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Hypebeast Community Center: Office H

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Give us the Office H elevator pitch.

As an enthusiast, I’d say we’re all about embracing the daily grind to the great outdoors. While others may label us as an “outdoor” brand, we prefer to think of ourselves as “beyond-the-office” – it’s about finding our zen amidst the chaos that lies between desks and cliffs.

The Five W’s

Who shops at Office H?

Primarily, our main customer base consists of energetic urban professionals residing in top-tier cities and aged between 19 and 35. They are socially active individuals who value community engagement and have a zest for life. You could encounter them engaging in activities such as rock climbing with companions post-work, relaxing at neighborhood hangouts, or dashing back home to rejuvenate.

What is Office H’s main message?

Our aim is to encourage a lively, outdoor-focused lifestyle for everyone within the community. Let’s strive to be “post-work fitness enthusiasts” and adopt a more playful, adventurous approach towards nature and open spaces.

When did you launch Office H?

We were established in 2021.

Where are people wearing Office H?

It’s intriguing to note that our consumer base isn’t limited to artists, small business owners, college students, or teachers alone. In fact, we’re also catering to a considerable number of young professionals in the Chinese government.

Why was Office H created?

My passion for the great outdoors sparked this venture. Although I appreciated the practicality of conventional outdoor clothing brands, their monotonous designs and limited color schemes didn’t resonate with me. It wasn’t long before I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a unique shell jacket that reflects my personal style!




Can you tell us more about the meaning behind the name ‘Office H”?

To name our brand, we drew inspiration from the Japanese filmmaker Kurosawa’s film “Office K.” Since we are creating clothing inspired by office drones, it made sense to incorporate “Office” into the name. The ‘H’ at the beginning is derived from the initial of my surname.

Could you share the story behind your knack for merging business wear with sports apparel, a style that’s distinctively yours?

In my creations, I often focus on work attire for corporate individuals, myself included. The daily grind with its relentless pace, the stress, the hectic commutes in overcrowded subway cars, the unexpected rain showers… all these contribute to our feeling drained. To bring a dash of utility and happiness into our mundane workwear, I draw inspiration from the clever designs of outdoor gear.

Does the typical attire for Office H intentionally focus on enhancing volume and form instead of patterns or images? Is this a deliberate decision?

I’ll be honest – I’m not particularly skilled in the art of prints. However, during my college years, I specialized in inflatable architecture and developed a keen interest in arranging lines to produce smart patterns. The key is to ensure a comfortable fit for the wearer while experimenting with striking, unconventional shapes.

Could you tell us a bit more about the shift from your earlier, simpler and muted designs to the brighter and whimsical styles in your latest collections? What inspired this change in direction?

I have a passion for bold and vivid colors! I often share laughs with my team by dreaming of being known as “the most colorful climber at Everest Base Camp” or “the most noticeable commuter in the subway.” I enjoy filling large shapes with intense tones, and then perfecting them with thoughtfully added functional features.





How did climbing become a central theme in your brand?

The team I’m part of is packed with passionate young climbers, and although I consider myself a beginner with a twelve-year history in the sport, I can’t get enough of the exhilarating feeling of achievement it provides. I find myself captivated by the no-nonsense functionality of the equipment used in climbing. For instance, chalk bags are designed with large entrances for quick access, and climbing pants are made to withstand wear and tear while still offering flexibility. Our brand logo is also a reflection of this approach – it’s been modeled after a chalk bag’s climbing pocket, featuring an elliptical design symbolizing simplicity and practicality.

Do you have any activities or hobbies outside of Office H that also inform your design perspective?

As a National Second-Grade Athlete in China’s CWNS three-tier training program, I am passionately drawn to various sports. In my leisure hours, I immerse myself in basketball, cycling, high-altitude hiking, and rock climbing. Beyond the thrill of these sports, I find myself captivated by the unique functional clothing essential for each activity.

Are the origins of your designs tied to Shanghai, or do you find inspiration for your clothing elsewhere?

We hail from Suzhou – a city not far from Shanghai, yet offering a distinctly different way of life, much like the contrast between New York and San Francisco. Having resided in both American metropolises, I flourished under New York’s unyielding vitality, but it was San Francisco’s unique blend of nature and technology that truly enthralled me.

Are there any other brands in the Shanghai community that people should know more about?

Absolutely! I’m associated with remarkable brands such as Roaringwild, ATTEMPT, and CDou. Each one of them is a powerful force within the Chinese market on its own merit.

What are some of your favorite Office H pieces? Can you tell us why you love them?

Among all items, the AW24 waterproof down jacket stands out as my absolute favorite. I wore it during Tibet’s coldest days, which were around 5,000 meters above sea level and a chilly -20°C. Despite the extreme temperatures, I remained astonishingly warm and, I must say, quite stylish to boot. Isn’t that the essence of what good clothing is meant to provide?






Are there product categories that you see Office H expanding into one day?

Currently, I’m eager to explore the world of eyeglasses. Every day, I don Lindberg glasses – their designs are simply extraordinary and top-tier.

Would you ever design a climbing or hiking shoe? Who would be your dream collaborator?

For years now, my dream has been taking shape. Collaborating with KEEN seems like a perfect fit for me, given that I’ve been putting their versatile footwear through the paces all year long. Their blend of urban and outdoor aesthetics is something I hold in high regard.

Is there anything you can share about your next collection? Where’s Office H going next?

In a straightforward manner, I’m all about crafting practical yet lively attire for today’s office champions like myself. We prioritize both functionality and fun!

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2025-05-16 20:26

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