A Timeless Aesthetic

A Timeless Aesthetic

Designer André Fu’s collection of homeware spans styles, cultures and settings

 
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Responsible for the design of iconic hotels and restaurants including Hong Kong’s Upper House and Kerry Hotel, and international destinations the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and The Berkeley in London, Hong Kong-based designer André Fu has redefined contemporary luxury in Asia and beyond. In 2015 he launched lifestyle brand André Fu Living and followed with a series of products in collaboration with international creators such as Tai Ping and Lasvit.

Recently Fu brought his signature relaxed-luxury style to a homeware collection launched exclusively at Lane Crawford. Drawing on his experiences designing opulent spaces around the world, the concept behind Fu’s collection revolves around what he describes as ‘the ethos of “lifestyle from within” — a world of aesthetics that is timeless, culturally informed and modern.”’

Fu’s cross-category line of homeware is intended to present a cohesive narrative that extends throughout the home, which the designer believes is often lacking; in this case, he says, it’s ‘understated elegance that provokes emotion’. As he puts it, ‘The pieces are all designed to subtly complement and enhance different environments. In some ways, they present a visual narrative that’s delightfully quiet. What’s unique is the strong holistic quality of the pieces when viewed together.’

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Despite his Asian heritage, Fu disassociates the collection from any singular cultural reference. ‘The subliminal quality of Asian craft is deep in my roots and there are subtle references throughout, but the goal for the collection is about creating everyday objets that transcend cultures. In particular, the tableware was designed in such a way that the shapes could cater to both Eastern and Western dining styles.’ 

The aim, it seems, is to move away from typical notions of Asian design (or designers). Instead, Fu brings his distinctive multicultural and international background into the collection, revealing a contemporary collection that has the markings of his style and perspective. ‘There’s an opportunity to offer a different point of view that allows me to express my personal aesthetics; it’s a tangible representation of my personal taste. The brand's vision is deeply inspired by my childhood memories of significant places and different cultures. It celebrates my own nomadic life and my personal experience of the world of hospitality,’ he says. 

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It’s fitting then, that Fu has employed multiple design languages. Taken as a whole, the collection spans two design languages: ‘“artisan artistry”, inspired by artistic expression, and “vintage modern”, a range inspired by the geometric patterns typically featured in 1960s modernist architecture.’

Made up of tableware, furniture, blankets and scarves, the collections are designed to appoint the most used spaces in a home, and feature luxe materials such as oak, fine porcelain, silk and hand-painted elements. For Fu, the collection is ‘as much about the materials as the craftmanship’. Here, Fu and his team worked with experts through a rigorous process of sampling and refinement, which the designer calls ‘a tremendously engaging challenge’.

Challenges overcome, the collection presents a range of adaptable pieces that permeate any space with the mark of Fu’s tastemaker sensibilities and refined aesthetic.

Text / Simone Schultz
Images / Stephanie Teng

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