London-based Hongkonger Robert Wun’s namesake label offers a fresh take on womenswear, with innovative tailoring and forms lending his designs a unique artistic vibe.
Robert Wun champions an ultramodern, crisp yet bold aesthetic that has a diverse range of influences. “I look at things not related to fashion, like nature, National Geographic [magazine] and science fiction, and try to build a bridge across these completely different topics to create a collection that tells a story,” he says.
A graduate of the London School of Fashion, Wun launched his label in 2014 and the designer’s graduate collection was snapped up by JOYCE. He is currently working on his AW 2018 collection, which is inspired by The Matrix and explores the film’s powerful imagery and philosophical implications. Wun has added his own interpretation to make it relevant for today.
The designer is very stubborn about shapes and pattern cutting, and every garment he makes is about cut and fabric. A self-professed obsessive when it comes to pattern making, Wun likes to look at feminine details with new eyes.
“True Feminism is to celebrate everything about femininity” he declares. Indeed, the designer believes there is nothing more powerful than turning what might be seen as used to diminish women, like corsets and crinoline, into something that is modern and empowering. To do so, he uses tecno materials to make ruffles and recreate shapes of corsetry for an edgy, powerful and unique approach.
Striking a balance between marketability and originality is key, says the designer, who believes that if he can refine what works for himself and customers, the market will be more receptive to his brand.
Wun has already worked on several impressive commissions: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay movie featured a dress from Wun’s graduate collection. He was asked to produce the dress in pink for the character of Effie Trinket, played by actress Elizabeth Banks. It’s easy to see why Wun’s sculptural flair was a natural fit for the decadent yet privileged pack that inhabit the fictional world of the Capitol.
Another memorable collaboration for Wun was a commission from the Royal Ballet, where the designer worked alongside choreographer Charlotte Edmonds on her piece M E T A for Wayne McGregor’s 10th-year-anniversary show in November 2016, which he describes as an amazing experience and the best collaboration he’s experienced to date. “Costumes can be completely conceptual and unrealistic, whereas in fashion you need to think about wearability. These experiences help test my ability and understand who I am as a designer,” Wun elaborates.
Having backgrounds and identities of both British and Hong Konger, He considers Hong Kong his home and roots but he admits London’s unparalleled diversity provides a great environment for young people with creative aspirations.
Wun says that London gives young designers tremendous support. “You get to speak with people who can help uplift your career and they actually are craving for young minds and talents.” The designer observes that young people are super creative, independent and know what they want and that it’s important for him to be around these people for future collaborations.
As a young label, ROBERT WUN is thriving and doing better with every collection, and the designer is also receiving custom orders from celebrities. It is currently available from a number of online stores and stockists in New York, Copenhagen, and Taipei.
