started making basic jewelry.

Their first project was a mini spring collection based on the aesthetic of dry flowers that Dana’s mother collected, and this prepared them somewhat for what’s to come. In 2004, through an unexpected introduction by a mutual friend, they met fashion designer Doori Chung, whose energy and enthusiasm about her work galvanized Ken and Dana and encouraged them to continue exploring their ideas. Doori too was excited about the prospect of turning her aesthetics into jewelry, and several dinner conversations later, the three decided to collaborate together to make a collection for Doori’s runway show (Spring ‘05).

As their journey has foreshadowed the two continue to create uniquely precious works, drawing their inspiration from the urban cityscape, art, music, and architecture. Their work is produced in a New York city studio. Since its inception, "BYLU by ken & dana" has been featured in the editorials of Vogue, W, Elle, Marie Claire, WWD, DailyCandy and others, as well as received design recognitions from GenArt, the World Gold Council, and the American Jewelry Design Council.

In 2009 the design duo reconnected with their fashion jewelry roots by launching "b-side by ken & dana". This label will add a bold flair to the two's design vision of creating unique artistic pieces.