Manners Maketh Man
Fashion Designer, Lee Shih Hsun
Clothes maketh the man. DUO, in turn, employs textiles in the design of candle warmer lamps. This time, KIMU visited the living space and studio of the fashion designer, Lee Shih Hsun, providing a glimpse into the duality within him through DUO.
In the rapidly changing and fiercely competitive fashion industry, where a distinctive design seems to be a shortcut to garner media attention and market acceptance, Lee Shih Hsun steadfastly adheres to the intricate craftsmanship of tailored suits as his hallmark.
Stepping into Lee Shih Hsun's current residence in Da'an District, one is greeted by a minimalist space constructed predominantly with ample wood. Devoid of excessive decor and color, it exudes a grounded comfort akin to everyday life. Reflecting on his childhood spent in an early lane-side Japanese-style bungalow with his family, he reminisces, 'It was like the homes we see in the cartoon Maruko.' Hence, a sentiment for Japanese aesthetics persists.
‘Once I decided to inhabit this space, I had only one week to design and plan.’ Lee Shih Hsun shared numerous hand-drawn floor plans resembling clothing patterns. Much like crafting garments, these sketches denoted dimensions and construction methods on paper, as if the blueprint of an ideal space had long taken shape in his mind. Though not spacious, he intentionally elevated one-third of the area to lend a three-dimensional layering to the space. Utilizing non-intrusive wooden partitions, he demarcated zones for daily activities and nighttime repose, allowing a singular space to cater to diverse living scenarios.
Ascending a small staircase leads to a corner designed in imitation of a Japanese-style room. "This is where I usually relax," adorned with various pour-over coffee and tea utensils, serving as a place for casual conversations and breaks when friends visit. The intentionally elevated section shortens the distance to the window, allowing one to directly feel enveloped by the abundant natural light and window views. This not only affects one's state of mind but also extends and broadens the spatial scale. Through this "up-and-down" design, Lee Shih Hsun ingeniously creates an indispensable daily ritual in this space.
In terms of material and detail selection, he initially aimed to incorporate his expertise in juxtaposing diverse materials in this space. He envisioned creating a mosaic of wood panels with different sizes, wood grains, and shades, forming a patterned wall. However, due to construction challenges, this idea had to be abandoned. Besides the wood grain, the space incorporates ample whitespace. Therefore, the wall paint, specially selected from St. Leo Interiors in Denmark, features artisanal paint renowned for its handmade texture. Lee Shih Hsun personally applied it, presenting a unique and imaginative texture.
While this space appears simple, it subtly reveals Lee Shih Hsun's thoughtful considerations and perhaps even a touch of the artist's eccentricity. When we jokingly inquired about the idea of switching to interior design, he laughed and said, "Well, then I might be much happier!"
DUO elegantly defines the candle Warmer, effortlessly harmonizing with every stylistic space.
In Lee Shih Hsun's Japanese minimalist living space, he opted for the wooden version of DUO Candle Warmer. Diverging from commonly seen conical or oil lamp-style designs in the market, DUO sets a high standard in luminaire design, redefining the future of candle lamps with its refined aesthetics and elegant proportions. Balancing functionality and beauty, its sophisticated lines ensure seamless integration into any corner of a living space.
Beyond the living space, the team was fortunate to explore Lee Shih Hsun's studio, marking the first-ever photoshoot in this environment. Diverging from the light simplicity of his home, the studio is adorned not only with numerous tailoring tools but also an entire wall dedicated to his collection of art and fashion-related books. Here, donning a formal suit, Lee Shih Hsun recreated his professional appearance from his overseas work experiences, sharing with us his creative journey and what captivates him most about DUO Candle Warmer.
Manners Maketh Man
"I believe a suit is a tangible manifestation of politeness and elegance," said Lee Shih Hsun, leaving a lasting impression with his inherently courteous and elegant smile. Each encounter, even in everyday attire, reveals his knack for selecting items that best complement his physique. This affinity for meticulously crafted, well-fitting suits seems to be a natural gift. "The full suit series in my junior year was probably the starting point of my journey into tailoring," he reminisced. Later, during his graduation project at Parsons in New York, he attempted to emphasize the distinction between ready-to-wear and bespoke (tailored) by employing intricate, time-consuming manual techniques to challenge the precision of machinery. Departing from past creative designs that utilized unconventional materials, this series returned to the essence of suits. Through the use of the exquisite "patchwork" technique, combining new and old, different materials, Lee Shih Hsun created fabrics exclusive to him, paying the utmost homage to the art of tailoring and achieving a significant breakthrough.
From experimenting with Japanese pattern books in a language he initially didn't understand to shaping the desired suit silhouette; from the apprentice life of interning at a tailoring shop after graduation, experiencing the profound skills of seasoned masters, to venturing abroad to Europe and the United States, where tailoring originated, for further study and work – though seemingly long and obscure, this journey prompts a reappreciation of the value of "cultivation" in an era that often prioritizes quick success.
As Lee Shih Hsun shared the intricate details of each garment with us, he expressed a sense of regret: "Many aspects are actually not visible on the runway." Consequently, he hopes for future opportunities to present his work through static exhibitions.
Infusing Fragrance with the Tailored Comfort of Bespoke Attire
"The most enjoyable process in my creation is tailoring for each individual."
In a previous interview, Lee Shih Hsun expressed, "Wearing a silhouette that suits you and quality fabric can always transform a person – it's a magical feeling." This sentiment aligns seamlessly with the design philosophy of DUO Scented Wax Lamp – "Tailoring Exclusive Fragrances." DUO employs independently adjustable dual lamp heads, allowing not only the adjustment of fragrance intensity but also the harmonization of scents that match the current mood, providing a unique olfactory experience for every moment. It's akin to wearing a custom-tailored garment – a snug and personalized fit.
"Every piece of fabric has its own language." Therefore, when choosing fabrics, in addition to relying on the tactile sensations guided by intuition, Lee Shih Hsun values functionality. Different materials and weaving techniques, as long as they convey the message he wishes to communicate, have appeared in his creations. He believes that DUO's choice of substantial fabrics to balance with the sturdy lamp column is an excellent decision. The subtle glow emanating through the weave exudes a sense of warmth and comfort, making it the most appealing aspect for him.
Everybody is an Artist
"I approach each piece of clothing as I would a work of art." During the interview, Lee Shih Hsun specifically referenced the work "Felt Suit" by German artist Joseph Beuys. "This piece is my interpretation of a suit." Beuys used it to explore the traditional boundaries between artwork and everyday objects, hoping viewers would realize that everyone is an artist, capable of creating in various ways. Lee Shih Hsun describes his suits as sets of "costumes carrying themes," where each stitch weaves a narrative, turning the wearer into a storyteller. Similarly, DUO continues the tradition of emphasizing interaction with users in every product, making the scented wax lamp not just a melting wax but also a fragrance blender. It provides users with a creative stage in their daily lives, echoing the notion that everyone has an artist within.
Text: KIMU design / Photography: Zih-Sin, Jian
