Fashion designer William Fan
William Fan is a German fashion designer who launched his eponymous fashion label in 2015. Fan blends European and Chinese influences in his work, creating a unique dialogue between the two cultures.
His portfolio includes ready-to-wear, leather items, shoes, accessories and household objects. The USM Haller furniture system features regularly in his presentations and his Berlin showroom and office are also furnished with this modular system.The collaboration between William Fan and USM began with numerous appearances at Berlin Fashion Week. Here, USM furniture was used for displays in the pop-up shop and featured repeatedly in runway set designs.
The Berlin designer's newly conceived showroom evokes the atmosphere of having a fitting in your own living room – a place where design can be discovered, your own personality can be experienced anew and cultural exchange can take place. USM furniture forms the central design element, including accessories from the modular system such as table mirrors, glasses trays and tabletop displays. Reduced to the iconic steel structure and designed without metal elements, they blend seamlessly into the store design and give the clothing an organic look.
Tell us a bit about how your label was founded. How did you discover your passion for fashion design and when did you establish your business?
When I was a child, I discovered how much fun it was dressing up. Clothes quickly became a way for me to express myself. Along with music, fashion was a way to create a sense of identity and it gave me the power to develop my own language. After finishing my Bachelor’s degree at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Arnhem, I worked in the industry for three years before completing my Master’s at the Weissensee School of Art in Berlin. I then used my final graduation collection to go independent. In 2015, I officially launched the WILLIAM FAN brand.
What experiences or influences have particularly shaped your design career?
Being the child of Chinese immigrants and growing up in the diaspora was something I took for granted. But over time, my perception of myself and my family's culture has constantly evolved. I travelled to Hong Kong and China and discovered a new world that I was very familiar with. My creations have strong Asian influences and I am constantly searching for a balance between European and Asian values. The issue of gender segregation also plays a big role. We do not differentiate using the binary system that we've learned. Instead, we find ourselves in a new grey area, so to speak, where no distinction is made between man and woman. In my opinion, clothes should not be divided by sex.
What are the characteristics of your clothing items?
Ultimately these are great wardrobe pieces, classics with a twist. I would say their strength is in being very informal and yet elegant. In my eyes, we have developed a new contemporary language, which works all over the world and which people adore for its functionality, peace and precision. It's the really little details that make a massive difference. We don't believe in seasons. The collections are constantly evolving and each one builds on the others. We are still selling styles that had their debut 8 years ago.
What inspired you to collaborate with USM?
I was excited about bringing USM into fashion in the context of a fashion show because the furniture at first glance, of course, is more closely associated with the home and office. One of USM's strengths is the way it stands out in the conceptual space.
To what extent does the choice of USM furniture reflect your design philosophy?
For me, USM is one of the most distinctive furniture brands I know. As a designer, of course, I am hugely impressed with its durability, functionality and modularity. Before our collaboration, I already owned USM furniture and was a massive fan. Ultimately, good design should offer a sense of calm, giving the customer freedom, organisation and function. USM offers all of that and its modular design allows for customisation. This is such a timeless concept and has been bringing design and organisation to offices and homes for many decades. I firmly believe that sustainability begins with design and quality and that USM's success is built on those principles.
What is your vision for developing your label?
I would love to create my own establishment. I love building worlds and trying out lots of product groups. Fashion is our core business and I think it always will be. A month ago we launched FAN PLAZA, a store for gifts and souvenirs, where modern stationery meets antique objects and vintage books/magazines. In time, this space will feature art, music and design and will host inspirational guest personalities. I am always looking for new ways to understand and showcase design.
Photographer: Clemens Poloczek
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