By: Rachel Lee

Eric Wang, a name steadily making waves in the international fashion circuit, is a pioneering accessory designer. His creative journey stretches from the streets of China to the bustling fashion capitals of the world. With a strong passion for and understanding of Asian market aesthetics blended with contemporary global trends, his designs have challenged the boundaries of accessory and eyewear design. In this exclusive interview, Eric opens up about his design and life journey, the influence of cross-cultural experiences on his work, and his unique creative process.

Q: Could you share your early experiences in the world of fashion in China? How did they plant the seeds of your love for design?

Eric Wang: My fashion journey began in Shanghai. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by the most fashionable crowd in town. All my friends and family were obsessed with fashion and were always trying on the latest pieces from emerging designers. These cultural elements served as my first inspiration. At the same time, I was exposed to China’s rapidly growing fashion market, with its mix of modernity and heritage. I started experimenting with simple design ideas on my own, like customizing my own accessories. That’s how I got my start in the fashion industry.

Q: What inspired you to pursue your studies abroad? How have these international experiences shaped your design philosophy?

Eric Wang: I was eager to expand my knowledge not only in fashion design but also in the international fashion business, so I decided to study at institutions like Istituto Marangoni and ESMOD in Paris—not just to learn from school, but to observe the real operational processes of the Western fashion industry. Studying abroad gave me the chance to explore different cultures and somehow made me more confident that true market feedback is always more valuable than what’s taught in school. That was the turning point when I returned to Shanghai to start my own brand.

Q: You’ve studied at some renowned fashion institutions. How have these educational experiences contributed to your growth as a designer?

Eric Wang: At Istituto Marangoni, I received a solid foundation in fashion business principles, from understanding the fashion system to balancing commercialization and innovation. The hands-on approach to learning allowed me to turn my ideas into tangible products. At ESMOD, they focused more on the artistic, design, and manufacturing aspects, which I realized wasn’t my biggest interest—but it also helped me figure out where I wanted to position myself as an artist in the fashion industry: an artist with sharp business acumen and an identifiable, strong personal style. That’s also why I came back to Marangoni years later as a guest tutor to share my real-world industry experiences with young students.

Q: On a personal level, what does design mean to you? How do you connect with your designs beyond the creative process?

Eric Wang: Design is my way of communicating with the world. It’s a form of self-expression that goes beyond words. Each of my designs changes with different chapters in my life story, influenced by my experiences, emotions, and the people I meet. Beyond the act of creating, I connect with my designs through feedback from buyers. Seeing someone feel confident and stylish in one of my sunglasses is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that design has the power to positively impact people’s lives and make them feel good about themselves.

Q: How has your family background influenced your approach to accessory and eyewear design?

Eric Wang: I come from a large family; my father and uncles are all in the commercial real estate business. Growing up, the family business provided me with a solid foundation in business thinking. This sets me apart from other designers. I believe fashion is inherently a business, and being an artist in fashion means developing your own design language and ensuring your pieces are always recognizable—so you’re not creating fashion “garbage,” but shaping trends and generating needs and desires. For example, when designing sunglasses, I might integrate traditional Chinese patterns like dragons or pearls into modern acetate frames. This fusion of Eastern and Western elements creates a unique aesthetic that resonates with a global audience. It also allows me to introduce Chinese culture to a broader world in a contemporary way.

Q: You’ve been involved in several collaborative projects, such as with KUNA and ANOTA. Could you tell us more about these experiences and how they’ve influenced your work?

Eric Wang: Collaborations are a great way to learn and grow with brands in different categories. Working with KUNA, we focused on creating sporty eyewear that was both stylish and functional for the Asian market. We combined the brand’s iconic “U” element with my design sensibilities, resulting in a well-received collection. As for ANOTA, the collaboration was about merging jewelry and eyewear. It was a challenge to find the perfect balance, but incredibly rewarding. These experiences taught me the importance of teamwork, listening to different perspectives, and adapting my designs to fit different brand identities.

Q: What has been one of your most memorable design projects or showcases?

Eric Wang: One of the most memorable moments was presenting my collection at Paris Fashion Week for the first time. It was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. That’s when I finally entered all major department stores in Asia, and I felt increasingly confident taking my collection to the global marketplace. That season, my collection received its first order from Dubai Mall and Galeries Lafayette.

Q: Looking ahead, what are some goals or projects you’re excited to pursue in the future?

Eric Wang: I’m eager to continue exploring new materials and technologies in my designs. I’m also interested in collaborating with more international brands to bring my unique design perspective to a global audience. Additionally, I want to use my platform to promote an effortless fashion attitude. Fashion should serve people and make them effortlessly beautiful. If fashion becomes time-consuming, expensive, and overly serious—making people feel like they need to fit certain standards to be “fashionable”—then it’s just a potential trap.

Summary

Eric Wang’s journey in fashion is a remarkable testament to the power of cross-cultural inspiration and the seamless integration of tradition and modernity. From his beginnings in China to making his mark on the international stage, Eric’s experiences have shaped him into an innovative and influential accessory designer. His ability to blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary global trends has not only set him apart but also resonated with fashion lovers worldwide. His collaborative projects and unique design approach continue to push boundaries in accessory design. As he looks to the future…