Andrew Chu, W. W. Chan
Hong Kong
Since 1952, W.W. Chan & Sons has consistently served an exclusive niche of the elegant men of Hong Kong.
Pride in our relationships is one of our principles and so many a client has become a cherished part of the Chan family’s tailoring legacy. This practice of retaining style has regularly been descended from generation to generation; our adherence to the highest quality is what our relationships are founded on.
The Chan legacy has not only come from the original Shanghainese schools of traditional tailoring, but our house is one of the few who have preserved the dying art, knowledge and processes behind the true creation of a bespoke men’s suit. Our heritage brings the suiting to life so that it becomes an enjoyable part of yours.
What business aspects have led to the success of W. W. Chan?
In terms of growth, our company has seen a gradual shift in trends over the years. In the past, most of our clientele were older and mature men who kept to a subdued and classic style. These days, we often find ourselves working with a younger and more energetic client, who is very detail-centric and trend driven. We could say what gives our business a competitive edge is our ability to adapt with the evolving and changing climate of menswear over all these years.
What do you think is the future of tailoring? Do you see technology replacing the essential art of tailoring for instance, cutting, measuring or producing bespoke suits?
We rely heavily on traditional methods throughout the entire bespoke process, it is not only tried and tested, but more importantly is a major reason why our customers return to us year after year. Our philosophy is to keep the craftsmanship alive while delivering a product which is not only artisanal, but also of consistent quality with every order. If we replace these methods, it may throw things out of balance.
What is W. W. Chan’s unique value proposition and how do you acquire your customers?
Beyond our history and heritage, we pride ourselves in the ability to create a garment which fits each customer. While Ready to Wear has its obvious benefits, it will not satisfy all of the needs of the current market. There is far more demand now for a personalised retail experience which the brand elevates product knowledge for the client. Not only a mere transaction, our belief is to offer guidance and advice according to each person’s needs.