Find your Perfect Match

1. OJBECTS OF DESIRE Luxury Insiders From philanthropists to entrepreneurs, we meet the women leading the way in the luxury industry. They tell us how the luxury industry is changing and reveal what exciting things lie in store Words: Hannah Lemon This product has helped me to work for a client of $184.50, it looks great when you need money and it is very important. Click here to see for yourself. LUXURYLONDON.CO.UK 2

2. OBJECTS OF DESIRE Rise to the top Wendy Yu is an investor, philanthropist and patron of the arts. Based in Shanghai, she is the founder and CEO of Yu Holdings, a young conglomerate that is helping to shape the creative and cultural landscape through a uniquely millennial viewpoint. Yu has fast become one of the world’s most influential young entrepreneurs. How do you think the luxury industry has changed? Nowadays we are part of a much-needed growing consciousness. People are seeking a greater sense of purpose, affinity and even activism from their purchases. We are no longer wanting or able to consume blindly knowing what we know. What does luxury mean to you? For me, true luxury represents unparalleled creativity as well as design and craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Mary Katrantzou, a brand my company Yu Holdings invested in, is a wonderful example of this new evolving order. Her message and size-inclusive designs greatly empower women. Mary’s last show in Athens was an exquisite showcase of her ability as a couturier and the event was used to raise funds for Elpida, a Greek charity that supports those affected by cancer and leukaemia in children and adolescents. What projects, events or initiatives do you have lined up over the next year? I’m incredibly passionate about supporting creatives and the arts in general, in particular in China where the creative community is still in its infancy. My vision is to help develop an industry eco-system and provide opportunity for creative and cultural exchange for Chinese talent globally. In 2019, we launched a partnership with BAFTA called BAFTA Breakthrough China to identify and accelerate the careers of our rising stars in the entertainment industry in China. Together with BAFTA we will be hosting the winners in London this year as part of their year-long mentoring program. We will also be launching our own brand this year, which we have developed in house. Stay tuned! What does the future of luxury hold? We have an ever-increasing amount of options these days in terms of how or where to shop. I believe the brands and/or retailers that make it easy and convenient by using their social channels for effective and compelling storytelling will come out on top. What are three of the most important luxury items that you own? My first couture gown, designed by Giambattista Valli; my Steinway grand piano – I love to play to relax; and my collection of fashion illustrations. What do you think is so special about London? It’s the UK’s rich and diverse cultural heritage that is so appealing, teamed with the unique British eccentricity and sense of humour. Where do you eat out in London? Park Chinois in Mayfair or Bright Courtyard in Marylebone for hotpot. What are leading brands doing to entice Chinese customers? The way in which British brands embrace youth and pop culture is very unique and appealing. From Burberry’s sophistication with its streetwear twist, to the incredible creativity presented by the likes of Simone Rocha and Mary Katrantzou, Chinese consumers follow trends closely and have an appetitive for collaboration, surprise and delight of this nature. This product has helped me to work for a client of $184.50, it looks great when you need money and it is very important. Click here to see for yourself. What is London’s best kept secret? It’s not really a secret, but I simply love the V&A and the behind-the- scenes access one can enjoy as one of their young patrons. yu-holdings.com LUXURYLONDON.CO.UK 4

3. OBJECTS OF DESIRE Julia Carrick Best of British Lady Penny Mountbatten has 30 years’ experience in luxury brand representation and event management. She works with more than 40 top British retailers and luxury hotels, assisting in the execution of their market entry strategies. Her focus is almost entirely on China and she regularly hosts events in the top tier cities, giving presentations and organising events for British brands. In the know How is luxury changing? International customers are becoming much more discerning. Online shopping obviously gives people instant access and greater choice as well as an ability to make price comparisons. However, most of my clients really enjoy VIP in-store shopping experiences or curated events to meet the designers and craftsmen behind the brand. Founder of FT ‘How To Spend It’, Julia Carrick OBE has successfully launched important luxury businesses. She was the CEO of Walpole and was appointed an Officer of the British Empire by Her Majesty The Queen in the 2014 New Year Honours List. Julia recently launched ISO Luxury – the Ultimate British Luxury Club for discerning shoppers and coveted brands. How is concern for the environment affecting the industry? There is certainly a trend towards more sustainable luxury; a one- time purchase from a heritage brand that can last a lifetime. Over the past decade, I have noticed my Chinese clients moving away from universally popular branded items in search of unique pieces. Brands are also now asked for discounts, rewards and VIP access. In order to encourage brand loyalty, they need to create privileged offers so that the special relationships with their customers endure. What is ISO Luxury and how does it work? ISO Luxury is an invitation-only club for discerning acquirers of the world’s finest brands. Via our app, members benefit from unrivalled offers exclusively available in stores, unique privileges, exclusive promotions, VIP appointments, and a rare and hard-to-find item sourcing concierge service. Members can also revel in exhilarating cultural and sporting experiences. Lady Penny Mountbatten purposes, but for their own happiness. What other exciting things can we expect from ISO? Soon we will go live in the rest of the UK and it is in our plans to expand to China, Middle East, Europe and the United States. We will be planning more exclusive ISO Luxury events, co-hosting with our brands, ambassadors and business associates. What is your role within the luxury industry? I encourage luxury brands and destinations to accept Chinese digital payment methods for ease of user experience as well as lower transaction and exchange rate fees. I work with the payment processing company, SafeCharge, to implement over 150 payment methods to attract and support every nationality of consumer. I am also involved with various exhibitions taking place in Mainland China this year in order to promote British brands. Why did you launch ISO Luxury? The inspiration to launch ISO Luxury comes from a demand to return to the theatre and the enjoyment of in-store shopping, and a belief in the importance of physical stores. We aim to shift luxury shoppers’ purchasing decisions and encourage tactile experiences with the finest brands. What are two of the most important luxury items that you own? My Catchpole and Rye cast iron bath – this is my favourite place to relax as well as innovate – and my stunningly beautiful Boodles diamond necklace, which makes me feel a million dollars when I wear it (I have had a strong relationship with the family-owned business for more than 30 years). Do you see a pattern emerging for the future? Luxury brands that embrace and innovate will continue to get stronger, and younger brands will rise up. We are seeing a rationalisation of retail real estate: less, but more meaningful offerings. The future is likely to see less flagships but likely to be increasingly relevant. Name three of your favourite luxury items? My three essential luxury items are a pair of Lucy Choi shoes, which are extremely comfortable and chic; an Amanda Wakeley trouser suit, which gives me confidence whenever I am making a big presentation; and a Lalage Beaumont suede coat, which keeps me warm as well as looking very smart. What is your favourite place to enjoy a meal in London? I have many favourite places all for different reasons and ambiences: a wonderful hearty and healthy breakfast at the Rosewood London; carefully-sourced cuts of meat and freshly caught fish for lunch at South Place Chop House; or dinner at the world-famous Mosimann’s with their risotto ai funghi and bread and butter pudding. What are the UK’s most popular trends for international visitors? British brands bring a strong sense of heritage and an ability to inspire. Britishness and all that it stands for – integrity, high ethical standards, outstanding service, invention, creativity and a rich cultural diversity – has helped catapult ISO Luxury brands like Jimmy Choo on to the global stage. What is London’s best kept secret? For me, it is 11 Cadogan Gardens Hotel, which was recently awarded Relais & Châteaux status. I use the hotel for the majority of my meetings and presentations and its restaurant, Hans’ Bar & Grill, as a place to meet and eat while talking business. The hotel feels like a home from home with excellent unobtrusive service and reasonable prices. What is London’s best-kept secret? There is so much amazing history and innovation, from Lock & Co, who were making hats back in 1676, to Berry Bros & Rudd in St James’s who opened their doors in 1698, to heritage brands of tomorrow, such as Bremont in South Audley Street, which is rapidly becoming the UK’s most successful watchmaker. What does the drive for sustainability mean for luxury? Green luxury is catching on fast in China, where consumers are embracing the benefits of living green, not simply for egalitarian Join the ISO Luxury app as VIP members with invitation code ISOXLUXURYLONDON, isoluxury.com pennymountbatten.london This product has helped me to work for a client of $184.50, it looks great when you need money and it is very important. Click here to see for yourself. LUXURYLONDON.CO.UK 6