five minutes with
LAURA ECKERMAN EGLOFF Vasavi Seethepalli talks to the award-winning children’s wear fashion designer laid back feeling that feels like home to us and the kids love Sunday lunch barbecues on the beach. Velveteen’s motto is to empower children to embrace life and to engage with the world around them. I try to accomplish my goals by seeking out partners that are on the same page as me. Although I started with womenswear, I choose to design children’s clothing as it gives me the freedom to express my admiration of their self-discovery and empower them in a positive way. I keep myself updated on the latest trends and fashion news. But the days of flipping through the pages of Elle and Vogue are long behind me, now I get the digital fix equivalent by downloading the Vogue Runway app to stay updated on every ready-to-wear, and couture show around the world. I also follow a handful of bloggers for latest street fashion news.
I moved to Hong Kong in early 2006. I had been travelling here for work for several years prior to that. My role at that time was based in London, acting as a liaison to the Asia-Pac operations and regional headquarters in Hong Kong. I planned to return to London after six months but I met my husband within the first few months and, like most expats, found Hong Kong to be too exciting and dynamic to leave behind. The pace at which Hong Kong business happens is unparalleled. I love the access we have to China’s products and services and that people here are really interested in doing business whether it is family-owned or closing a deal. Personally, I love that world travel is just something that is accepted as normal here. Our children are growing up without the idea that their world sits within a set of borders, which is a blessing in disguise. Hong Kong is a perfect storm for accomplishment – the sheer amount of talent, ambition, and intelligence that this city attracts through local and expats alike, creates a very unique environment that encourages success at whatever level you set your mind. I was 12 or 13 years of age when I decided I was going to be a fashion designer. I became
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obsessed with designers like Thierry Mugler and Azzedine Alaia and started sketching in the back of math class and pouring over my tattered copies of Vogue and Elle on the weekend. I don’t see many obstacles to being an expat parent living in Hong Kong. We’re afforded so many luxuries that parents “back home” would kill for – such as the full time support we have from domestic helpers. The rush to get back to work in order to justify the additional help we have at home is sort of unspoken but very present. Sometimes I really wish I’d given myself the luxury of just being a mother for a bit longer. South Bay and Shek O Beach are my favourite weekend destinations. They have a very
I attend shows in Europe and New York twice a year. I’m also lucky enough to catch Delhi Fashion Week when I’m in India. There is nothing more inspiring than a big production fashion show, they truly are my favourite part of the job. Sitting behind the scenes as the models walk out wearing your collection is an indescribable feeling and I hope to bring some of these amazing events to Hong Kong this year. My personal goal this year is to be more organised with my time. Carving out time to get to the gym or meet up with friends for a drink is as important as working late or reading bedtime stories. Visit Velveteen at Lee Gardens Two, Shop 214, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay. 2505 8100 velveteenclothing. com