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Boarding school played a big part in the way Denise Lo turned out. Although currently perched at the height of her game career wise, looking back she was not quite so confident. Shipped off to Headington School in Oxford at the age of 14, she was forced to comply with typically puritanical English boarding school life, complete with an unyielding schedule that dictated 8.40 pm lights out. Though she detested the rigidity, she realises now that it moulded her into the independent person she is today.

Lo compares her tough schooling to the cushy upbringing of the majority of mollycoddled Hong Kong youth. Early on, Lo learnt to do things herself and take responsibility. “You were kind of thrown into the ocean and had to survive,” she recalls. There was little distraction with the absence of computers, emails or the internet, and the highlight of her day was writing and receiving letters.

As a teenager, Lo describes herself as a subservient, spectacle-clad bookish type who did nothing but study. “I felt I had to excel in whatever I did. I had to get into good schools. I had to do law because it’s a well-respected industry. I had to do everything according to

At first a timid people pleaser, Denise Lo has now come into her own with a firm grasp on the reigns of her destiny

Perfection in Progress

the norm,” she admits. As the eldest daughter of a traditional Chinese family, she understood the importance of qualifications.

Despite discovering freedom and fun at the University of Pennsylvania in the US, a stark contrast to the stuffiness of the British education system, Lo kept to the original plan of going to law school. Her adeptness in writing and literature made it a natural choice and she did her traineeship at Masons before becoming a solicitor at Deacons Graham & James, and eventually Simmons & Simmons. Seven years in the profession, however, proved to be more than she could stomach.

The only person Lo was apprehensive about sharing the news with was her father, whom she felt obliged to inform since he funded her education. She presented the argument that despite a drop in salary, she would not only relish but excel in retail opportunities. Fortunately, his reaction was one of support and encouragement.

Lo credits her father for her keen eye for beautiful things as he was also in the manufacturing business before retiring in Shanghai. She considers her sense of style as feminine, classic yet with an edge and expressing a fondness for colour. As soon as she meets someone, she can instinctually size up the most appropriate and flattering attire to suit. The secret lies in emphasising one’s best physical features and downplaying the less-than-perfect.

Convincing those in merchandising of the bold move was not so easy. When potential employers learnt she had been a lawyer, many could not understand how Lo could be content with the substantial decrease in wages. They doubted her decision

Golden snake skin overcoat, patterned silk chiffon shirt and golden buckle leather belt, all by D&G. Crystal bracelet (Guest’s own)

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I don’t like to beat around the bush or play games. I’m too straight forward if anything

was fuelled by true passion, more inclined to believe she was drawn to the glamour factor of the hip industry.

Close friend, Dickson Poon, saw things differently and gave Lo her big break as head of personal shopping at Hong Kong Seibu in 2000. A week of training at Harvey Nichols in London ensured a seamless transition into fashion and luxury products. Although she was used to one-on-one client interaction, the new aspects of networking appealed to Lo’s personable side.

The stint proved to be the longest in Lo’s career, before embarking on new adventures as general manager of Roger Dubuis Asia Pacific, director of sales and development for King Fook Jewellery Group and general manager of Chanel before her current posting at Richard Mille. Aware that the short span of just over a year in each would raise eyebrows and give some the impression of her being unstable, Lo believes she is anything but.

One of the reasons for leaving was due to a difficult subordinate, proving that managing people is by far the most challenging aspect of the job. Lo was burned by one in particular, who spread gossip and leaked confidential information about the company to the media. It happened to be a manager she had taken under her wing in the past, adding more sting to the bite.

She has since learnt her lesson and continues to manage democratically, unless problems arise. Never one to initiate animosity, Lo is willing to show her tough side if staff do not perform to standard. She confesses to seeing things in black and white, which can be a disadvantage in the professional arena as diplomacy at times is tossed out the window. “I don’t like to beat around the bush or play games. I’m too straight forward if anything,” she acknowledges.

She describes herself as a typical Taurus—not overly fond of change. However, there were some offers of better titles and money, which Lo simply could not resist. The constant travel, particularly with her last job which required jet setting up to six times a month, became a problem when it prevented her from spending time with children Alistair and Arianne. “It’s just not the kind of life anyone would want,” she attests. “I could still be there; I was doing

2 Black mesh with brooch jacket, white lace chiffon shirt, both by Dolce & Gabbana Black wide-legged pants and Richard Mille diamond watch (All Guest’s own)

3 Lemon chiffon organza blouse by Chloe Pearl and jewel necklace by Chanel Black wide-legged pants and Richard Mille diamond watch (All Guest’s own)

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really well, but I’d be losing the rapport with my kids.” Although she still visits China, Taiwan and Macau regularly, the flying time is nothing compared to before.

The timepiece industry suits Lo to a tee, as watches have always been her first love. For critical junctures such as 18th and 21st birthdays, she was far more interested in a new watch as opposed to jewellery. When she began to earn a living, top-notch tickers remained a weakness. “For me, the bigger the better,” she declares, flashing the oversized, diamond-encrusted beauty on her wrist. After all, Richard Mille is the natural choice for those who like a bit of horological art on their wrist.

Perhaps surprisingly, January 2009 was the brand’s best month in terms of sales since opening four and half years ago, with sales 90 per cent higher than last year’s figures. Like all businesses however, the company has felt the pinch of the economic downturn, with some dealers ceasing orders in the last eight months. Lo’s boss flew in from Singapore to give staff a wake-up call that the climate will only worsen, but that at least Hong Kong is well positioned to ride on China’s back in terms of opportunity.

In light of the financial crisis, Lo has scaled back her wholesale dealer budget and focused on hiking up boutique sales figures.

As such, the opening of a flagship store in Beijing will be going full steam ahead in May 2009, following the launch of Richard Mille Tourbillon Chronograph Diver RM 025, RM019 Celtic Knot Ladies’ Tourbillon and an all-grey collection. She is constantly driven by an invisible force to focus on figures and sales targets. “I’ve been trained from day one to be a numbers achiever,” she asserts. “I’m not even content with 100 per cent. I usually go for 120 or 150 per cent.”

Lo confesses that more than work pressure or sales targets, juggling career and family is the most difficult thing in her life. “As a working woman, you’re forever guilty either towards your employer or kids,” she reveals.

“If you’re good at your work, one thing’s got to give.” She recalls times when there were not enough hours in the day to get a good night’s sleep, although things have calmed down considerably now that her children are older.

First to admit that she is responsible and reliable, Lo is certain all her employers would say the same––that she is diligent, conscientious and puts her heart into her work. On the flip side, that level of dedication often means that family suffer as a result. Getting home at 8pm with only time for dictation revision has not been conducive to much quality time.

Although hardnosed in the boardroom, Lo is a bit of a softie when it comes to

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her offspring. She has avoided verbally reprimanding them, but has recently become firmer with discipline. “They’re not very self-disciplined. I always tell them they’re not like me in that respect,” she divulges. The current generation of kids seem less keen to set targets she observes, and hopes to emphasise the importance of reaching goals and having a clear idea of what you want in life.

While extremely confident about her professional skills, Lo is less assured when it comes to motherhood. “I don’t know if I’m doing a good job here. I try my best to squeeze in as much time as I can,” she says. The fact

4 Off-white bow neck detail jacket, cream wide-legged pants, both by Valentino Roma Richard Mille watch and jewel bangle (Guest’s own)

5 Orange silk crepe dress by Bottega Veneta White leather with golden buckle belt by D&G

that she attends every parent evening and has sacrificed annual leave to spend time with her daughter after five days at outward bound makes her priorities clear.

It also means there has been little in the way of ‘me’ time. Lo’s resolution for 2009 is to pick up yoga. Joining the centre below her office means a quick nip in and out at lunch. “This is what I’m doing for myself this year. It’s not about being thin or fat. If you don’t do sports you get sick really easily, which is what happened to me last year,” she reflects. The weekends meanwhile will be dedicated to kids’ birthday parties, activities and catching up with homework.

Lack of things to do in Hong Kong is the reason Lo gives for the city’s materialistic nature and the cultivation of a serious shopping habit. She prefers hiking, particularly in Sai Kung, to pass time. As for her most pressing concern, she says, “Travelling is my priority right now. I want to bring my kids to see the world while I’m still relatively young and able to walk and climb.”

Her favourite destination by far is Japan, specifically Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka for food, the Onsen hot springs and shopping for quirky knick knacks. Inspired by a cruise to the Mediterranean over Chinese New Year, she has her sights set on South Africa next.

When it comes to achieving professional goals though, Lo is exactly where she wants to be. “I always wanted to be managing director—and I am,” she says contentedly. The only thing that has changed is her attitude. Famous for micromanaging during her legal phase, she was organised to the extent that every item of clothing in her wardrobe was not only alphabetised, but belonged to a specific, matching hanger.

These days, with so much on her plate in terms of personal life, kids and work, she hasn’t the luxury of nitpicking. It appears that despite the uptight values instilled, she has thrown caution to the wind. The best piece of advice so far? “Not to be so harsh on myself, not to push myself to the limit as I did in the past, to take it easy and do things I really like rather than trying to please people.” While not as systematic as it once was, life for Lo couldn’t be peachier. Te

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