Opulence and Fantasy: Couture Gowns and Jewelry of Mindy Lam

The Taubman Museum of Art is pleased to present Opulence and Fantasy: Couture Gowns and Jewelry of Mindy Lam, a special spotlight exhibition in conjunction with the Museum’s Annual Women’s Luncheon benefit.

A celebrated artist and jewelry designer, Mindy Lam is known for her meticulously handcrafted jewelry featuring her signature woven metal lace adorned with precious metals, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, rhinestones, and more. From couture pieces for the red carpet to ready-to-wear for an evening out, Mindy’s work is beloved by tastemakers and fashion influencers the world over.

In Opulence and Fantasy, Mindy mined the Taubman Museum of Art’s galleries and permanent collection for inspiration to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind works — think elegant brooches, dramatic chokers, breathtaking necklaces, and an ethereal evening gown that beguiles and seduces. Each work is paired in the galleries with the painting or sculpture that stirred Mindy’s imagination.

About the Artist

Beauty and nature always fascinated Mindy Lam as a child. Growing up on a poultry farm in Hong Kong, China, Mindy found tranquility and inspiration by surrounding herself with the beautiful flowers, small creatures, and natural elements found on her family farm. Her work undoubtedly reflects the craftsmanship of the classic couture houses of old, but offers a refreshingly modern edge that echoes the joy of her childhood influences.

Designing for over 18 years, Lam was a huge favorite at Henri Bendel in New York City for nearly a decade, and she has been featured in Elle, Brides Magazine, Glamour, People, Life & Style, L’Officiel, and Vogue Italia, among many others.

In 2010, her business came to a screeching halt after her heart stopped and she was given the diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease. The next three years included a rigorous dialysis schedule, and she lost everything due to her inability to work. Finally, in 2013, when her beloved daughter, Kai, was of age, she donated her kidney and the story made front-page Yahoo News.

As a kidney disease survivor and transplant recipient, Mindy’s commitment to giving back is now more important to her than ever. In 2016, she successfully relaunched her brand with much fanfare after making a full recovery. Because of her life-changing experience, Mindy has now incorporated a philanthropic component to the brand through special collaborations to continue to uplift and spread love and hope to others. Organizations have included the National Cherry Blossom Festival, W Hotel, American Heart Association, Texas Children’s Hospital, St. Jude, Prevent Cancer, and of course the National Kidney Foundation.

Special Limited Edition Collection

Mindy’s latest philanthropic collaboration is with the Taubman Museum of Art. Gaining inspiration from the Taubman’s striking architecture — designed by internationally renowned architect Randall Stout and named the best designed Museum in Virginia by Architectural Digest — Mindy created a new, special limited edition collection. The collection’s organic star shape and silver blues emulate the reflections of the sky seen through the Museum’s soaring glass peak, which is itself a nod to Roanoke’s moniker as the “Star City of the South” and the city’s iconic Mill Mountain Star.

This special limited edition collection benefits children’s educational programs at the Taubman. With your support, 20% of proceeds further the Museum’s impact in schools and afterschool programs, and the creation of educational lessons, and hands-on art activities for the community.

Visit Mindy’s store to view and purchase pieces from this special limited edition collection.