At #129Dresses, we strive to empower women through the art of dressing. Thus in purpose of inspiring more and more women look and feel better about themselves, we invite #PowerGirls like you to share your most valuable fashion tips, life lessons and passions with all of our beautiful fashion ladies!
THIS WEEK
Our Star is Elisabeth Koch
I have lived in many different countries: Holland, Belgium, USA, Luxembourg, England, Germany and China. After a BA in London and MA in Amsterdam, I started working in the financial sector. After 5.5 years at different banks, I found myself working at an investment bank in Brussels. BUT….
1) I always loved making things, since a child: sewing, knitting, drawing, painting, working with clay, building forts in the woods... I was always making things. I turned an umbrella into a skirt and my father's old silk ties into brooches... even after work at the bank, I'd come home and keep working on and whatever various creative project I was working on. It was my obvious passion, but I had to channel into one thing.
2) I always loved hats. When I finally took inventory, I had no idea that I had slowly collected over 100 vintage hats; from my Welsh Granny, her friends, and charity shops. I wore them every chance I got as well!
3) I decided to quit my job in Brussels because my husband was offered a great opportunity abroad. I had the luxury of contemplating what I was going to do when we got to where we were going -- we didn't know where it would be until the last moment -- and it was Beijing. But before I knew where in the world would become home, I decided I was going to go to Millinery school. To see if I liked it. If I did, I was going to give it my all in the new country. I hit the ground running in 2007 and ten years on, and I'm still going!
Many of my hats have been worn in blockbuster movies, by close to every Chinese celebrity, foreign designers and royalty. They have appeared on the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, SELF, Figaro, ELLE and so many more. Plus I’ve given TED talks and hat-making workshops all over China.
1.What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Give my kids (8 and 6) big hugs and kisses
2.Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl but that is changing!
3.Favorite fashion era?
Victorian times when NO ONE would leave the house without an AMAZING hat on!
4.Earliest fashion memory?
My Mom has always been and is still so fashionable, when I was little (this is in the late 1970’s / early 1980’s!) she wore, and still wears, Hermes scarves, had a Dior-logo and Hermes handbag for every day as well. But it’s not about the brands, it’s about HOW you carry them off and mix these with the rest of your clothes. No one epitomizes elegance more than my Mom!
5.What’s the first outfit you ever bought for yourself?
After I finished my Master’s degree in Communications in 2002, it was very difficult to find a job. So while I was applying for jobs in the evenings, I took a job at Max Mara in The Hague (the Netherlands) as a sales assistant. I truly learned so much from that time! I had an employee discount of 60% so I bought my first suit (to wear at the bank!) and a beautiful RED winter coat. Both are still in perfect condition and I still wear them!
6.Define‘Fashion’
Fashion is what makes you feel GREAT!
7.How would you describe your personal style?
I love vintage designer. I almost only own second hand, vintage or hand-downs from family & friends! I also love to change things. Right now I am wearing a Diesel jeans skirt that used to be a pair of trousers. When they got holes in them, I changed it to a skirt. And a vintage top from Liberty (England).
8.Who’s the most inspiring woman that you look up to?
My Mom & my sister!
9.Favorite book?
All 7 Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
10.Spirit animal?
11.What’s your guilty pleasure?
Butter on toast
12.Tote or clutch?
Over the shoulder, I need my hands free!
13.Heels or flats?
Heels or wedges
14.Little black dress or little white dress?
Neither! I need colours!
15.Colors or Black/White?
COLOURS!
16.Dress up or dress down?
Dress up, always!
17.What’s your favorite piece from #129Dresses’ latest collection?
GET THE LOOK
18.Wechat or Facebook?
19.Favorite Instagram account to browse on?
Do not use
20.What’s your favorite emoji?
21.Favorite artist?
Salvatore Ferragamo, amazing work!
22.Last film you saw?
Prince Valiant with the kids
23.Who would play you in a film about your life?
Lynda Carter ( who played Wonder Woman). She has brown hair and blue eyes like me!
24.What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Cheese
25.If you could go on a trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
To see my family who live in Atlanta, San Francisco and Amman!
26.What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“Never pay for advertising” – Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop
27.What do you think are the current and future trends in fashion?
I don't follow trends myself, I just do and wear and design what I like when I like it, I don't even follow the seasons.
28.What do you think is the biggest challenge that modern day women face nowadays and what should be done more to empower them?
Help with match-making & funding.
29.What are you going to do right after this interview?
Finish a hat-order that is overdue and prepare hats for a shoot for Harper’s Bazaar.
WANT MORE?
Stay tuned on our daily n weekly update. And you can always check our website for more fashion inspiration.
Life is Short, Buy the Dress - we empower women through the art of dressing!
