ApuJan,agraduateofLondon’sRoyal
CollegeofArt,foundedhiseponymous
fashionlabelin 2013 andhasbiannual
showsatLondonFashionWeek.Janoften
fusescomplexthemessuchasfantasyand
literatureinhisknitwear-heavycollections
whilejuxtaposingtraditionalandoriental
elementswithacontemporarytwist.
Jan’sbespokecreationsareoftenspottedat
someofTaipei’smostprestigiousred-carpet
occasions,includingtheGoldenHorseand
GoldenMelodyawardsceremonies.Overthe
years,thedesignerhasalsolenthiscreative
visiontoavarietyofotherindustries;hehas
createdin-flightloungewearforEvaAirand
costumesforthedancersoftheCloudGate
DanceCompany,aleadingcontemporary
dancetheatreintheregion.
Here,Janisphotographedwithhisfriend
AnnieChen,amodelandactress.Hesays
Chen,whomadeaguestappearanceat
hisspring/summer 2017 show,perfectly
embodiesthespirtofhislabel.Chencredits
Janwithbeingincrediblythoughtfuland
talented.“Whenyouwearhisoutfitsyou
canfeelthesoftnessandwarmth,justlikehis
personality,”shesays.“Whenthedaycomes,
I want him to design my wedding gown.”Apu Jan withAnnieChen
Photographed in his Taipei studio by Tommy Chen; Words by Camille Chang