Kat Lau’s man: contemporary, unregulated and free like a bird

“Everything you do relates to your fashion.”

The main concept behind her designs is embodiment and the interplay between body, mind and environment. Introduced to body-mind theories by her supervisor at THEI, Lau started to immerse herself into the literature around the topic that became central to both her BA and MA collections. “What we are wearing is affecting our mind and behaviour,” she says, “Everything you do relates to your fashion.” For her MA collection, however, this abstract idea was commercialised. This results in a practical approach to menswear that favours lightweightness, comfort and mobility that connects fashion and athleisure in a rich colour palette ranging from soft shades of blue and green to vibrant geometric accents of orange, purple and tile.

The ‘Aerial Men’ of the Kat Lau Nation, living freely and unshackled by any rules, are dressed in three layers, each ensured to provide maximum comfort and freedom of movement. One of the research fields for her final collection were winter sports in the Olympic games, especially the lean, defined figure of ice skaters. This is reflected in knitwear infused with elastic yarn and the use of spandex fabric to achieve that second-skin look and feel. The highlight of the “Aerial’ M” collection is the so-called ‘flag coat’ where lightweight, waterproof material is sewn to function as both a flag and coat. Similar to athletes holding up their nation’s flag proudly at the Olympic winners podium, the models at Kat’s show carried their flags on thin retractable poles before switching them into coats.

Kat’s batch at LCF was amongst the lucky fashion design students that got to finish their studies, physical graduate show included, before COVID-19 hit Europe. Whilst the pandemic has gladly not affected her creative process and graduation, she faces the struggle of finding a job during these uncertain times. “For now, I want to stay in the UK,” she says, mentioning the high risk that would come with returning to Hong Kong. Working in the UK does present a challenge to Kat, especially when it comes to communicating with locals, but she is committed to work on her English skills. Also, in Hong Kong, fashion and the arts are not perceived as professions that provide one with proper income. The lifestyle and overall attitude in London is more open and enjoyable, less conservative.  “I think the UK will be more suitable for my future career,” she says.

“I just want to learn new things until I will be able to find a job here.”

Fashion isn’t Kat’s only project. Along with a cosmetics student from LCF, she launched an online store called ‘Taoists Health’ which sells natural health products based on traditional Chinese medicine. Targeted at a UK audience, their repertoire of natural remedies is planned to include skincare and makeup whilst tangerine tea and herbal foot bath kits are already available. “It may not be related to menswear design, but it is about collaboration and, mainly, I am interested in it. I just want to learn new things until I will be able to find a job here,” she shares.

“Just enjoy your university life, because what you will be doing in your future is another story.”

Many people may say that a career in fashion equals no future, particularly in the current climate, stating that there are more ‘steadier’ jobs. Her advice for students contemplating to apply for fashion schools? “Right now, no matter which country you would be studying in, it is a risk. Once you’ve found your passion, you have to try and do your best,” she adds, “Just enjoy your university life, because what you will be doing in your future is another story.”

When it comes to the future, Kat wants to establish her own lifestyle brand that sells high quality pieces that last the consumer many years and are made entirely out of sustainable fabrics. “I know that it’s really difficult to pull this off, this idea of being 100% eco-friendly and ethical, but I will try to improve a little more every day,” she says. A few years ago, she admitted, she bought a lot of fast fashion. “My mum would always ask me ‘Why would you buy all these things? There are too many clothes in your bedroom!’” By now, things have changed. Years of studying design altered her perception and consumption of clothes.

Kat Lau’s brand offers not just menswear that unites influences of China and the UK, but an approach on how to live in a more conscious, sustainable way. Her awareness of synchronising one’s body, mind and environment to create something of high quality and durability is not only what makes her stand out in a fast-paced world, but also feels ever so relevant in a time when taking care of yourself has never been more important.