One of five co-founders of online pre-owned luxury fashion sensation Vestiaire Collective, South-of-France-born Fanny moved from London to Hong Kong in 2017. She chats to LUXE about her love of fashion, inflight style and exploring Asia.
How did Vestiaire Collective come into being?
I’ve always had the ‘entrepreneur bug’, my parents and brother all run their own successful businesses, and after having my daughters I decided that I really wanted to work for myself. I had over six years experience in the interiors industry, but went back to school and did a degree in Marketing to pursue my love of fashion.
Vestiaire was created nine years ago by myself and five other co-founders; we ran the business from my living room for a while and did everything from replying to comments to going to the post office to send packages, it was fun but hard to believe that we now have offices in six countries and over six million members across 48 countries!
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently building a team in Hong Kong to help grow Vestiaire in APAC. I’m also preparing for an upcoming trip to Melbourne – I’m speaking at Melbourne Fashion Festival which I’m super excited about!
Three words to describe your approach to fashion?
Classic with a twist (can I have four words?!)
Who are your favourite designers?
Stella McCartney makes incredible blazers; I’ve had a navy one for years, but I also love Racil and Blazé Milano, their designs are classic but with interesting details, which I love. My go-to jeans are by Re/Done as they just fit me so well. The new brands I’m obsessed with are The Vampire’s Wife, the dresses are beautiful and easy to wear and Mark Cross, I recently bought a box bag which I just can’t put down.
Who’s your dream customer?
Sofia Coppola. Super chic and low profile while very smart.
Your best-ever purchase?
Probably my Hermès cuff, I had a specific idea of the skin and colour that I wanted and searched high and low, called every Hermès store to locate it – honestly I spent months looking and couldn’t find it anywhere. Then one morning I was scrolling through the ‘New In’ section on the Vestiaire app and there it was, the right colour and leather; it was the quickest I’ve ever added anything to my basket! I wear it all the time, I find it can really make an outfit and I feel pulled together.
Best-ever travel experiences?
I love Asia and its varied cultures, there are so many amazing places to visit and each one is so different to the next. I’m especially in love with Vietnam and Japan but am so excited to explore new places I’ve not discovered yet.
Where’s next on your travel wish list?
Butan, a real dream!
Which are your favourite hotels?
The Aman’s, for me are amongst the very best. I do also love the Como hotels, especially in the Maldives.
But also… a very special mention to the Upper House in HK. I love everything about it: the view, the fireside, the smell, the food, the stunning bedrooms, the fashion vibe and also their great manager: Marcel.
Top shopping destinations?
Always online! First Vestiaire Collective of course then Matches Fashion, Farfetch, Net-a-Porter…
What are your inflight essentials?
I am becoming a pro, I travel in super comfy leggings with a scarf for when it gets chilly. My travel case includes hydrating face cream to ensure my skin doesn’t totally dry out and makeup remover – I never travel wearing makeup. Ear plugs and an eye mask, for night flights. When you are well prepared it really changes the flying experience.
What items do you never leave home without?
My screens: iPhone and MacBook but also something from my girls – usually a bracelet or a picture if I’m travelling, but I leave them something too. So even when far away, we are still together.
And what are your plans for 2018?
Discover HK, build my APAC team and sky-rocket the VC business in the region!
