20 November 2025
GQ Local Heroes：Robert Wun
The first Hong Kong designer to have shown at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Robert Wun has reached remarkable heights. It is through his avant-garde designs that he has established a profound emotional connection with his clientele, exhibiting to them an artistic vision of the future. Wun’s name is not merely synonymous with excellent design, but with the courage to break through and pursue one’s true self.
Just minutes before our interview, Robert Wun was hunkered down at his London studio, fully immersed in the intricacies of his work. Setting aside what he was working on, he shared his thoughts on his current design journey, maintaining an easy smile that only someone as passionate and dedicated to their craft can afford in an industry as hectic as fashion. Since graduating from the London College of Fashion in 2014, Wun has flourished. In 2022, he won the ANDAM Fashion Award and, under the mentorship of Chanel’s President of Fashion Bruno Pavlovsky, became the first Hong Kong designer to present at Paris Haute Couture Week—among other accolades.
On what it means to be a “hero”, a concept crucial to his design philosophy, Wun shares, “I’ve always been influenced by Hayao Miyazaki. He once mentioned in a press conference a ten years ago that Western heroes are often male characters who save the world through violence, while women are often portrayed as waiting to be rescued. In Miyazaki’s films, the definition of a hero is completely different; they don’t need to save people, but instead use forgiveness and love to change the world. In his view, women can also be true heroes—they don’t need to be saved.” These values resonated deeply with the designer and became a part of his work’s core values. This interpretation of a hero not only expresses Wun’s personal beliefs but also inspires his design to evoke messages of love and compassion, enabling all to find resonance in his work and feel a sense of inclusion and forgiveness.
Hong Kong is home to me, a place filled with memories and emotions. In this city, you can see countless possibilities, but also witness many challenges.
When speaking about Hong Kong, Wun aptly describes the city’s dynamism and contradictory nature with the word “vortex”. “Hong Kong is home to me, a place filled with memories and emotions. In this city, you can see countless possibilities, but also witness many challenges. It’s like a giant bubble—ephemeral yet full of energy, but at the same time possessing deep-seated limitations,” Wun commented. “The city’s architecture, flow of information, and entertainment industry create a dazzling spectacle, but can sometimes also make people narrow-minded. It’s like a bubble, but so long as people are willing to step out of their comfort zone and explore broader horizons, Hong Kong’s potential can be rekindled.” He encourages the younger generations not to be confined by the city’s limitations, but to dare to explore and dismantle such barriers—it’s the only way Hong Kong can have a richer future.
Storytelling is paramount to Wun’s work. On sourcing creative inspiration, he specifically highlights the profound impact of watching Beyoncé on MTV as a young man. He was only 17-years-old at the time, and was struck by the simple yet powerful visual: a white background, two dancers, dramatic lighting, and dynamic angles. The music video, without lavish editing, conveyed profound emotion and narrative that greatly inspired Wun. “That memory made me realise that creativity doesn’t necessarily require expensive resources, but rather a clear story and a unique perspective. You can create a powerful impact with simple elements, as long as you have a story. The story is what gives everything meaning.”
Whether it be his collections or the bespoke ensembles he creates for top international stars, behind Wun’s deceptively simple aesthetic lies a wealth of narrative complexity. “I love translating my imaginations for the runway, creating a pure and luxurious version, and then witnessing it be reborn once more on the red carpet or through a celebrity’s performance,” says Wun. “Each collaboration is like the birth of a new life, giving the work a second existence. No piece is perfect; even in the moments just before a show, I’m still thinking about how I could have done better. It’s a never-ending process, but it’s this very pursuit that enables my growth and progress.” The designer also admits that challenges are ever-present. Details like a model’s poses or the nuances of the makeup may seem minor, but it’s these seemingly insignificant elements that become the driving force behind his continuous refinement.
I love translating my imaginations for the runway, creating a pure and luxurious version, and then witnessing it be reborn once more on the red carpet or through a celebrity’s performance.
Wun is no stranger to the cultural biases and stereotypes bound to Asian designers. “Having lived in London for many years, I often find myself framed as an ‘Asian designer’. I have always focused on doing what I love and telling the stories I want to convey, not to prove myself as an Asian designer, but to knock down prejudices through my work. Potential comes from breaking boundaries and focusing on the work itself.” He believes the future of fashion should be more inclusive and diverse, not limited by mere nationality or culture. Everyone is owed the right to design as a language that transcends borders, allowing all the opportunity to express their culture and ideas.
When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), Wun maintains a rather rational perspective. “It can improve efficiency, but it will never replace the life stories and emotional expression of humans,” he says. “True art comes from the creator’s life experiences and inner emotions—these are the most moving core of any work.”
Looking ahead, Wun hopes to expand his brand into more cross-disciplinary fields, such as product design, hospitality, and collaborations in the tech space. His goal is to allow his brand’s story to unfold across different mediums, building a richer and more complete universe. His is a creative spark that originated from Hong Kong, but one that now continues to burn passionately, igniting spirits across the globe.
Photography: Jack Chipper
On site producer: Jack So
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