Cliff Fong

Los Angeles-based interior designer Cliff Fong has made a name for himself in the global design community for his carefully considered approach to interiors. Ahead of the sale of select works from his collection, CURATED | The Collection of Cliff Fong, he reveals his collecting journey, biggest inspirations and what influences his work as principal at Matt Blacke and co-owner of Galerie Half and Faire du Vert.

The first significant piece of 20th century design that I purchased was a Jean Prouvé ‘Standard’ chair for 5000 French francs. I found it at Clignancourt flea market in Paris when I was working as the men’s buyer for Maxfield. From that moment on, anytime I was in a European capital, I would pass up staying late at fashion parties so I could wake up early to go to flea markets.

I’ve always had an affinity for fine art, architecture and design. I still have clear memories of visiting interesting homes and historic sites with my family, even at a very young age. After studying Art History in college it’s now second nature to put everything design-related into a historical context.

The designers in my collection are also personal heroes. I’ve always been intrigued by how meaningfully the mid-century European and Scandinavia designers contributed to, and influenced, global design. They revolutionised the aesthetic of their time by embracing new manufacturing practices and materials.

I’m a scavenger at heart. This has brought me a constant source of inspiration and entertainment. But in truth, what I like most about scavenging is the hunt. It’s thrilling and surprising where and when some of the best pieces might pop up.

I try to keep an open mind when acquiring works for my collection. Some pieces I sought out specifically, but generally I try to be open to just about anything – that way, when something catches my eye, I can really appreciate it for its inherent qualities and not because it fits certain parameters.

I believe great businesses are born out of deep, meaningful interests and passions. I opened my vintage and antique showroom Galerie Half about 15 years ago, when a friend and former client asked me if I was interested in creating another business. Galerie Half had an earlier, much smaller iteration a few years before as a pet project between myself and another friend – now, both partnerships have come together. Faire du Vert was a similar pet project with another good friend and fellow creative, Paul Anderson. We share an enthusiasm for exotic, unusual and sculptural plants, as well as architectural pottery and vintage furniture. It represents a friendlier, more casual and organic approach to design, focusing on the best in outdoor living. It was my focus during the pandemic, so when the right space came up, we felt it was a great time to manifest a new project.

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My clients are the biggest inspiration for my projects at design firm Matt Blacke. As much as my collecting tastes feed into my work, it’s not about my personal interests or creative agenda, it's about them. 

What advice would I give someone starting their own collection? Be patient! And if you really want something, it’s worth saving up for it. I feel it’s always better to have one thing you really love than a room full of things that may not inspire you.

Register to bid in CURATED | The Collection of Cliff Fong

Browse all lots in our auction on 14 March in Los Angeles, featuring fine art, furniture and decorative arts.