the designer
Originally from Singapore, Paris-based Gn ("rhymes with pen") was an assistant at Emanuel Ungaro for eight months after graduating. In 1997, he was chosen to be Artistic Director of the House of Balmain's ready-to-wear and accessories collections (where Oscar de La Renta did haute couture), but his debut collection was met with much criticism, ending with a termination of contract. Since then, his solo collections have been extremely well-received.

Gn's East-meets-West aesthetic features minimalist, tailored designs cut from luxurious fabrics. Frequently referred to as a magnificent colorist, Gn's designs are flirty, but not shy. Designed for so-called "bourgeois princesses," he does a lot of bows, body-hugging tube skirts, fur-lined accessories, floral appliqués, cashmere, and embroidered coats.

Gn has a huge fan base in Japan.