In Conversation With CC Tuan | Founder of Blacklist, Bone & Arrow & Two By Two

As one of the featured designers from our recent fashion show,  “The Night Is Ours” we wanted to take you a little deeper into the world of Cecelia Tuan- CC. Founder of Blacklist, Bone & Arrow and Two By Two, CC talks fashion, individuality, timeless dressing, and why shoes can completely transform an outfit.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DESIGNING?

Born in Taipei and raised in New Zealand from the age of 13, I’ve always been a free spirit with a creative mind that never liked sitting still. Boarding school became the place where I discovered my passion for art and design, filling the borders of my books with sketches felt far more exciting than sitting quietly in class.
After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, I started working as an admin in a clothing store on High Street, the place where I first stepped into the rag trade. That experience opened the door into the fashion industry and sparked the beginning of my journey in design and production.
I’ve been designing collections since 2009, and in 2011 we launched our first brand, Two by Two. Since then, design has become more than just a career, it’s been a way to express individuality, movement, and the freedom to create something authentic.

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WHAT BOOT FROM OUR COLLECTION DID YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?

I chose the Electra Boot in Silver Scrunch because it makes me feel like I’m stepping into another universe. I’ve always been a huge fan of the Interstellar world and everything futuristic, so this boot gives me a glimpse into that fantasy space-age feeling. At the same time, it still feels grounded and wearable, a reminder that even while dreaming beyond the stars, I’m still walking on earth.

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YOU HAVE THREE DIFFERING LABELS, CAN YOU TELL OUR LADIES WHAT THEY ARE AND WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL THREE?

Two by Two is our relaxed casual label, effortless everyday dressing with bursts of colour, playful details, and easy-to-wear pieces that feel comfortable yet expressive. It’s about feeling confident without trying too hard.
Blacklist leans more into an urban chic aesthetic. It’s polished, work-friendly, and sophisticated, but still carries a strong sense of design flare. These are the pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night while still making a statement.
Bone and Arrow is where there are truly no rules. It’s driven by attitude, individuality, and fashion edge. This label is more experimental, fearless, and expressive, designed for those who love to push boundaries and wear fashion with confidence.

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WHO DO YOU PICTURE WEARING YOUR PIECES, AND HOW DO YOU WANT HER TO FEEL IN THEM?

That’s the strange and beautiful thing, I don’t really have one particular person in mind when designing my pieces. I think that’s ultimately the most rewarding and fun part of it all. Seeing people of any age, shape, gender, or ethnicity wearing my collection is incredibly flattering to me.

For me, comfort always comes first, not only in the fit, but also in the styling and how the pieces live within someone’s wardrobe. I want people to wear these garments over and over again, not just for one season or a single occasion before they sit forgotten in the back of the wardrobe.
Creating timeless pieces is my own way of expressing sustainability. I design with the hope that each piece becomes something people return to year after year, effortless, wearable, and lasting beyond trends.

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WHAT ARE YOU PERSONALLY LOVING IN FASHION RIGHT NOW WHETHER IT’S A COLOUR, SILHOUETTE, FABRIC, OR MOOD?

Right now I’m really leaning into shirts and ties. It’s funny because I used to have to wear a tie at school as a compulsory uniform item, and for years it felt like something left behind in the past. Recently though, I’ve become really aware of it again and have started appreciating the structure and formality it brings.
I love the idea of reintroducing tailoring and classic elements, but styling them in a way that still feels playful and modern. There’s something exciting about mixing that sense of discipline with personality and fun, it creates a balance between polished and expressive that I’m really drawn to at the moment.

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WHAT’S ONE STYLING TIP YOU THINK WOMEN OFTEN OVERLOOK?

Shoes change everything. You can wear the exact same outfit with a sneaker, loafer, or heel and completely shift the mood. People often focus only on the clothing and forget how important footwear is to the overall look, but often shoes really set the tone of your outfit.

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WHAT DOES GREAT DESIGN MEAN TO YOU NOW, COMPARED TO WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?

When I first started designing, I think I tended to “overdesign” adding too many details or trying too hard to make every single piece feel completely different and unique. Over time, I’ve realised that great design is often much simpler and more thoughtful than that.

To me now, great design is about versatility and connection. I love creating pieces that can suit different skin tones, body shapes, ages, and personal styles. When both a mother and daughter can wear the same piece and style it completely differently, yet it still feels authentic to each of them. That’s when I know the design has real value.
I think timelessness and wearability are what make a piece truly successful. It’s not about shouting the loudest; it’s about creating something people genuinely live in and return to again and again.

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