Find inspiration in travel

The story of finding inspiration in travel.

Every quarter, my partners and I venture to a new destination to seek inspiration for the upcoming season.

We engage with the local residents, immersing ourselves in their cultural traditions and history. We capture the essence of the local air, water, as well as our laughter and reflections, and document them in sketches.

Upon returning to our pattern studio in Guangzhou, we utilize various artistic techniques, including hand-drawing, printmaking, digital illustration, and various printing methods, to bring these creations to life.

We believe that by blending practical everyday items with the cultures of different regions, we can bring tranquility and inspiration to our lives.

CREATOR STORY

Dear

It's time to introduce myself. I'm  Kaka Lu and I'm from China. Like most East Asians, I've lived under a lot of pressure for the past thirty years. We've been too preoccupied with life and constantly worrying about the future. Fortunately, my parents encouraged me to study painting in junior high school, and I was able to pursue fashion design in college, which gave me a sense of direction.

After graduation, I joined the ANTONIA boutique in Macau, surrounded by luxury every day. However, the glamorous job left me feeling lost. So, I went back to art school to study oil painting again. Expressing my thoughts and feelings about life through art is the most wonderful thing in the world. Perhaps my perseverance began to be noticed, as brands started approaching me for collaborations, including LVMH, IHG, HardRock, and top Chinese brands.

A new beginning came when I met my wife, Jade. She returned from studying in Paris and is an excellent designer. We share the same passion for the world, cherish simple and warm living, and are curious about different cultures. So, we document the beauty of our travels together—I handle the pattern drawings while Jade designs the clothes. Whether in life or work, we make the perfect team.

We, along with our partners, have established a joyful studio called Asonglab. Here, we showcase our understanding of different cultures and our appreciation for life, singing our hearts out for the joy of living!

Kaka Lu

 

NEW COLLECTION FOLDING FAN IN JIANGNAN

Folding fan

An open folding fan and a closed one, arranged infinitely. With each opening and closing, like a breath in and out, there's boundless comfort.

Impression of the courtyard

In a traditional Chinese courtyard, every step reveals a new scene, with different fragments coming together to form our impression of a courtyard. Within this blend of abstract and concrete imagery, we inscribe Oscar Wilde's love letters. Letters fold both visuals and emotions together; we mail you love amidst the misty rain.

Impression of the courtyard

In a traditional Chinese courtyard, every step reveals a new scene, with different fragments coming together to form our impression of a courtyard. Within this blend of abstract and concrete imagery, we inscribe Oscar Wilde's love letters. Letters fold both visuals and emotions together; we mail you love amidst the misty rain.

New Floor Tiles

The courtyard, from the ceiling to the floor, is exquisite in every detail. We have redesigned and recreated the floor tiles, attempting to achieve a new blend.

Windows and Gems

By combining traditional patterns with the courtyard's lattice windows and glass panes, we present the beauty of Chinese classical elegance.

Windows and Gems

By combining traditional patterns with the courtyard's lattice windows and glass panes, we present the beauty of Chinese classical elegance.

Kaleidoscope Courtyard

Viewing the courtyard through a kaleidoscope, plants and architecture fold and flip, full of change yet following an order.

Infinite Folding

The folded fan surface extends infinitely, twisting and turning.

Rainbow Courtyard

Hrough the folded, damp glass, one observes the courtyard in a fine, continuous drizzle.

Five Treasures of the Courtyard

Through the folded glass, one can see some of the most common elements in the courtyard.

Infinite Folding

Neatly folded, orderly colors, infinitely repeating.

Infinite Folding

Neatly folded, orderly colors, infinitely repeating.

FILE

SS24 KYOTO|THE FLOW

Flowing hot spring pattern: Inspired by the surging hot springs, the water waves are sometimes gentle and sometimes intense, in a continuous loop. The waves reflect the colors of the surroundings, full of vitality.

SS24 KYOTO|FLOWING IRIS

We saw iris flowers slowly floating in the stream of a park in Kyoto. The water flowed quietly and powerfully, gurgling in the background. The picture was stunningly artistic without being ostentatious.

AW21 TIBET|EAST TIGER

We took inspiration from Tibetan art featuring tigers and totems and recreated the majestic Tibetan tiger with a modern touch.

SS22 CHENGDU |Go

This is a chess print that is inspired by Chinese Go. The two-color chess pieces are arranged in a simple yet modern way, creating a prismatic chessboard that has a classical oriental meaning. The color scheme is harmonious and orderly, making it unique but not out of place.

SS24 KYOTO|THE FLOW

Flowing hot spring pattern: Inspired by the surging hot springs, the water waves are sometimes gentle and sometimes intense, in a continuous loop. The waves reflect the colors of the surroundings, full of vitality.

SS21 TIBET|EAST FLAG

Inspired by the Eastern Tibet, we have combined the stars in the Tibetan sky with the flags on the ground

SS24 KYOTO|THE FLOW

Flowing hot spring pattern: Inspired by the surging hot springs, the water waves are sometimes gentle and sometimes intense, in a continuous loop. The waves reflect the colors of the surroundings, full of vitality.

SS21 TIBET|TIGER RAMBLING

The "TIGER RAMBLING" collection combines traditional auspicious patterns, featuring pomegranates, birds, towering mountains, and flowing rivers, with the tiger roaming through the woods. This artistic print is created using the woodblock printing technique.

SS24 KYOTO|THE FLOW

Flowing hot spring pattern: Inspired by the surging hot springs, the water waves are sometimes gentle and sometimes intense, in a continuous loop. The waves reflect the colors of the surroundings, full of vitality.

AW23 NEW YEAR |LOVE RABBIT

2023 in China is the Year of the Rabbit, and we create based on the rabbit.

SS23 HUNAN | WATER RIPPLES

Dongting Lake is located in Hunan Province. We have recreated the second section of "Water Map" by the Southern Song Dynasty painter Ma Yuan, titled "Gentle Breeze on Dongting", with waves like scales, flipping in the spring light.

SS22 CHENGDU | ORDER OF BAMBOO

In parks in Chengdu, there are extensive bamboo groves where people enjoy afternoon tea, harmoniously coexisting with the bamboo.

SS22 CHENGDU | ORDER OF BAMBOO

In parks in Chengdu, there are extensive bamboo groves where people enjoy afternoon tea, harmoniously coexisting with the bamboo.

SS22 CHENGDU | ORDER OF BAMBOO

In parks in Chengdu, there are extensive bamboo groves where people enjoy afternoon tea, harmoniously coexisting with the bamboo.

SS22 CHENGDU |Go

This is a chess print that is inspired by Chinese Go. The two-color chess pieces are arranged in a simple yet modern way, creating a prismatic chessboard that has a classical oriental meaning. The color scheme is harmonious and orderly, making it unique but not out of place.

AW22 SOUTHERN MARKET | ASPARAGUS

In the southern vegetable markets during winter, we feel the everyday atmosphere, where the food is fresh, and there's bustling with people, as if celebrating life every day.

AW22 SOUTHERN MARKET | WINTER FOOD

In the southern vegetable markets during winter, we feel the everyday atmosphere, where the food is fresh, and there's bustling with people, as if celebrating life every day.

SS21 TIBET|SUNSET FLAG

We combine the sunset glow of the Tibetan Plateau with the flags of Tibet for our creation

SS21 TIBET|SNOW FLAG

We combine the snow of the Tibetan Plateau with the flags of Tibet for our creation

AW21 GUANGXI |MONKEY

In the tropical rainforests of Guangxi, China, we encountered the precious protected animal - the white-headed langur. They agilely move around in the trees, and when we put bananas far away, they would sneakily go and take them when we weren't looking.

AW20 GUANGXI |MONKEY

In the tropical rainforests of Guangxi, China, we encountered the precious protected animal - the white-headed langur. They agilely move around in the trees, and when we put bananas far away, they would sneakily go and take them when we weren't looking.

SS20 HAINAN| RAINFOREST

During our trip to Hainan, we visited the botanical garden, where tropical plants are even more vibrant and colorful, reflecting the warmth of the tropics.

AW20 POMPEII | CHINESE ZODIAC

While visiting the ancient city of Pompeii, we witnessed magnificent mosaic decorations. As it was Chinese New Year, we decided to create zodiac animal figures using mosaic techniques.

AW19 MEMORY | FAIRY TALE

The inspiration comes from a children's picture book my mother bought for me when I was young. I've forgotten many details over time, only retaining vague memories.