A day with Declan Chan
"I don't mind to be labelled as blogger, or digital press, or influencer. To me we are all in the same industry, trying to present what we see in different ways be it on a mobile social platform or in print, there is no hierarchy about this, there is good or bad taste."
You've probably seen him on every street style page with his eccentric and unique style. He is Declan Chan, a stylist, creative director and the style director of Men’s UNO Hong Kong. To continue our "a day with" series we followed him during Paris Fashion Week Men's AW17. Read on and follow along as we get to know more about Mr. Declan Chan.
MFP: Give us a quick rundown of how a typical day with Declan looks like.
DC: I wouldn't really call my days typical, as everyday is different which is what I like about my work. During fashion week, a typical day would be me getting ready for a morning show, then run to appointments, and photo shoots in between, and then going into events and dinner in the evenings, I also like to go to the fashion week parties to have some fun. And then there is 3/4 hours left to sleep before we start the loop again.
Just like the most of us, Declan starts his day with a cup of coffee while catching up on some e-mails and planning the day ahead.
MFP: What does your job entail?
DC: We see fashion from the designers and interpret them into different stories through our photoshoots, we also help brands create content through our own creative language, and dress celebrities in beautiful clothes.
MFP: For how long have you been doing this and what inspires you to continue?
DC: I have been doing this for almost 14 years now. The energy of my peers and the more senior fashion editors, and their unstoppable drive to continue shows after shows, seasons after seasons really encourage and inspire me to do what I do. It's a good energy to own that you learn how to never give up, and someone is always eager to replace you if you do.
First stop: Declan sourcing and pulling looks for his upcoming editorial shoots in Madrid.
MFP: What are some misconceptions that people think of you or your job?
DC: A lot of people identify me as a blogger, which is mostly because I am really active on my social media platforms like Instagram for instance, to chronicle the fashion and travel experience that I am lucky to have, and to share with the followers. I took no offence of this label, as long as I am given the opportunity to continue to do what I love to do.
I don't mind to be labelled as blogger, or digital press, or influencers. To me we are all in the same industry, trying to present what we see in different ways be it on a mobile social platform or in print, there is no hierarchy about this, there is good or bad taste. #shade
Declan on his way to his first fashion show of the day..
Declan is always street-style ready!
MFP: Are there any special highlights of your career that you will take with you forever?
DC: My highlight is to have a group of close friends, which we are as close as family, and always travel together, looking out for each other on our fashion week/press trips. It's a lesson I learnt long time ago, you cannot do this alone, it's the best feeling to have a wolf pack and knowing that they are going through the same things as you are.
Front row at the Off-White AW17 show with blogger and good friend, Bryan Boy.
Declan taking notes at the Loewe AW17 presentation
MFP: Tips or advice for someone who aspires to also work in the same industry?
DC: I would suggest you to be sure you have the determination to do this, and be prepared to be travelling a lot, because as a fashion press, it is really a given. If you are not ready to travel, or prefer to stick home more than hopping around cities and hotels, this job might not be for you.
Also, it is a very social occupation, if you do not like to converse and connect with people, you might need to work on that skill first before you start.
Follow Declan on Instagram @declanchan
Photos by Hywel Jenkins
