The Prelude of the Beginning

As I pause to admire the Chairs in artist Shao Fan’s solo exhibition Materiality, I realize that these works are neither sculptures in the traditional sense nor furniture as we commonly define it. They possess a unique presence, radiating a quiet allure, an “enigma of species” that has never been fully unraveled—revealing a silent dialogue between the intrinsic nature of objects and the intuitive wisdom of human perception.

It is precisely this sense of mystery and quiet beauty that moved me, bringing the design philosophy behind A R P’s Edition 30 back to its very origin.

The iconic Chinese mandarin collar, the sculptural yet deliberately irregular tailoring, carefully selected fabrics, timeless colours that transcend passing trends, and the brand’s enduring commitment to comfort and effortless elegance all express the designer’s tribute to the origins of the brand and its creative journey. They represent both a reinterpretation of the past and a vision directed toward the future.

Perhaps the future is nothing more than a reflection of the past. When we look deeply enough into where we come from, we begin to glimpse what lies ahead.

With Edition 30, A R P seeks to weave together past and future in a symbiotic relationship, drawing upon the primal power of intuition to create a dialogue between materiality and sensuality, one that speaks directly to the body.