We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Wilson Hsu ("WH").
Wilson Hsu, the founder of CCILU International Inc. launched CCILU brand in Tokyo in 2011. CCILU possesses its’ own core competences in EVA injection forming field. The first product “Amazon Summer” won the Silver Award of the Best Designed Product in the 72th Tokyo International Gift Show. In 2012 Wilson created the chemical compound CCILUCELL and completed the CCILU trademark (footwear & apparel) registration in 93 countries. Now CCILU is still dedicating itself in creating light comfortable sneakers with a style that urges movement. The idea is to inspire others to find their unique course.
Wilson Hsu Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Wilson Hsu.
Wilson Hsu Design - XpreSole Panto Rainboots
Wilson Hsu Design - GreenPlax Footwear
Wilson Hsu Design - GreenPlax Tess Footwear
Designer Interview of Wilson Hsu:
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
WH : We are a team composed of talented and passionate young people.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
WH : Horizon collection is my favorite design. Horizon is created with 102 completely independent and highly resilient-rebound ccilucell units, which are the most technologically advanced footwear compound and most nimble with the optimal outsole design. The black and white outsole design of this collection bears the legendary Ichimatsu Moyo pattern which historically was an elite fashion symbol in the golden age of Japanese history.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
WH : In the evening
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
WH : The function and how people feel wearing them.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
WH : Excitement
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
WH : Even more excited
DI: What makes a design successful?
WH : A successful design is not only creative but also beneficial to the world.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
WH : I will pay attention to whether or not it’s unique and practical enough.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
WH : As a designer, I am aiming at creating more and more footwear that makes people’s life easier and also more eco-friendly.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
WH : My design team and I are trying to build up a more futuristic profile of our works. Therefore, we are making footwear that are not only made by edge-cutting technology but also come with a cool and futuristic look.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
WH : Our team locates mostly in Taiwan, China and Japan. Therefore, our works are highly influenced by oriental culture.
DI: How do you work with companies?
WH : We share our ideas and together we can figure out if there is chance to commercialize those ideas.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
WH : Ask them to provide their portfolios and choose the ones that are closer to your tastes.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
WH : Keep working hard in order to make sure one day when there’s chance, you will be able to seize it.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
WH : To be honest, I rarely have enough sleep. But I would try my best to utilize all of my time. I will not stop working even when I am traveling on a boat.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
WH : It depends. Sometimes it only takes one week, but sometimes it can take me one year.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
WH : I used to work as a banker in Citi Bank for more than ten years.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
WH : To build a better international company and recruit more talented designers.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
WH : I have a very motivated team that we enjoy working together very much.
DI: How can people contact you?
WH : By my email: Wilson.hsu@ccilu.com