What is the most inspiring technology you've encountered, and how does it influence your designs?
Douglas&Symphony: One of the most inspiring technologies for us is 3D printing. It allows us to create any shape we want, which gives us the freedom to design in a more innovative and wild way.
How did you meet and decide to start your brand together? Is there a story behind it?
Douglas&Symphony: We met at university. I was studying design, and my partner was studying engineering. During our time there, we collaborated on group projects, including experimenting with 3D printing. After that, we realized we could combine our strengths and create a brand that blends both design and engineering to make unique products.
What message or lifestyle do you hope to convey through your brand? What do you want customers to feel when purchasing your products?
Douglas&Symphony: We want our audience to feel the power of modern technology through our designs, especially the influence of 3D printing. When we post our products on social media, many people can't believe they're real because the designs look so futuristic. We aim to show that modern technology can create shapes and structures that were previously unimaginable.
How do you define future lifestyles, and how does that influence your designs?
Douglas&Symphony: We believe that abstraction is a key element in the future of realistic lifestyles. We draw inspiration from architecture, buildings, and even the shapes of spaceships or aircraft. Simplifying these lines and shapes helps us focus on speed and momentum, creating products that look more futuristic.
Where do you typically find inspiration for your designs?
Douglas&Symphony: We often find inspiration from architecture, daily life, and even spacecraft. Daily life is filled with messages and shapes that can inform our designs, so we stay observant and look for ideas everywhere.
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Can you tell us about your team and how you work together?
Douglas&Symphony: Currently, it’s just the two of us. My background is in design, and my partner’s background is in engineering. We collaborate closely on product design and aesthetics. Once we have a draft of the product, my partner handles the 3D modeling and engineering aspects, while I focus on graphic design and the overall art direction of our brand.
What are your plans for expanding your brand in the future?
Douglas&Symphony: We’re currently focused on expanding our product line to include bags and accessories. In the future, we hope to add clothing to our collection. Right now, we sell mainly online, but we’re also planning to host pop-up stores and fashion shows. We dream of opening a flagship store one day.
If you were to open a flagship store, which city would you choose?
Douglas&Symphony: For now, we would choose Hong Kong, as it's where we can easily communicate with the local market. However, we would love to expand globally, potentially opening stores in cities like Tokyo in the future.
As a relatively new brand founded in 2023, what challenges have you faced in building your business, and how have you overcome them?
Douglas&Symphony: The biggest challenge for us has been creating products with a distinctive identity that stands out in the competitive fashion industry. We’ve focused on designing bold, exaggerated shapes that are unique to our brand. We want our products to be instantly recognizable, so people can identify them as our creations.
What advice would you give to new designers and entrepreneurs looking to start their own fashion brand?
Douglas&Symphony: It’s important to try something new and bring fresh ideas to the fashion industry. Even though it might take time to see if people will like it, it’s crucial to create something that stands out and represents your vision. Don't just create products that are similar to what’s already out there; be innovative and take risks.
Who do you imagine as the ideal person to wear your products? What kind of personality do they have?
Douglas&Symphony: We imagine our customers as creative individuals who are not afraid to try new things. They are adventurous, not bound by tradition, and enjoy experimenting with new styles. Our products are for people who are bold and open-minded.
Do you have a global customer base, or is your audience mostly based in Hong Kong?
Douglas&Symphony: We have a strong international customer base, with many of our customers coming from the USA. We’ve found that American consumers are more willing to embrace new and experimental designs, while customers in Hong Kong tend to be more traditional and take a bit longer to warm up to new trends.
It's crucial to keep educating yourself and seek advice from industry experts.
