Exploring masculine elegance with menswear designer Wan Hung Cheung
Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2014, the Chinese-born, London-based designer Wan Hung Cheung has offered up a fresh perspective on menswear and offers a new twist on tailoring.
“I believe the quality of the product defines masculinity,” Wan Hung tells Hunger. “With garments and accessories positioned between classic formalwear and sportswear, I aim to create an innovative menswear wardrobe through textile development and functional pattern cutting. From sensuous undergarment to versatile tailored jacket, my focus is into the details, creating a comfortable and stylish yet amorous wardrobe.”
The Fall/Winter 2018 collection references the film The perks of being a Wallflower and aims to show a range which captures one’s essential elements of life: friends, freedom, thoughts, food, shelter and clothing. “We added sports to our own personal happiness checklist,” he adds. “Using intricate performance fabrics and smart pattern cutting, we introduced “Mister Hung”, a playful take on the modern day gym enthusiast.”
He sights German fine artist as a major player whose shaped him over the years, admiring his “visual toughness” vs. a “certain softness from his work.” Tom Ford was also a huge influence, since he was 12 years old. “Most specifically his business mind-set which I find extremely charming.” Elsewhere, he looks to Thom Browne “who tells a full story to his audience” and Dries Van Noten who “clarified the meaning of ‘sense and style’ when I was pursuing my dream at Central Saint Martins…Secretly I see them as my mentors.”
Fluid fashion is the future and so much more than some tokenistic buzzword, Wang says. “Quoting from Yves Saint Laurent, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” To me, Genderless is a trend, but I believe combining Mens and Womens Fashion Weeks together could create new energy for the shows.”
