Cover Declan Chan
Declan Chan
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One of the few Asia-based attendees at fashion weeks across the globe, the Hong Kong-based stylist and influencer shares his 2022 diary with Tatler
Thanks to pandemic travel restrictions, fashion buyers, editors and influencers across Asia had largely been forced to stay put in their home cities.
But not Declan Chan. The Hong Kong-born stylist and influencer has been one of the few Asia-based attendees at fashion weeks around the world for at least two seasons, despite the prohibiting travel restrictions imposed on residents in his home city.
Documenting his journey through snappy TikToks and Instagram reels, Chan has been delighting his followers with snapshots of his experiences, from attending in-person shows in Europe and America to dealing with lack of sleep. At the time of publication, Chan has 82,000 followers.
Here, Chan recalls his adventures—through the “big four” fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris earlier this year—and beyond.
Florence, January
Above Declan Chan at Pitti Uomo
Declan Chan at Pitti Uomo
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I started my fashion month journey in Florence with Pitti Uomo back in January. It was a partial “return to normal”, with the press and buyers coming back to the city for the trade fair.
The highlight was a showcase of emerging sustainable brands—in which I saw familiar faces like Philip Huang; a ballroom-style presentation that explored the notion of masculinity by guest designer Ervin Latimer; and the 032C collaboration with lingerie brand Sloggi. I swear that was the coolest loungewear I had ever seen.
Above TikTokers at Prada autumn-winter 2022 show
TikTokers at Prada autumn-winter 2022 show
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Milan, January
A short train ride took me to Milan, which was still a relatively quiet men’s fashion week, with only a few major brands returning to a runway show format.
Fendi exhibited some gender-fluid styles—it was a refreshing play for the house. Prada’s front row was taken over by a group of top TikTokers led by Noah Beck and Blake Gray—it was a sign of shift in the digital sphere of fashion.
Above Declan Chan at Kenzo autumn-winter 2022 show
Declan Chan at Kenzo autumn-winter 2022 show
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Paris, January
Paris was a city that took a big leap of faith, post-Covid. We were thrown right into all-physical shows and presentations for most brands.
The best collection for men’s week had to be Dior by Kim Jones. It was a perfect marriage of the maison’s haute couture craftsmanship heritage and men’s tailoring.
The appearance of Kanye West and Julia Fox—whose relationship didn’t last much longer than the runway show—stole the show at the debut collection of Kenzo, by streetwear legend Nigo.
It was very emotional at Louis Vuitton, since it’s the last collection by the late Virgil Abloh. The show was a theatrical tribute to Virgil: the appearance of the entire atelier staff at the finale was truly a tear-jerking moment.
Above Nadia Lee Cohen at Schiaparelli couture show (Photo: Declan Chan)
Nadia Lee Cohen at Schiaparelli couture show (Photo: Declan Chan)
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Haute couture was restored to its full glory, due to their [the shows’] intimate settings. Every show was a physical show.
Daniel Roseberry opened the season with an ornate and stunning collection at Schiaparelli. It was definitely the hottest ticket in town.
The Glenn Marten Y/Project for Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration offered an exciting clash of two very distinct aesthetics. Monegasque equestrian, socialite and house ambassador Charlotte Casiraghi riding her horse down the Chanel Couture runway was a fashion moment to remember.
In case you missed it: Tatler’s Edit of the Best Looks From the Spring/Summer 2022 Couture Shows
Above Bottega Veneta autumn-winter 2022 show (Photo: Declan Chan)
Bottega Veneta autumn-winter 2022 show (Photo: Declan Chan)
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New York, London, Milan, February; Paris, February-March
The fashion calendar continued with ready-to-wear [shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris].
If there was a common thread that linked the [shows in the] four cities, it has got to be a Euphoria mania. With the launch of season two of the show, the entire cast took fashion by storm.
Angus Cloud made a front-row appearance at Coach in New York; Chloe Cherry strutted her way through the London shows and walked Blumarine; Hunter Schafer closed the Prada show; Jacob Elordi was at Bottega Veneta in Milan; Dominic Fike and Maude Apatow were at Saint Laurent; Zendaya appeared at Valentino as the brand ambassador; and finally, Alexa Demie was at Balenciaga.
Read more: The Fabulous Cast of ‘Euphoria’ are Fashion Week’s Favourite Attendees and Models
Above Balanciaga autumn-winter 2022 show (Photo: Declan Chan)
Balanciaga autumn-winter 2022 show (Photo: Declan Chan)
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Besides cultural moments, brands also addressed Russia’s Ukraine invasion.
All the designers [were] scrambling to voice their support for Ukraine: Balenciaga’s Demna [Gvasalia] made his statement with a haunting show that told the story of his personal experience as a refugee from Georgia.
Valentino did it with a softer message, with an All You Need is Love soundtrack and an all-pink collection.
From what I observed throughout fashion month, I felt the fashion system is an unstoppable engine. It is a business that needs to keep its operations [going], no matter how difficult times are—and is also a vehicle to make social commentary and remind us of our values.
I really treasured the opportunity to witness it all—and I realised why I am so passionate about this industry.
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Cherry Mui was the regional fashion director of Tatler Asia. She grew up in Chengdu, China, as well as Hong Kong, and loves to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. When she's not styling photoshoots or lusting over runway looks, she's posting outfit pics on Instagram. Follow her @cherrymuii.
