Home is where the heart is. Born in Hong Kong and now residing in London, designer Robert Wun has always viewed Hong Kong as his home. Early in his career, this small city was the launchpad for his mighty dreams. He gradually ascended onto the global fashion stage, making history as the first Hong Kong designer to show at Paris Couture Week. This year marks a significant milestone: as he celebrates the 10th anniversary of his brand, Wun has also been invited to be a featured designer at CENTRESTAGE ELITES. He will present his latest collection in a fashion show at the Hong Kong Palace Museum symbolises not just a return, but a heartfelt homecoming — a sentiment that also manifests in his designs.
Armed with breathtaking creativity, Robert Wun has emerged as a luminary in the world of haute couture. His work has adorned the pages of countless fashion magazines and graced the bodies of numerous celebrities on both stages and red carpets. In June, just days before unveiling his third haute couture collection, he delighted fans by announcing a fashion exhibition in Hong Kong through a social media post, poignantly captioned with the word “Home” — a tribute to his beloved home city, perfectly timed with the milestone of his brand’s anniversary.
Looking back at the past decade, Wun perceives his brand’s return from London to Hong Kong as both a “source” (「源」) and “circle” (「圓」). The notion of “source” evokes the Chinese adage “drinking water and thinking of its source.” (「飲水思源」) He candidly acknowledges that he has never forgotten his roots, always keeping a watchful eye on events in Hong Kong, and feels immense gratitude for the chance to return for this fashion show.
During the interview, Wun elaborated on the notion of the “circle.” He often describes his journey as a “full circle,” with this fashion show representing the end of the full circle. He reflected, “This opportunity to come home has allowed me to contemplate everything I have done over the past ten years… I remember how my initial passion for fashion design was sparked in Hong Kong and recall how I preservered through all these years.” His experiences and memories in Hong Kong have shaped the designer he is today—whether reminiscing about treasure hunts in Sham Shui Po, recounting tales of transforming vintage finds from second-hand shops, or just fond memories of his grandma. He asserts, “Design is intricately linked to my memories of Hong Kong and my connection to this city.” At his homecoming, Wun will present the iconic designs that have defined his brand since its inception, ranging from the earlier Armour collection to his latest haute couture pieces. Additionally, he will unveil a brand-new collection crafted specifically for Hong Kong.
“I want to be unapologetically honest,” Wun affirms, revealing the personal significance of this homecoming. For him, the fashion show is a journey of rediscovery. When asked about the theme of the show, he explained: “It’s about my grandmother, about Hong Kong women, and the resilient spirit they embody—strong yet graceful.”
In terms of design, Robert Wun’s creations are suffused with genuine emotion, masterfully expressed through exquisite craftsmanship. He shares, “Traditional embroidery is often viewed as a means to create something ‘glamourous,’ but I aim to use it to represent the authentic, relatable facets of life that resonate with people.”
The eagerly anticipated homecoming fashion show will continue Wun’s signature storytelling approach through fashion, weaving in local cultural elements and other references from Hong Kong. He aspires to create works that “Hong Kong people can instantly understand with one look.” Wun also revealed that everything—from the venue and creative team to hair, makeup, model selection, and music production—will be “100% made in Hong Kong”. Many involved are cherished friends who have grown up with him and supported him throughout his journey, alongside former collaborators reuniting for this special occasion.
“I don’t want to present ‘Hong Kong’ in an overly direct manner,” Wun notes. He believes the fashion industry often interprets Hong Kong or Eastern elements too literally. So how will he subtly convey Hong Kong’s unique character? Wun draws inspiration from vivid scenes in his mind: the bustling concrete jungle, the familiar “grandma shirts” and prints adorning the streets—these rich memories encapsulate what he thinks of as “home.” “I believe that the most honest expressions can resonate deeply with the audience,” he concludes.
Editor
Kyle Tang
