Conversation with Stylist and Designer Denise Ho

THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES IN LIFE. WE ARE ALWAYS EXACTLY WHERE WE OUGHT TO BE AND WE MEET EXACTLY WHO WE ARE SUPPOSED TO MEET. DENISE HO CROSSED MY PATH WHEN WE WERE BOTH WORKING IN THE KIDS FASHION INDUSTRY. HER AS A DESIGNER OF A HONG KONG BASED BRAND, ME AS AN AGENT FOR KIDS CLOTHING IN JAPAN. WE MET, CLICKED AND BOBS YOUR UNCLE, WE DECIDED TO LAUNCH A KIDS POP UP SHOP TOGETHER IN TOKYO CALLED SMALL IS MORE.

DENISE IS A REMARKABLE WOMAN WHO IN SPITE HER EXTRAORDINARY BACKGROUND HAS HER FEET WELL ANCHORED TO THE GROUND. SHE IS NOT EASILY IMPRESSED, SHE IS LOYAL TO HER WORDS, SHE IS GENEROUS WITH FRIENDS BUT KNOWS THE VALUE OF TIME. SHE ALSO KNOWS THE VALUE OF INFLUENCE WHICH SHE USED TO DO HER PART OF AWAKENING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY.

A woman who is hands on, a woman who changes the world starting from where she is by what she’s doing. Excited to introduce you to my friend, stylist and fashion designer Denise Ho in a conversation.

DENISE, YOU HAVE SUCH AN INTERESTING AND DIVERSE BACKGROUND, CAN YOU QUICKLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF? 

Sure! I grew up in Hong Kong  and went to college at Rhode Island School of Design, then I moved to NYC and London after. I am a fashion stylist, designer and consultant, most importantly  I am a great supporter for sustainability and social impact in fashion. 

WE MET IN TOKYO WHEN WE WERE BOTH WORKING IN THE KIDS FASHION INDUSTRY. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT HAPPENED SINCE THEN?

I stopped working on my kids wear line because I really wanted to do something more than just a brand. After my journey with A for Apple, I started working closely with Redress which is an NGO for sustainable fashion. Then I started a handknit label called KNOTTI which we train and hire ladies from low income families in Hong Kong. After our launch at Lane Crawford, I got pregnant and and became a mom. So yeah that is what has been happening so far !

HAS BECOMING A MOTHER INFLUENCED YOU IN ANY WAY? 

It definitely changed my perspective on a lot of things, but mostly on where I should invest my time because for some reason, time became so important when you are a mom. Also having a baby pushes you to want to do better which is so interesting. 

AS A STYLIST, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY FASCINATES YOU AND WHAT REPULSES YOU? WHAT LEAD TO THE CREATION OF KNOTTI? WHAT IS YOUR MISSION? 

The whole fantasy thing still excites me, but the reality doesn't. So it's kinda like a love and hate relationship. I guess what I am trying to do is to find that balance, that is how KNOTTI is created.  It's about creating a beautiful, timeless piece of handmade garment by an artisan. At the same time, the production is very transparent and everyone is getting paid at a fair wage. It's fashion but everything about it is very positive and for a very good cause. 

WHAT IS THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF KNOTTI? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? 

The women we train are mostly housewives so they don't really have time to find a full time job. Knitting a few hours a day for KNOTTI can give them some extra income for their family. The goal will be training more and more ladies and turn this into a sustainable business.

YOU ARE A BUSY BEE, AND NEVER SEEM TO RUN OUT OF ENERGY. IT’S FASCINATING AND FUN TO BE AROUND YOU. HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED AND RECHARGE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ROUTINES THAT HELP YOU WITH THAT? 

To stay focused, I try to meditate everyday and exercise regularly. Also I never used to eat breakfast before I had a baby and now it is my priority. I also go to Buddhist retreat twice a year to recharge, kind of like a cleanse from living in such a busy city.

ANY FAVOURITE PLACES IN HONG KONG YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US? 

Must take advantage of all the outdoor activities in Hong Kong. Go hiking, boating, island hopping.....all within a taxi ride away.