Nana: Fashion has infinite possibilities, and new power is born from it. As a carrier of culture and times, fashion encompasses everything. From trendy to traditional culture, from celebrities, idols to everyone’s daily life, and from West to East, it is our discourse, our power, our time. Through Asian Voice, we hope to spread the local Asian fashion culture to the world by moving cross languages and borders.
As its name suggests, BLIND NO PLAN aims to embrace trends and fashion without being overly constrained by a specific purpose or agenda. Unlike many other fashion brands, BLIND NO PLAN is more inclined to express its fashion ideas freely, rather than adhering to predetermined themes each season. Since it was established at a time when China’s fashion trends were just starting to take shape, Leo also shared valuable insights into the Chinese trend market with us, providing us with a deep understanding of the industry.
What inspired to create your own brand initially?
Leo: My initial approach was quite straightforward and uncomplicated, just like the name of our brand, there was no plan and a lot of whimsy. In the early stages, the landscape of development was relatively uncluttered, allowing for a smoother progression. However, with the Chinese market now open and thriving, competition within the same category has intensified.
From the outset, I lacked a concrete plan for the product’s core, but I aspire for it to gain significant brand influence in the future.
What is the brand name “BLIND NO PLAN” means and what kind of life values is behind?
Leo: We aim to foster multi-dimensional growth and maintain the cultural essence of our brand’s products.
In today’s China, there exist various strategies for brand development. The first involves brands with valuable resources but lacking in visual PR or product quality. For instance, some rapper’s brands may initially see good sales but lack a lasting core influence. The second category excels in visuals and marketing, but their substance often lags behind; their brand products and designs are quite commonplace.
We aspire to encompass all facets of brand development. For instance, in terms of publicity, we have initiated the cultivation of new fashion bloggers, with the hope of influencing more fashion enthusiasts both domestically and internationally, thereby creating an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion.
Furthermore, we aspire for our products to provide exceptional service to our fans and to reshape people’s aesthetic preferences. Our ongoing goal is to leave a lasting impression on our customers.
What does young people in your imagination look like wearing BLINDNOPLAN?
Leo: In fact, many foreign brands have very distinct personal style symbols. This is an area where domestic brands still need to make efforts. We haven’t yet established our own distinct symbol, but we hope that through our brand, everyone can express their own style.
How do you come up with the collection every time?
Leo: Blindnoplan embraces spontaneity and doesn’t necessarily adhere to a specific theme. Our method revolves around creating the product first, showcasing its elements and components, and then letting the theme and our message emerge organically. Must clothing always be tied to a theme? Personally, I’m not particularly concerned about that. My focus is on spontaneity and expressing what surrounds me.
What do you think is the current trend of streetwear scene in China, and do you have any expectations for the future?
Leo: China’s e-commerce sector has experienced rapid growth, with a low entry barrier and now reaching saturation. Gone are the days when making money through internet promotions was easy. In this era, it’s increasingly crucial for a brand to establish a distinctive image and cultivate core influence in order to leave a lasting impression on the majority of consumers.
What are some of the challenges you encountered while building Blind no plan?
Leo: In 2017, we faced considerable confusion due to the blend of styles, struggling to determine the types of products we should create. However, we now have a well-defined product style. Our brand no longer overanalyzes trends.
While many brands focus on product layout to complement the human body itself, BLIND NO PLAN aspires to elevate the human form through our design.
Nonetheless, given the limited acceptance of bold shapes and designs in China, it remains a challenge to have our long-time fans embrace the current direction of the brand.
Do you have any advice for our readers who are seeking to find a way to start their own brand or career in the fashion industry?
Leo: I offer different suggestions depending on the circumstances.
For individuals with a background in science and a higher degree of professionalism, I recommend increasing their sensitivity to current trends. Instead of limiting themselves to specialized knowledge acquired in school, it’s important to stay attuned to contemporary trends. In today’s world, it’s possible to graduate from a prestigious institution but still lack awareness of current trends.
On the other hand, individuals with a strong sense of trendiness might struggle with execution. They often have numerous inspirations and ideas but may lack the professionalism and experience to bring them to fruition. Regardless of their aesthetic prowess, the ability to translate ideas into reality requires a substantial investment of time and experience.
Lastly, for those primarily interested in profit, a focus on the business aspect is crucial. If resources permit, they may consider hiring professionals to manage operations and execution.
In reality, success in this industry depends on individual circumstances and future goals. However, I remain steadfast in my belief that those who are passionate about their work tend to have better long-term success and continuity.
Those who are passionate about their work tend to have better long-term success and continuity.
Text by Yiyao Zhang
