‘China moves fast, but it also needs time’. The road to the creation of WUHAO was a long and winding journey for founder Isabelle Pascal. Born in the south of France and a graduate of Montpellier and Paris Dauphine University, Isabelle developed a career in the creative industries, mixing business law, new media and arts management. From working in startups like Montparnasse Multimedia, to helping create one of the first interactive CD-ROMs for the Louvre Museum and collaborating with institutions such as the French National Library and National Institute of Audiovisual, Isabelle has been constantly involved in projects that mix disciplines and people around new topics. Both a teacher and a consultant, she loves sharing her enthusiasm with her students and clients.

In 2002, after landing in China on holiday as a traveler, Isabelle was immediately captivated by the country’s energy. In 2007, after several visits to China, Isabelle took a break as a corporate counsel and immersed herself in the Chinese environment. Inspired by what she experienced, she relocated to Beijing in February 2009 to pursue her passion and develop the framework for WUHAO. By early 2010, a historic courtyard in central Beijing was discovered and became the space where WUHAO was born. Today it exists as a platform, brand and truly unique retail environment featuring the works of more than 100 designers. After 2 years, 8 installations, an invitation to Milan 2011 and Beijing Design Week 2011, Isabelle plans to expand WUHAO both in China and abroad, helping to nurture the constantly evolving creative scene.

Created in spring 2010 in the heart of Beijing, WUHAO recently celebrated its second-year cycle. It is situated between Houhai Lake and Lama Temple, and is a quick walk from bustling Nanluoguxiang- in a unique, peaceful atmosphere.

As a young company, WUHAO is constantly involved in retail, events, cross branding and limited edition work including nurturing six young, upcoming Chinese designers (Xiao Tianyu 肖天宇, Su Chunrong 苏春容, Zheng Haichen 郑海晨, Wang Kaichuan 王凯川, Wang Hao 王昊, Zhang Cheng 张 晨) and providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world. These designers’ works are now available as part of WUHAO’s collection.

Moved by its inner dynamic, WUHAO traveled in 2011 to Milan Furniture Fair with designers Xiao Tianyu (肖天宇) and Wang Hao (王昊), accepted more and more invitations to develop partnerships, and teamed up with young talents such as Huo Yi Jin ( 霍奕瑾) to create exclusive products. WUHAO’s Dunhuang-inspired wallpaper – a long-term collaboration with Nick Wu (吴瑞狄) - was awarded ‘Best Wall Covering Design’ by ELLE Decoration’s International Design Awards China.

WUHAO also set up site-specific installations with designers Li Nai Han (李鼐含), INNOVO/PINWU and MPMP, developed side car moto tours with Beijing Sideways and emerged via pop up projects. A notable example is WUHAO @ The Teahouse, created especially for Beijing Design Week 2011 in partnership with Tranquil Tuesdays. The temporary Dashilar space was featured in more than 65 media outlets, providing a new opportunity to spread WUHAO’s unique spirit from the walls of the Chinese garden to the design world.

With 2 years of existence, 2 cycles, 8 installations, WUHAO less secret but still exclusive is now ready with its partners to broaden horizons and embark on new adventures.

All photos © WUHAO-Curated-Store for eternal-optimist.com / all rights reserved. 

Wuhao Curated-Shop, No. 35, Mao’er Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100009, P.R. China, www.wuhaoonline.com