In the fast-paced world of luxury, true power players rarely stay in one lane. I’ve watched the industry shift from my home turf in NYC to the gilded salons of Paris. Today, we sit down with Steven Doan. He is the London-based creative force bridging elite styling and the luxury business.
Steven Doan PHAN HUY Interview
Stylist-to-CEO
Doan spent over a decade crafting iconic Vogue covers. Now, he operates as the CEO and co-founder of PHAN HUY. He recently orchestrated a historic milestone for the house. At just 26, Phan Huy is the youngest designer on the official 2026 Paris Haute Couture calendar. This isn’t just a win for the brand; it is a shift in the global fashion hierarchy.
From the Stylist’s Rack to the CEO’s Boardroom
Steven Doan possesses a “perfectionist” eye that defines his transition. He moved from dressing icons like Eva Herzigova to building a sustainable business model. Why pivot now? Doan views 2026 as the era of the “stylist-strategist.” He uses his years at the top of the editorial world to navigate the business of luxury.
His background as a model and lecturer at Istituto Marangoni informs his visual strategy. He understands the garment from the inside out. This unique perspective allows him to manage a global Couture house with surgical precision.
The Birth of a New Superpower
The brand began as a valedictorian project with immense potential. Doan recognised the “East meets West” magic in Phan’s work immediately. By blending Vietnamese heritage with a Central Saint Martins education, they created something rare. PHAN HUY already shines on red carpets at Cannes and the Emmys.
Breaking Barriers: POC in the Haute Couture Space
How important is it for People of Color to enter the Haute Couture space? It is vital for the evolution of the industry. Doan and Huy represent a new generation of Asian visionaries. They speak the language of Parisian luxury while honouring their roots.
Their presence on the official schedule challenges the traditional Eurocentric gatekeeping of Couture. It proves that heritage and innovation can coexist at the highest level. This interview explores how they built a culturally rich brand in fashion’s most exclusive tier.
10 Questions with the Visionary
We dive deep into the man behind the vision in our exclusive sit-down and discuss the advice from his grandmother that still echoes in the atelier. We also look at where the house of PHAN HUY will stand in five years.
Doan shares his favourite digital spaces for genuine inspiration. He explains how he avoids “digital noise” to maintain his signature attention to detail. This dialogue captures a unique pivot point in modern fashion history.
Watch the Full Interview: We have posted the complete video responses on our social channels. See the man behind the brand move the needle in real-time.
Fashion Insider FAQ
How did the brand start? PHAN HUY began as a standout graduate project. Steven Doan recognised the talent and stepped in to scale the vision into a global luxury house.
Where is Steven Doan based? Steven is based in London, but he operates between the creative hubs of Paris and Vietnam.
What makes PHAN HUY unique? The brand fuses traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship with contemporary, sculptural silhouettes. It targets the most sophisticated tier of the global market.
Is the interview available on video? Yes! You can watch Steven Doan answer these 10 questions on our Instagram and TikTok feeds now.
Follow Style Cartel on Instagram and YouTube for the full video series. What do you think about the rise of Asian designers in Haute Couture? Leave a comment below!
