Henri Joli is an international fashion consultant expert in public relations and global development. He is recognized for his leading role and leadership in Haute Couture Houses, in this brief interview Henri shares his thoughts about his experience in China, about what it takes to launch a successful fashion collection in China.
1. You help Chinese fashion designers to come up with better collections, how do you become such an important player in the industry?
I spent over 35 years in the luxury sector in Paris until I had my own Couture house.
When I arrived in China 5 years ago I studied the Chinese market and then, thanks to past experiences I understood the potential of this market. I had something to offer that they didn’t have and because of that, I had immediate success.
2. Which are the main characteristics that a fashion collection needs to have in order to succeed in China?
The Chinese market is very interested in luxury goods and all businesswomen want to be unique and have their own style, the same thing for business people. So to answer your question, personalization and attention for customer’s needs are characteristics to craft a successful collection in China.
3. Armani’s letter about a slower fashion system has been a hot topic, what’s you position about it?
Giorgio Armani simply said out loud what the whole fashion world thinks. I totally agree with him! the current system is no longer suited to today’s demand and creators are increasingly detaching themselves from their fine craft because the pace is hellish.
Take a look at Jean-Paul Gaultier, he changed the method to create collections in a very clever way.
4. How do you see the future of fashion retail?
In my humble opinion, I think that Fashion and its derivatives must imperatively focus on the essentials, on creativity and banish the superfluous.
Fashion must change the calendar and give a more human rhythm so that consumers have time to appreciate the creations.
I want to say a huge Thank You to Henri Joli for taking the time to answer to the questions.
Lucas Vigliocco
