five minutes with
Héloïse Mendes
Owner of French boutique, Label Chic, chats with Gemma Shaw about a more sustainable way of shopping in Mid levels
When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I found it difficult to find many of the brands and styles I loved back in Paris. The concept of reselling classic and timeless pieces is very popular in Europe so I had the idea to bring this type of retail to Hong Kong. People in Hong Kong are not so familiar with buying pre owned items as people in the West. There is the mindset that new is better, but I think that is slowly changing. My daughters and I watched a documentary called The True Cost, it highlights the impact that fast fashion is having on our planet. I developed my business with the aim to help, rather than hinder, the environment. Hong Kong is working to improve the situation, there are organisations such as Redress who encourage sustainable design and shopping. I have recently opened the first second hand luxury label boutique in Mid levels. I hope it brings a new way of shopping sustainably to the area. Buying pre-owned
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items does wonders for the environment. I began by organising private sales at my place, then pop up events and eventually, last month I opened a permanent showroom on Gough Street. Hong Kong is a great place to set up a business. The country is supportive of expats starting businesses and we have a strong and supportive female entrepreneurial community. This month I’ll be taking part in “Sous les Dechets la Plage”. It’s an annual beach clean up project organised by the French community, everyone is welcome to join. It is happening this month on March 10th. For more information visit souslesdechetslaplage.hk An Isabel Marant white lace dress is my favourite wardrobe item. I wear it with leather sandals in the daytime and wedges in the evening. I love every piece in my wardrobe because when I get tired of something I usually resell it.
For shopping sustainability in Hong Kong I recommend LiveZero on Aberdeen Street and Edgar in Tsim Sha Tsui. Online, Nowaste and Plastic Free Hong Kong are great resources. After work I head to La Cabane Cellar and La Cabane Bistrot, they have a great selection of organic wines and products. Héloïse Mendes is owner of Label Chic showroom on Gough Street, a store retailing pre-owned luxury labels. The store is currently open Wednesday to Friday and by appointment outside these hours. M