What made you decide to launch your line of denim, RMC (aka Red Monkey Company) Jeans?
I worked as a retailer, wholesaler and merchandiser for a variety of brands and gained valuable experience on how to manage brands, supervise production and control quality. In Hong Kong, I introduced brands such as Evisu, John Bull and Forever Young at Heart to the local market so I felt confident when it came to launching my own brand - it just felt like the right time to roll.
When you launched in 2002 your designs featured many Japanese elements. Where did this come from?
Although I was born in Hong Kong and am now based here, I spent 20 years living in Nagoya and Tokyo. I learned a lot from the Japanese, especially the way they make their traditional dress, the kimono. The process of making kimonos is a serious matter and I take that approach in my jeans. Their dedication to workmanship and the design continue to inspire me. I used to put Japanese elements in my denim designs, mixing Japanese pop culture and art and taking themes from traditional paintings.
What's your signature style?
Our jeans are known for their graphic embroidery, usually on the back pockets. Elements of traditional Japanese and Chinese blend with contemporary and modern arts. For example, an illustration of the Japanese fortune cat is depicted using Warhol's pop-art colour scheme. Our best-seller is the unwashed blue jeans with oriental embroidery or our wave signature pattern that appears on every pair.