Studio Visit: James Chan
We sat down with Box Hill local James Chan, a heavily respected figure in the fashion industry and well-known footwear enthusiast, to chat about his life as a collector, personal style, BMWs, and more. Photo's by Wilhelm Philipp.
James, How are you? Please, introduce yourself for those that don't know.
Peace! My name is James, and I like to create things, collect interesting objects, and connect with good people.
A fellow Box Hill representative - what's your favourite thing about this suburb/small city?
Absolutely! I’ve called Box Hill home for 34 years. Most recently, I had the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. for a couple of years, specifically in Boston, MA. Even after that experience, I knew I wanted to return to Australia and settle back in the 3129 area. Box Hill has always felt like home to me. The sense of community and the people have always stood out, and it’s been exciting to watch the area grow and flourish over the years. And let’s not forget – the food here is pretty sick!
How has your personal style evolved over the years? Are there any pieces in your collection that reflect this change?
My personal style has evolved significantly over time. I’ve always been a passionate
collector, whether it was professional wrestling and robots in my youth or sneakers, which eventually shaped my career in the footwear industry. These days, I’m drawn to furniture and cars, pursuing these interests with the same enthusiasm. Each phase reflects my changing tastes, but my core drive remains the same: a deep curiosity and passion for honouring my interests.
What drives you to collect? Is it the hunt, the history, or something more
emotional?
I have always been a collector at heart. I think it is important to honour your interests and find enjoyment from them. When I am interested in a certain object, I like to immerse myself into that world and try to best understand everything there is to know about it. It’s a search for authenticity and nostalgia for me. Ultimately, my collection reflects a connection to the past, especially my childhood.
Is there a particular piece of furniture or a figurine in your collection that has a unique story or memory attached to it?
One item that holds significant meaning is my 1987 BMW 325e E30, which is my second E30. My connection to this car is deeply nostalgic because my parents drove a BMW E30 before my three siblings and I were born. It was my dads car of choice—he was so slick. I even have an early photo of them standing in front of their red 318i E30 when they were teenagers, which I recreated for my wedding photos. This car is incredibly sentimental to me, representing a meaningful link to my family’s past.
Your collection spans a range of items, from pieces with geometrical patterns to figurines from TV shows and movies, as well as rare collector’s items and niche objects. How do you integrate such diverse categories, and what do these different types of pieces bring to your collection/lifestyle as a whole?
My collection is all about personal memories. I pick items that remind me of my past and what I find enjoyable. Although my collection is diverse, each piece complements the others, reflecting different parts of my life. I collect purely for my own enjoyment, choosing what I find fun and visually appealing.
Out of all the pieces you’ve collected, is there one that you consider your greatest find or the most unexpected?
One of my greatest finds is the 1957 Braun Phonosuper SK 4 radiogram, famously known as ‘Snow White’s Coffin’ due to its perspex hood. Designed by Hans Gugelot and the young Dieter Rams, this 67-year-old record player is not only in perfect condition but also still fully functioning. It fits perfectly with the rest of my furniture and space. It was a journey to acquire, but happy to have it in my collection.
How do you feel your taste in furniture and figurines reflects your personality or creative outlook?
My taste balances simplicity with bold details. I like to introduce intentional pops of colour through my furniture and collectibles while keeping a strong foundation in my space. This reflects my creative outlook: start with a solid base and then add details that bring out both character and personality.
Anything in the pipeline that you'd like to let the world know about?
I like to play chess, not checkers. I'm always thinking ahead and growing. More exciting things to come!
Visit James's Instagram
Will's Instagram
Shop our Reversible Black / Charcoal Waffle Hood
James, How are you? Please, introduce yourself for those that don't know.
Peace! My name is James, and I like to create things, collect interesting objects, and connect with good people.
A fellow Box Hill representative - what's your favourite thing about this suburb/small city?
Absolutely! I’ve called Box Hill home for 34 years. Most recently, I had the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. for a couple of years, specifically in Boston, MA. Even after that experience, I knew I wanted to return to Australia and settle back in the 3129 area. Box Hill has always felt like home to me. The sense of community and the people have always stood out, and it’s been exciting to watch the area grow and flourish over the years. And let’s not forget – the food here is pretty sick!
How has your personal style evolved over the years? Are there any pieces in your collection that reflect this change?
My personal style has evolved significantly over time. I’ve always been a passionate
collector, whether it was professional wrestling and robots in my youth or sneakers, which eventually shaped my career in the footwear industry. These days, I’m drawn to furniture and cars, pursuing these interests with the same enthusiasm. Each phase reflects my changing tastes, but my core drive remains the same: a deep curiosity and passion for honouring my interests.
What drives you to collect? Is it the hunt, the history, or something more
emotional?
I have always been a collector at heart. I think it is important to honour your interests and find enjoyment from them. When I am interested in a certain object, I like to immerse myself into that world and try to best understand everything there is to know about it. It’s a search for authenticity and nostalgia for me. Ultimately, my collection reflects a connection to the past, especially my childhood.
Is there a particular piece of furniture or a figurine in your collection that has a unique story or memory attached to it?
One item that holds significant meaning is my 1987 BMW 325e E30, which is my second E30. My connection to this car is deeply nostalgic because my parents drove a BMW E30 before my three siblings and I were born. It was my dads car of choice—he was so slick. I even have an early photo of them standing in front of their red 318i E30 when they were teenagers, which I recreated for my wedding photos. This car is incredibly sentimental to me, representing a meaningful link to my family’s past.
Your collection spans a range of items, from pieces with geometrical patterns to figurines from TV shows and movies, as well as rare collector’s items and niche objects. How do you integrate such diverse categories, and what do these different types of pieces bring to your collection/lifestyle as a whole?
My collection is all about personal memories. I pick items that remind me of my past and what I find enjoyable. Although my collection is diverse, each piece complements the others, reflecting different parts of my life. I collect purely for my own enjoyment, choosing what I find fun and visually appealing.
Out of all the pieces you’ve collected, is there one that you consider your greatest find or the most unexpected?
One of my greatest finds is the 1957 Braun Phonosuper SK 4 radiogram, famously known as ‘Snow White’s Coffin’ due to its perspex hood. Designed by Hans Gugelot and the young Dieter Rams, this 67-year-old record player is not only in perfect condition but also still fully functioning. It fits perfectly with the rest of my furniture and space. It was a journey to acquire, but happy to have it in my collection.
How do you feel your taste in furniture and figurines reflects your personality or creative outlook?
My taste balances simplicity with bold details. I like to introduce intentional pops of colour through my furniture and collectibles while keeping a strong foundation in my space. This reflects my creative outlook: start with a solid base and then add details that bring out both character and personality.
Anything in the pipeline that you'd like to let the world know about?
I like to play chess, not checkers. I'm always thinking ahead and growing. More exciting things to come!
Visit James's Instagram
Will's Instagram
Shop our Reversible Black / Charcoal Waffle Hood