Hotel designer André Fu discusses the inspiration behind his recent projects including Louise, the restaurant helmed by Odette's Julien Royer in 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 of 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.”
See also: Capella Singapore Debuts Renovated Villas And Hotel Rooms Designed By André Fu Studio
It's been a fruitful year for the designer, who has recently completed a series of projects in Hong Kong—the most recent of which is Louise, a Hong Kong restaurant helmed by chef Julien Royer of Odette.
"It’s an exciting time for me in Hong Kong; there is the André Fu Living collection, St Regis Hong Kong, soon the K11 Artus that's coming up in July," shares Fu. "We’re also working with chef Julien Royer from Odette restaurant. He’s opening a restaurant in Hong Kong called Louise. Louise is the name of his aunt, that’s where the name came from. It’s conceived as her house."
He adds: "These are projects that I spent years working on but it’s interesting that they’re all unveiling at close proximity of time." Here, the well-travelled designer reflects on the diverse influences behind his work and his most recent projects.
See also: Will Odette’s Julien Royer Open Another French Restaurant In Singapore?