‘I want to be Supreme successful’: Clot founder Edison Chen on going from Cantopop to streetwear king as his Hong Kong brand turns 20, with a The North Face collab in the works – exclusive interview

Apr 10, 2023

Since his 1990s showbiz career, Hong Kong Cantopop star Edison Chen has redefined himself as a pioneer on the Asian streetwear scene with his brand Clot and the Juice chain of retail stores. Photos: Handout

Hong Kong celebrities and icons

The Hong Kong icon soared to fame in the 1990s with his Cantopop bops and by playing the younger version of Andy Lau’s character in Infernal Affairs, remade in Hollywood as The Departed

Now he sits atop a fashion empire with collaborations with Nike, Levi’s and Polo under his belt – but still aspires to be the next Nigo of A Bathing Ape, or Hiroshi Fujiwara

“We’re successful, but I want to be Supreme successful.”

Edison Chen does not mince words when it comes to the future of Clot, the streetwear brand he started in Hong Kong two decades ago. He only wants to be as big as the biggest name in the industry.

The one-time actor, rapper and all-round entertainment idol is in a contemplative mood as he looks out over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. It is a rare return to the city that made him a noughties-era superstar – but it’s business that’s on his mind. “I think I’d say the chapters of Clot have been written – what are the next few chapters?” he muses. “That’s really my motivation. To solidify my legacy in this industry and also to pass on the baton to the next [generation].”