Take an insider’s look into the lives of some of the most interesting and prominent characters with Tatler’s new interview series, Up Close and Personal With...
From business accomplishments to guilty pleasures, few topics are off-limits as we get up close and personal with Hong Kong’s Tatler community.
In this column, we peer into the life of Hong Kong’s man with a plan, André Fu. Named designer of the year in 2016 for Maison & Objet Asia and on Wallpaper’s list of Top 20 Interior Designers, Hong Kong-based Fu is one of Asia’s most in-demand interior architects. From original furniture created for Louis Vuitton to major hotels around the world, including The Berkeley in London, Hong Kong’s St Regis Hotel and The Upper House, the breadth of his work is extensive and his craftsmanship hard to miss.
Known for his original spaces, Fu mixes the traditions of the East with modern European flair, bridging the gap between the two cultures. His new book Crossing Cultures with Design features 18 recent projects from around the world, giving readers insider access to Fu’s home and other well-known works with photographs, hand-drawn sketches and mood boards, as well as insight from Adrian Cheng, Joyce Ma and art curator Aric Chen. Expect to see the book on the coffee tables and shelves of design lovers everywhere upon its release.
Here, he talks to Tatler about his personal struggles while designing The Upper House, and watching Jamiroquai’s audacious performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
See also: Up Close and Personal With William Lim
What does Hong Kong mean to you?
A vibrant city with a tremendously dynamic urbanscape and cross-cultural influences. Hong Kong has many facets and that is why I like to express a very different aspect of my hometown through each of my hotel projects along our harbourfront. K11 Artus focuses on the juxtaposition of cultures and celebrates traditional crafts in a contemporary manner, while the St. Regis is a romantic retelling of the city’s charming heritage.
Describe your business ventures in one sentence.
An interior architectural studio with a global portfolio of hospitality projects and unique design collaborations.
What is a common misconception about you?
People always think that I am very accustomed to public speaking, yet I genuinely think of myself as an introvert.
What was the first thing you bought when you realised you had made it?
I acquired a ginko leaf bench by artisans Francois and Claude Lalanne, out of pure coincidence.
