SET THE STAGE Hotel designer André Fu delves into homeware with his namesake lifestyle brand, while bringing a nostalgic touch to the interiors he has crafted for St Regis Hong Kong
As we step inside a historic apartment, we’re serenaded by jazzy tunes as well as the soundtrack of Wong Kar-wai’s iconic film, In the Mood for Love; the scene in front of us looks like it’s part of a stage set. We’re visiting the André Fu Living presentation, which was held during Milan Design Week. Tapping into his expertise in hospitality design, the collection realises the needs of an itinerant traveller; its layout also references the geometry of the Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest sundial in Jaipur, India. “It’s a complete scenography,” explains Fu. “The whole idea of this collection is derived from a person’s life at different times of the day. There is a place to dine, a place to work and a place to rest; that’s how the whole collection started.” Entitled Modern Reflections, the collection comprises 150 pieces spanning across the categories of furniture, accessories and tableware. It’s imbued with a touch of nostalgia and Fu’s inimitable blend of cross-cultural elements. “I love the Sixties; I feel there’s a certain romanticism with that era,” shares the designer. “I find it very mesmerising; I think that could be the most romantic time period in Hong Kong.” The well-travelled designer reflects on the diverse influences behind his work and his most recent projects:
What inspired the decision to start your namesake brand? I started André Fu Living two years ago; last year, I thought maybe I should do a version 2.0 to find a platform that tells my own design language and story. This is much more personal than anything that I’ve ever done. It all took place in the past 12 months; there are certain sectors that are new to me, such as the application of pattern onto scarves, throws and porcelain products. It’s been an eye-opener and a learning curve for me.
Which are your favourite pieces in this collection? I like the porcelain; we have 15 items that should serve the majority of Eastern and Western dining requirements. If you look in the market there are not many sets that can actually do both cuisines at the same time. This also taps into things that I’ve learnt in hospitality design. Another item that’s interesting is the laptop table because it responds to the way people live these days. It’s also a natural evolution of everything we’re doing, while going back to the authenticity, craftsmanship of genuine materials.
Tell us more about the concept you’ve designed for St Regis Hong Kong. It’s a curated mansion concept; the goal is to create a hotel that taps into my memories of Hong Kong. It’s always difficult to do a hotel in your hometown; if you know it so well, it’s hard to make it not literal. We’ve used a lot of old silhouettes of Hong Kong—for instance, there’s the oil lamp that’s been reinterpreted into certain light fixtures, and the columns from the old police station in Wan Chai that I’ve used as a recurring theme in terms of the detailing. It’s an exciting time for me in Hong Kong. There’s another project called K11 Artus coming up in July. We’re also working with chef Julien Royer from Odette restaurant in Singapore. He’s opening a restaurant in Hong Kong called Louise. Louise is the name of his aunt; the restaurant is conceived as her house.