Music, Leather and Motorcycles

Meet Pierre Yang-Chung

Pierre Yang-Chung is anything but your ordinary designer. Although his brand 1951 Maison Française stemmed from the family leather business when his grandfather first arrived to France, Yang-Chung has an array of interests. While his grandfather and father usually focus on belts, belts and more belts, Yang-Chung likes to play with different colors and textures in his designs. So much so that every year, he comes up with 51 new unique designs for 1951 Maison Française. His eclectic personality makes him one of those funny, interesting people you can’t help but want to talk to. Here our some snippets from our interview with him.

Q: At what age did you begin to learn the leather trade?

PYC: My family has been working together since 1951 so my father, his two brothers, my mother and my older sister worked together when the workshop was in Paris. Every day after school I would go to the workshop. I literally grew up in leather. I think the first product I made was a collar for my dog! I was 8 or 9.

Q: When did you realize you wanted to create 1951 Maison Française?

PYC: 1951 is a mix of several feelings. I was working in the music and entertainment industry for a decade before I started it, and I began to feel tired of the nightlife. I was never far from the family workshop, so I always saw my father trying to find a way to use the unused part of the leather he would use to make belts. He didn’t like to throw it away. We tried together and after a few failures we were able to make a small purse, not far from the S size we sell now. Then a bigger one, then in another color, and here we are now.

Q: What would you say is the most rewarding part of your work?

PYC: Actually the thing I enjoy the most is to see the girls in my shop trying to choose only one “pochette.” You can feel them going crazy with all the different colors. And once they’re sure, then they’re not anymore, Customers usually stay half an hour to choose what they want. Sincerely, that’s a pleasure. And of course, seeing the girls on the street wearing my products.

Q: What do you like about visiting Paris? What are some of your favorite places to go?

PYC: I like riding my motorcycle until I’m out of gasoline. That’s my way of visiting Paris. You can find me in some clubs from time to time, like Favela Chic, Mama Shelter or Barbershop, where I still DJ sometimes to relax.

Q:Is there anything else you would like to add?

PYC: Well, I’m single, so… if you like travels, fun, children and leather, give me a call!