Limkokwing University alumnus Alvin Tham has made a mark in industrial and CMF (Colour, Materials, and Finishing) design. Currently working for the prestigious brand Bang & Olufsen, Tham is at the forefront of creating luxury audio products known for their distinctive designs and sustainable approach.
One of Tham’s most notable collaborations is with the fashion powerhouse Balenciaga. He helped to create the Speaker Bag, a unique blend of portable speaker technology and high-fashion design. “Working with Demna Gvasalia and the Balenciaga team was an extraordinary experience,” Tham recalls. “The Speaker Bag is a testament to the synergy between technology and fashion.” This limited-edition masterpiece was showcased at Balenciaga’s 51st Couture Fashion Show in Paris, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Naomi Campbell flaunting it on the catwalk. Each of the 20 units was meticulously crafted, starting from a solid block of aluminium, and underwent a series of processes to achieve a satin finish. The bag’s interior was then completed in Balenciaga’s studio in Italy, embodying the sculptural form of the brand’s handbags.
Reflecting on his educational journey, Tham credits Limkokwing University for providing him with a solid foundation in Industrial Design. “My studies at Limkokwing opened up new perspectives on the role of design in product development,” he says. This experience opened his eyes to the significant role design plays in product development, influencing every detail, from the general form to the smallest components like buttons and screws. His passion for design was ignited during his first project, a GPS device, which taught him the joy of seeing a product evolve from a simple sketch to a tangible item in consumers’ hands.
In his current role at Bang & Olufsen, Tham focuses on creating luxury audio products that are trendsetting in design and promote sustainability. By designing products built for longevity and circularity, he aims “to create luxury products that are built to last, reducing their impact on the environment,” he explains.
Tham’s dedication to his craft has earned him multiple design awards and the respect of his peers. He advises aspiring designers to “remain curious and never stop questioning how and why things are made. It’s important to push boundaries and maintain a balance between pride in your work and humility.”
To explore more of Alvin Tham’s work and contributions to the design world, visit his portfolio on Behance. For a closer look at the Balenciaga Speaker Bag, check out this video: Balenciaga x Bang & Olufsen Speaker Bag.
