Robert Wun, a 34-year-old Hong Kong-born designer, has risen from obscurity to become one of the most sought-after fashion designers globally. He’s designed for celebrities such as Lady Gaga and rapper Cardi B, who attended his latest Paris show.
“I have some days off, sometimes,” he told AFP with a smile, “but I’m quite exhausted mentally and physically because I haven’t had a break for two and a half years.”
Despite the strain of constant work, Wun remains relaxed and upbeat. His journey from an insurance office worker to a fashion designer began when he was bullied in school.
His mother worked in insurance, his father in electric cabling, and his conservative Hong Kong boys’ school was not conducive to creativity. However, this didn’t deter him.
He studied at the London College of Fashion and now lives in Hackney, east London, running a 12-person studio in Dalston that produces two or three bespoke outfits per month for red carpet events, galas, or weddings.
Wun was possibly the busiest couturier at New York’s Met Gala this year, dressing eight people including K-pop star Lisa, Jordan Roth, and Naomi Osaka. Cardi B praised Wun’s creativity, colors, and quality.
His work is often described as bold, futuristic, and sculptural, with a dark, claustrophobic feel influenced by horror movies. This has led some to see him as the Millennial interpreter of the anxiety-filled 2020s.
Despite his success, Wun doesn’t incorporate an obvious Chinese aesthetic into his designs. He sees it as beautiful to reference culture in work and acknowledges many creators doing a marvelous job at that.