Lu Kuan : The New Chinese Clothing Style

路宽 : 新中式风格

Lu Kuan and his brand THREE IN ALL perfectly illustrate how traditional culture can be reinvented in the modern world. In a context where different cultures blend, the « new » Chinese clothing style emerges as a promising trend, offering a lifestyle that is both pleasant and refined.

At the heart of this dynamic is Lu Kuan, founder of the brand THREE IN ALL. His ambition is to revisit the riches of traditional Chinese culture to establish a contemporary style that is both « Chinese and new. »

路宽Lukuang及其品牌谦山THREE IN ALL完美地展示了传统文化如何在现代世界中被重新诠释。在当今不同文化相互交融的背景下， “新”中式穿搭开始成为一种分享既愉悦又精致的生活方式的热潮。

路宽希望通过谦山THREE IN ALL的设计将过去中国传统文化的内涵与智慧在当下重新启用，建立「中而新」的当代服饰体系。

A Cultural Fusion

Lu Kuan draws his inspiration from Chinese craftsmanship and wisdom, which constitute the DNA of his brand. He explores the possibilities of Chinese oriental aesthetics through a modern style, thus offering a reflection on cultural identity in the 21st century. Through his creations, which encompass clothing, accessories, and interior decoration elements, he strives to convey an innovative vision while embodying the values of « Jing, Qi, Shen, » concepts that evoke the essence, energy, and spirit at the heart of Chinese culture.

Recently, Lu Kuan made a mark during the « Bridge Between Cultures » exhibition, celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France at the Première Vision show in Paris. For this event, he incorporated bamboo fiber fabrics into a creation of Tai Chi clothing, infusing a modern touch into this traditional outfit. Bamboo fiber fabrics stand out for their natural qualities: softness, breathability, and environmental respect. This approach makes Tai Chi clothing not only more comfortable but also more eco-friendly, addressing contemporary concerns about sustainability.

路宽LUKUAN从中国的工艺和智慧中汲取灵感，这构成了他的品牌 DNA。探讨中国东方美学在当代语境下的可能性，提供了对21世纪文化身份的反思。他的设计涵盖服装、配饰和室内设计元素，努力传达创新理念，同时体现 « 精、气、神 « 的价值，这些中国文化的核心概念。

在中法建交60周年”文化之桥” 展览中，路宽LUKUAN将竹纤维面料应用于太极服的设计中，为这一传统服装注入了现代风格。竹纤维面料以其天然品质而著称：柔软、透气、环保。这种方法使太极服不仅更加舒适，而且更加环保，回应了当代人对可持续发展的关注。

A Balance Between

Tradition and Modernity

Lu Kuan’s design reflects a subtle balance between tradition and modernity. He excels in the art of combining traditional elements with a modern design language, creating unique and creative works. By reinterpreting clothing and accessories through the lens of innovation, Lu Kuan opens new perspectives on Chinese fashion while honoring its cultural heritage.

路宽 Lu Kuan 的设计体现了传统与现代之间的微妙平衡。他擅长将传统元素与现代设计语言相结合，创造出独特而富有创意的作品。尊重中国文化遗产的同时，通过创新的视角重新诠释服装和配饰，路宽 Lu Kuan探索中国时尚新的诠释。

How do you define fashion?

I consider fashion to be « The Tao of Fashion. » It is like a journey in fashion. It is a balance between the temporal dimension and the spatial dimension in the search for a personal style, aiming to create a way of being that is both relaxed, natural, and coherent, thus forming a unique « cultivation. »

What is the source of your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from the wisdom accumulated throughout history and from popular craftsmanship in China. Through the exploration of this historical heritage, I seek to merge the past and the present, as well as the East and the West, into a clothing design system that is both « Chinese and new. » I strive to highlight the possibilities of oriental aesthetics in a contemporary context while preserving the essence of traditional Chinese culture and expressing the essential elements of the « Jing, Qi, Shen » concepts of Tai Chi.

How do you integrate Chinese elements into your creations?

The history of traditional Chinese aesthetics is vast and rich, and textile culture is full of sources of inspiration. In my research and creation, I strive to practice an aesthetic that is « timeless. » This involves exploring artistic heritages, aesthetic styles, patterns, and cuts, ranging from the smallest measurements to the largest proportions. I seek to merge contemporary trends with the classics in history. I enjoy experimenting with innovative practices. « The shape of clothing is determined by the materials, and the materials come to life through sewing. » I classify inspirations related to textiles and traditional clothing, creating garments based on the seasons. I hope that the beauty of traditional Chinese clothing can be reborn and integrated into our daily lives.

How does your creation take ecology into account?

The eastern philosophy of « cherishing objects and cultivating virtue » as well as the ancient wisdom of textile manufacturing in China, which advocates « weaving without waiting for cutting, » harmonize perfectly with contemporary ideals of sustainability. In my creations, I strive to preserve the intrinsic nature of fabrics at the structural level while minimizing waste during cutting. I also reuse fabric scraps by playing with colors and textures.

In the future, will the use of eco-friendly materials be important?

Design and fashion must be « benevolent. » In the future, the use of eco-friendly materials will not only be a key factor in design but also a means of expressing the quest for a better life for everyone.

What is your design philosophy for Tai Chi clothing?

Tai Chi is a martial art that combines softness and firmness. Bamboo, in Chinese culture, has rich symbolism, representing resilience and elegance in life. In this creation, I combined Chinese philosophy with proportions inspired by bamboo growth, using eco-friendly bamboo fiber materials, associated with the traditional « Bai Na » technique. I designed a wide cut using the « 十 » structure of Chinese culture, thus expressing an artistic form that evokes bodily movement and the flow of energy in space.

您对时尚如何定义？

我认为“时尚”是「The Tao of Fashion」,是“时尚之道”的修行。

在追求自身风格之中，平衡时间维度与空间维度，寻找一种自在、自然、自洽的着衣到生活方式的风尚，形成自己专属的“修养”。

您的设计灵感的来源？

设计灵感来源于传统历史中的智慧结晶和民间匠心，通过对历史宝藏的探习，将古、今、东、西无界圆融，以“中而新”的服饰设计体系，探讨东方美学在当代语境下的可能性，将中国传统文化的精神内涵沿袭，将中国「精·气·神」风骨姿态展现。

您如何将中国元素融入创作？

中国传统美学历史浩瀚，经典流传，纺织服饰文化中蕴含很多灵感势能。在研学创作中，创习“历久弥新”的美学哲思，从历史艺术宝藏、美学风貌、形制纹象、到剪裁织造，小到分寸之间大至气势之阔，将当代服饰的流行风尚与历史文化中的经典之作互通交融。我喜欢尝试有趣的实践。“衣形于物，物生之于形”，将传统中式纺织与着装相关灵感归档，以时令创作衣着。希望中式的着衣美好归到当下、回到日常。

您的设计如何考虑到环保？

东方中“惜物养德”精神理念，以及“织而成之，不待裁剪”的中国古代织造智慧，与当下环保理念不谋而合。创作从版型结构上尽可能保留织物本然，在平面裁剪中尽可能减少裁片浪费。将保留的织物余料从色彩、质感韵律进行再创作。

在未来，使用生态面料是不是很重要？

设计与服装是“向善”的，在未来使用生态面料不仅是设计的重要因素，也是很好能表达每个人追求美好生活的质感。

您的太极服的设计理念是什么？

太极运动缓和轻灵、刚柔并济；竹子在中国文化中具有丰富的象征意义，代表坚韧高雅的生命力。本次创作以中式哲思的方式结合竹节排布生长的比例形态，使用竹纤维生态原料辅以“百衲”传统工艺，以中华传统“十”字结构版型呈现宽衣文化，表达一种身体运动、气息流动于空间的衣着艺术。