FASHIONALLY - #DesignerDaily | Interview with Brun Chan, Founder of Hong Kong Fashion Brand röyksopp gakkai

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#DesignerDaily | Interview with Brun Chan, Founder of Hong Kong Fashion Brand röyksopp gakkai

HOME ▸ FEATURES ▸ #DesignerDaily | Interview with Brun Chan, Founder of Hong Kong Fashion Brand röyksopp gakkai

2025.02.10

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The annual “Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation” celebrates the exceptional musicians in Hong Kong each year and preserves the rich legacy of Cantonese songs. Besides honouring achievements in the Hong Kong music scene, the stage is a showcase for local fashion, with the hosts’outfits created by local designers. This year, the event invited Brun Chan, founder of fashion brand röyksopp gakkai, to design the costumes.

In September last year, 903 DJ Leung Man Lai attended the röyksopp gakkai 2025 Spring/Summer collection “citta-matra” show and subsequently invited Brun Chan to design the stage costumes for this year’s awards ceremony. This marks Brun’s return to the Ultimate Song Chart Awards stage after nine years, and she is the first designer to be invited back. “The Commercial Radio FM 90.3 has always been a part of my childhood, and being invited by Ah Lai (Leung Man Lai) to design the costumes again feels like the DJ’s are witnessing the growth of röyksopp gakkai,” Brun shared.

Now entering its 10th year, röyksopp gakkai has significantly advanced in craftsmanship, attention to detail and design maturity. The most notable change from nine years ago is the involvement of Sonic, who excels in designing clothes using the remake method. Sonic’s emphasis on the integrity and details of the garments inspired Chan to incorporate various sewing techniques and craftsmanship into the clothes, creating a unique aesthetic for the brand.

Q: First of all, congratulations,Brun and Sonic, on your work on the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation! What special significance does this collaboration hold for you?

Sonic & Brun: röyksopp gakkai was previously managed by one person, but this time, Sonic approached the creation process as a member of the brand. Sonic’s aesthetics and craftsmanship complemented Brun’s imaginative designs, and this collaboration fully showcased how our styles can seamlessly blend together.

Q: How did this collaboration come about?

Brun: röyksopp gakkai participated in the recent CENTRESTAGE and Fashion Hong Kong runway shows. DJ Leung Man Lai was also a guest at the runway show. After watching the show, he asked if we’d be interested in designing the costumes for the Ultimate Song Chart Awards. Sonic also worked on the collection showcased at CENTRESTAGE , so it was only natural to involve them in this project as well.

Q: After nine years, you have again been invited to be costume designer for the event. How did you feel about this, and what challenges did you face?

Brun: I heard that we’ are the first brand to be invited back for a second time, which is quite flattering and a great honour. The Commercial Radio FM 90.3 has always been a part of my childhood, and being invited by Ah Lai (Leung Man Lai) to participate in the costume design again feels like the DJs are witnessing the growth of röyksopp gakkai. The biggest challenge was how to showcase röyksopp gakkai’ 's designs while highlighting the unique styles and physiques of each DJ, as they’ are all very different.

Q: How has the design style of your brand röyksopp gakkai evolved from its early days to the current designs?

Brun: When I revisited the works from my first participation in the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, the design inspiration at that time came from Impressionist landscape paintings and botanical illustrations, with the clothing cuts referencing Victorian-era fashion. These have always been my favourite elements, and that hasn’t changed much. However, as röyksopp gakkai enters its 10th year, there have been significant improvements in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and design maturity. For example, we repurposed old handkerchiefs and children’s blankets, and woven fabrics, into our designs.

Q: How did you find balance between different design styles while collaborating with Sonic? What impact and inspiration did this collaboration have on your creations?

Brun: As both the art director and stylist, my designs focus more on storytelling and the overall ambience. Sonic, however , places greater emphasis on the integrity and details of each garment. This collaboration has made me more meticulous in considering the details and production methods in my designs. Unlike in the past, where I might have used fabrics and cuts to unify a collection, working with Sonic has inspired me to use sewing techniques and craftsmanship to connect different pieces, creating a cohesive and complete collection.

Q: Where did the inspiration for this design come from? Is there a particular theme or story you want to convey to the audience?

Brun: The inspiration for this design came from the 1973 cult movie The Wicker Man. The film follows a Scottish police officer who travels to a small island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. I was fascinated by the eerie dances and costumes of the pagans in the movie. In addition to the pagan costumes, I added a 1970s hippie fashion vibe to create the framework for this design.

The film is not only visually and musically attractive but also reflects the anxiety that arises when people transition from being the majority to the minority. It prompts viewers to reflect on whether they could steadfastly hold onto their beliefs, even if it seems foolish, like the protagonist. This is the message I hope to convey.

Q: How do you ensure that the costume designs align with the event’s theme while showcasing your brand’s unique style?

Brun: The main theme of this year’s Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation is “I am __ dancing wildly.” During the early stages of creating the collection, the DJ’s shared some stories about the theme’s composition with me. I think röyksopp gakkai has always been dancing wildly within its own constructed worldview. Some designs and styling methods may seem chaotic, but there is a unique aesthetic that belongs to us.

Q: What are your plans or goals moving forward?

Brun: We will continue to work hard on our creations and look forward to more collaborations, whether that’s in fashion or other mediums.