Leslie Sun, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Taiwan.Photo credit: Leslie Sun Instagram (sunles)
Renowned in both the art and fashion industries, Leslie Sun was appointed Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Taiwan last year. It was undeniably a big news for both the publication and fashion industries when Condé Nast announced the appointment, in spite of the overflowing doubts about the future of printed media. There was a certain level of expectations on how Leslie’s unique background could help to revitalize a magazine with over 20 years of history.
Explorative, pioneering, visionary are some of the adjectives to describe Leslie's style of direction, echoing the philosophy of Phillips. With her refined taste on art and fashion, Leslie has been demonstrating the intimate connection between these two aspects with different types of experimental editorial content since she heads VOGUE Taiwan , and the cover story of the March 2021 issue by American artist Daniel Arsham delicately illustrates her vision in particular. Coincidentally, Phillips also put a specific focus on mixing different categories and offering innovative sale formats to resonate with the current collecting trend. Curated by our specialist team in Hong Kong, the second season of the Intersect Online Auction - Art, Watches, Jewels will be presented with a total of 115 lots, offering collectors a wider choice and embodies the idea of art-meets-luxury in one platform. Just before the auction, we invited Leslie to share her distinctive views on art and fashion, as well as creating fresh new experiences for magazine readers.
Daniel Arsham, Bronze Eroded Jupiter, 2020, Estimate: 70,000-90,000; Satoru Koizumi, Shaking Ground, 2013, Estimate: HK$80,000-150,000; George Condo, Laughing Clown Composition, 2020, Estimate: HK$150,000-250,000; Rolex, A fine and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box. Circa 2003, Estimate: HK$ 70,000-120,000; A Yellow Diamond and Diamond Bracelet, Estimate: HK$250,000-350,000; A Yellow Diamond and Diamond Earrings, Estimate: HK$100,000-200,000; A Coloured Diamond and Diamond Ring/Pendant, Estimate: HK$250,000-350,000.
PHILLIPS: How would you describe your style?
Leslie Sun: I would describe my style as minimal and classic. But I will try to incorporate the silhouette of the current season into my wardrobe. For example, if long jackets are in season, I would have one in the closet just to be updated with the trend. It would never be too fancy or colorful with patterns.
P: Do you have a muse who inspires you?
LS: I don’t really have a muse in recent years. I already got to a point where my self-understanding is deep enough to know what looks good on myself and what makes me feel comfortable. If I have to name somebody, I love how Tilda Swinton carries herself. She is always able to show fashion in a confident, effortless, and elegant way.
P: In this dynamic, fast-paced digital landscape, how do you keep yourself updated and inspired?
LS: As part of the media community, it is easy to gain access to first-hand information, such as the never-before-seen press releases and the latest updates from social media. Often we are overloaded with information and it feels a bit tone-deaf. By taking a step away, I am able to observe the real world, which helps me to recharge and create space for more new stuff.
P: From your point of view, what are the key trends shaping the luxury world today?
LS: The current trend is no longer about just the outfit itself. It might be true back in the 80s and 90s when certain silhouettes like wide shoulder and bell-bottom were in seasons. Nowadays, there are bigger ideas behind these fashion trends. For example, a lot of fashion brands emphasize sustainability. Conscious consumption becomes a huge trend. Diversity is definitely another huge trend, changing the current beauty standard and blurring the gender boundary. It is not only about outlooks anymore, but also personal wellbeing. As opposed to how to blend in, the younger generation favors standing out as an individual.
Leslie’s collection evolves as time goes by. Photo credit : Leslie Sun Instagram (sunles)
P: On top of fashion, you have a passion for collecting art. Would you mind sharing your journey of art collecting with us?
LS: I collect contemporary art mainly and I started collecting when I pursued my Master’s Degree in Graphic Design at Cal Art. My studio was next to an art studio that housed a number of young artists. I was really inspired just by talking to these artists. When I was interested in a particular work, I would ask them about the idea behind the work and even want to make a purchase. The prices were quite reasonable because they were at the very beginning stage of their career. Alternatively, I would design business cards for them as an exchange for their works. Naively back then, I thought collecting was only a token of friendship. But as time goes by, this thought no longer serves me because I would love to own a work by Wolfgang Tillmans, though I don’t know him personally.
P: Can you name a few artists that you are collecting?
LS: Daniel Arsham, Wolfgang Tillmans, Mel Bochner, Lin Yi-Hsuan and more.
Daniel Arsham Bronze Eroded Jupiter , 2020, Estimate HK$70,000 - 90,000.
P: Do you have any direction or philosophy in collecting?
LS: I don’t have any specific direction in terms of collecting. I only collect works which I really gravitate towards, budget is always one of my consideration as well. Lately, I have often been asked about my collecting philosophy. To my surprise, I mostly resonate with the works composed of typographic elements due to my background. I am particularly interested in how artists use typography to translate a message. In the beginning of my collecting journey, I also gravitate towards works with a sense of humor. I gradually shift my collecting focus to the sculptures composed of contrasting materials. This is also the motive behind collecting Daniel Arsham’s Crystal Toys – a teddy bear is supposed to be soft and fluffy but his choice of hydrostone as the materials forms such an immense contrast to our perception of teddy bears. And the fact that this work is filled with futuristic ideas makes it even more interesting. Recently I am drawn to minimal, poetic and romantic works.
Leslie enjoys the works by Daniel Arsham and Mel Bochner. Photo credit: Leslie Sun Instagram (sunles)
P: Do you have any advice for new collectors?
LS: First and foremost, check out a lot of things. Try to browse as much as you can and not just the stuff that people ask you to see. Think about the purpose of buying works if you become more serious about collecting – whether it is for the sake of investment, passion or both, since this could make a huge difference for your approach.
P: Art-meets-luxury has become a major trend in recent decades, as illustrated in the collaboration between Daniel Arsham and the March 2021 issue of VOGUE Taiwan. Could you share the story behind?
LS: Art has always been part of the luxury world conceptually and both of them are essential components of our daily life, which makes sense for such a cross-breeding collaboration. Since last March, we have been experimenting with different art forms in the publication, such as a full-on CGI cover in May, with an extensive addition of elaborative sections about art and culture.
For the collaboration with Daniel Arsham, we started our discussion over 6 months ago. We planned to have it published in January originally, but it was postponed to March due to COVID. March marks the start of a new season so it makes a great month for such a special publication. The cover story was produced and shot by Arsham and his team in New York. He also selected the photographer and the model on his own. On top of the white cover, the artist also made another vibrant translucent cover created from resin as an alternative. We were not sure about the market reception before the release, but the robust response exemplified that it is indeed a successful redefinition of how print media can become, allowing a publication to become a collectable.
A vibrant translucent alternative of the cover and limited edition cover, both by Daniel Arsham.
P: Can you pick the top three items from our Intersect Online Sale that catch your attention?
LS: Lot 8, Patek Phillippe Ref. 5070G-001 – I am a huge fan of chronographs.
Lot 47, Daniel Arsham’s Dior Clock – It can be served as a functional clock and decoration at the same time, which makes it extremely interesting.
Lot 12, Diamond bracelet – I always have a soft spot for minimal designs.
Ayako Rokkaku, Girl in green dress, 2006, Estimate: HK$100,000 - 160,000. Kenny Scharf, Number 1, 2006, Estimate: HK$100,000 - 150,000. Daniel Arsham x Dior, Future Relic D.I.O.R. Eroded Letters, 2020, Estimate: HK$60,000-80,000. Daniel Arsham x Dior, Future Relic Eroded Clock, 2020, Estimate: HK$100,000-150,000. Audemars Piguet, white ceramic chronograph wristwatch, Circa 2014, Estimate: HK$ 155,000-312,000. F.P. Journe, Chronomètre Bleu tantalum wristwatch, Circa 2014, Estimate: HK$ 190,000-350,000. GRAFF, A Pair of Ruby and Diamond Ear Pendants, Estimate: HK$160,000-260,000 (offered with no reserve). GRAFF, A Ruby and Diamond Pendent Necklace, Estimate: HK$ 50,000-80,000 (offered with no reserve). A Tanzanite and Diamond Pendant Necklace, Estimate: HK$ 50,000-80,000. A Diamond Bracelet, Estimate: HK$100,000 – 200,000.
PHILLIPS presents Intersect Online Auction - Art, Watches, Jewels until 30th March 2021. Bid now.