Ray Chu is a fashion designer, and founder of the “disruptive, sexy, A-gender” RTW RAY CHU brand.
Established in 2016, the inclusive label is characterised by a unique combination of refined quality, innovative craftsmanship, and edgy attitude, with their signature suits – famous for their precious tailoring and carefully placed cut-outs – recently winning praise for further helping to strengthen and embolden the brands core, genderless identity.
Ray Chu | Fall Winter 2023/2024 | Presentation
Prior to venturing into the creative industry, Ray Chu was studying English Education in NTUE. After graduating from college, he studied fashion at Shih Chein University before becoming an R&D fashion designer for a clothing trading company in Taipei.
In 2018, Ray moved to Shanghai where he worked as a buyer for multi-brand stores, and in 2022 he worked as Product Manager and Buyer for an e-commerce platform that helps international brands to open T MALL (online store) in China.
Currently he is focused on his eponymous label, as well as a number of various projects with multi-brand stores in China.
We caught up with Ray Chu for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite Neighbourhood:
I’ve always really liked East London.
Favourite Place For Brunch:
Oh there are so many good places to go to for brunch! I’m going to pick The Good Egg, because that’s the last place I went to and it was really nice.
Best coffee in London:
Again, there are so many different places to choose from! I’ll say Shoreditch Grind… although I often think the best kind of coffee is the one that’s made for you by the person you like the most first thing in a morning right after you wake up.
Favourite gallery or museum:
The Tate Modern, The Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum in Taiwan are three of my favourite ones.
Tell us a secret:
I used to be an English teacher in Taiwan.
Favourite place to shop:
I actually really like to shop at thrift stores in Brick Lane – you can find some great clothes there.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
I find myself feeling most inspired whenever I visit a museum, or whilst travelling and exploring different cities.
Best London destination for a date:
Going for brunch somewhere nice, then maybe shopping at a thrift store, and then going for a walk around my neighbourhood? I feel like the city of London itself is the best destination for any kind of date.
Favourite park:
Hyde Park for sure.
Favourite food market:
I’m sure a lot of people say it, but it’s got to be Borough Market. I always enjoy spending time there.
Your sanctuary in the city:
Any art gallery… especially during the week when there aren’t as many people around!
What inspires you?
Whilst there are countless things that inspire me, I would say more than anything I find looking at pieces of art the most inspiring.
This season I’m loving…
Low-waist fit and flared trousers!