What did you set out to do for Jimmy Choo?
The most important thing for me was to improve on what has already been done. It gave me a sense of responsibility with excitement. The collections must have a point of view that can be maintained from season to season.
In hindsight, what is something you wish you knew that could have helped you?
There were times I wondered what I could have learned if I’d gained experience from other design houses, but saying so I've now worked with enough team members from other houses and I’ve learned a lot from them.
What was the best advice you were given and when have you applied it?
When growing up in Hong Kong my grandmother was a force of nature, making and fixing everything herself, which then instilled the idea in me that if you put your mind to it, there is always a way. I'm a designer so I need to find solutions to deliver an idea and I apply this thinking to everything.
Did you have a mentor or do you think you would have benefited from having one?
I don't have a mentor but I do have a trusted set of good friends from the industry who I can count on for advice. I do think having another person to bounce ideas [with] is always beneficial.
See also: BOYY’s Wannasiri Kongman on making bold decisions and daring to be different
If you put your mind to it, there is always a way. I'm a designer so I need to find solutions to deliver an idea and I apply this thinking to everything
By - Sandra Choi
What advice would you give to a woman whose goal is to become a CEO or founder in fashion now?
In my opinion, our industry is changing fast and there is no one formula fits all. Have a plan, a vision, know what you want, and remember it's OK not to know everything. Be open-minded on changes that make sense. However, it's your job to know your business well, and it is your own knowledge that you can count on as outside noise can be distracting.
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