09.12.25
In Conversation: James Chan
We speak with friend of UP THERE friend James Chan about his love of design, collecting and a penchant for vintage motors
To celebrate the release of McKILLOP*—our fragrance created with retaW—we sat-down with a few creative members of the UP THERE community for a conversation about their work.
For this instalment we spoke with marketing powerhouse James Chan at his home.
UT: You’re no stranger around these parts—it feels like we’ve been orbiting the same world for decades at this point. How do you feel things have changed over that time?
JC: My relationship with UP THERE spans over a decade, and it’s been incredible to watch the landscape evolve alongside the people who helped shape it.
UT: Many of the friendships formed through this community have continued over the years, and it’s been inspiring to see people progress into new chapters and achieve meaningful things in their lives.
JC: Even as life moves forward for all of us, the same passion and sense of connection remains. We may not see each other every day, but when we do reconnect, it feels very organic and effortless—like no time has passed. That connection is what I value most about this community and what we’ve collectively helped build together in Australia.
UT: With such a wealth of experience at different brands—adidas, PUMA, Reebok and now UNIQLO—how have you found navigating these household names as a lad from Box Hill?
JC: I’ve been fortunate to work across these brands, both locally and internationally, each shaping my perspective in meaningful ways. When it comes to navigating these environments, it always comes back to staying true to who I am. After 13 years working in the fashion and footwear industry, I’ve become familiar with how to operate within large organisations—something that naturally comes with experience—while still bringing my own point of view on how brands can culturally connect more meaningfully with the community and the consumer. Just as important is the role I play in developing and supporting my team—helping people grow, mentoring emerging talent, and creating a positive environment where people can grow and do their best work.
UT: Over the years has there been a sage piece of advice which really stuck with you?
JC: It might sound cliché, but one piece of advice that has stayed with me over the years is to continually strive to be the strongest version of yourself—both physically and mentally. For me, that means actively looking for ways to improve across every part of life: showing up better at work, being more present for the people I care about, taking care of my health, and refining how I think and operate. It’s about being the best version of myself I can be—not in comparison to others, but in comparison to who I was yesterday.
That commitment to improvement is grounded in discipline and work ethic. Talent can take you far, but discipline, preparation and consistency ultimately shape results. Motivation might spark the beginning, but discipline is what carries you through, day after day. I’ve always believed that when preparation meets opportunity, that’s when you’re able to make the most of the moment and get the outcome you’ve worked for.
It's also rarely about one defining breakthrough—it’s about collecting small wins, repeatedly, until they compound into something meaningful.
UT: Work has taken you to many corners of the world. Is there somewhere particular which inspires you most?
JC: Japan. I’ve been fortunate to travel there several times this year with UNIQLO, and I’m always inspired by how deeply they commit to their subcultures—whether it’s fashion, music, cars, toys or food. Everything is done with intention, detail and passion. I also have friends there from over the years, which is a big part of why I keep going back!
UT: You have a penchant for collecting—whether it’s sneakers, toys, modernist furniture or your E30 BMW—what draws you to vintage things?
JC: For me, collecting is rooted in curiosity. I’m drawn to pieces of the past because of their design, character and craftsmanship—there’s a sense of imagination and intent you don’t often see today. Whether it’s sneakers, toys, furniture or cars, these objects carry stories and evoke a feeling; I’m interested in things that make you feel something rather than just exist.
The joy also comes from sharing that perspective—learning from others, trading stories, and seeing familiar pieces in new ways. When others connect with a piece in the same way, collecting becomes less about ownership and more about the conversations and inspiration that come from it.
UT: Do you find sourcing vintage is more about luck or skill? On that thread, what is some advice for an aspiring picker?
JC: It’s a bit of both. In many ways it goes back to the idea of preparation meeting opportunity. You need to know what you’re searching for—what platforms to use, the right keywords, filters and timing. That groundwork gives you the best chance of finding what you’re after. From there, I’ll admit I get a bit obsessed—I’ll check listings every day until that one piece finally shows up. Some would call it dedication; others might call it obsession. Both are probably true.
UT: If you had to describe your work with a single smell, what would it be?
JC: I honestly couldn't tell you what my “scent” is haha, but before UP THERE even approached me I already had the retaW ALLEN* car tag in my car—so let’s go with that!