BE MY GUEST

INSIDERS
Ross Urwin
Do you think this new interest in good design signals a more
mature retail market?
Yes absolutely. I previously worked as Lane Crawford’s creative
director and when we were planning their new store in
Shanghai [which opened in the Autumn of 2013], I spoke to
many locals about why the new design malls that are beautifully
specified and house many of the major international brands
were lacking significant footfall. The majority responded that
they personally were looking for the next design experience and
that although the malls were well considered and well designed,
the city was saturated with similar retail locations. It is a natural
transition that this becomes lifestyle focused to encompass
fashion, furniture, home accessories, and technology - all of
which are an extension of the individual.
I used this information to reinterpret the Lane Crawford
store by adding installations from local creatives, European
vintage props I’d sourced and great food and beverage outlets.
The feedback has been that it is one of the few shopping
destinations in the city that has a vibe, a buzz, a soul. These are
similar comments to those who visited Design Shanghai, which
confirms my opinion that, like all of us, it is an experience the
local Chinese consumer now desires. They want to be moved by
what they see. They want to learn, expand their vision and be
inspired.
What do shoppers in Shanghai look for in good design?
For many it has only been over the last few decades or so that
they have been able to purchase their first home. They have a
sense of pride about this and want to design and furnish it with
items that create a sense of joy and calm but also offer creature
comforts that they were unable to experience previously.
Designing their home is a personal decision. It is less about
showing others what they have and more about personal
pleasures and expression. I think that it’s about introducing new
design brands in a way that encourages the individual to create
an edited version that suits their needs. This is going to take
time but the Chinese population have a voracious appetite for
design and quality.
How does the market differ to Hong Kong?
The appreciation of handmade design products with longevity
is relatively new to Hong Kong as well. When I joined Lane
Crawford six years ago and introduced international designers
like Tom Dixon, Ilse Crawford and Jaimie Hayon to Hong
Kong, it took time for a local appetite to develop. Through
exposure and a strong marketing focus we built a new awareness
of the contemporary design movement and the broader local
demographic began to trust what we were offering. I think the
market in Hong Kong and China is ready for the never seen
before items which influenced my decision to launch The World
Beyond website stocking limited edition products and vintage
designer furniture. We hope to push these design boundaries
even further by launching a pop-up store selling vintage pieces,
art and global finds at the Police Married Quarters creative
enclave on Hollywood Road in early May.
What are the key factors driving this new appreciation for
decorating the home?
In China, the interest in home items began to re-emerge a few
years ago. I think that in part it is a reaction to mass-produced
products that have somewhat lost their appeal. International
travel and social media have also played a key part in this desire
to live with good design. Exposure and access to all design
disciplines has changed dramatically with the evolution of print
media in China and the internet. Younger Chinese returning
from studies in Europe and the United States have also brought
back their new appreciation of international design. These are
the customers of today. R
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