That Luxury Feeling
with a Fashion Insider
“You’re here!” Leah exclaimed as I entered the lobby of Mandarin Oriental on my recent visit to a high-tech textile manufacturer in Taipei. We first met at a Dior show in Paris a while back, and immediately became BFFs. She has such a warm, easygoing vibe about her.
Let’s start with the obvious: Leah is elegant, tall, and slender with a penchant for style. She attracts attention; it’s in her natural charm. She radiates confidence, and there’s a calmness about her that makes you want to get to know her better. Her timeless style stands out from the crowd. You can tell she is a woman who makes her own rules, and a free thinker who stays true to herself.
Her Look: Zoelle's Elonga Phoenix Pink leggings, Zara boots, Lady Dior bag
After years of working as a marketing executive with some of the world's biggest luxury brands, including L'Oréal, Chanel, and Dior, Leah acquired invaluable insight into the business. This led her to settle down in Paris, where she launched an urban lifestyle consultancy, catering to affluent Asian clients who desire the short-term experience of upscale European living.
When it comes to her personal style, Leah sparks with enthusiasm. Her unique interpretation of the world has led her to create signature looks that are both forward and practical.
“I feel that fashion shouldn’t be mysterious, it should be inclusive,” said Leah. “I’ve always gravitated towards style, and it is important to me that we make “getting ready” something to look forward to; and an opportunity to be creative and show the world who you are through clothing.”
For a person who has accomplished much in the luxury industry, I had to ask: what does the word “luxury” mean to her?
“What's luxury?” Leah asked rhetorically. “For me, it means feeling good about yourself, a state of mind. If you can find that feeling in an unexpected place, that's luxury indeed…it's the sound of the ocean. Or putting on my favorite pair of leggings for the day.”
It was right at that moment when I noticed that Leah was wearing one of her favorite outfits: Zoelle leggings paired with Zara boots, a black Séjour sweater, a hat by Studio M, and to top it all off: her signature white Lady Dior bag. It was a cool night and there was a crispness in the air that hinted at the approaching winter. By now we were having an early cocktail.
Her Look: Zoelle's Xculpt Phoenix Mono leggings, Séjour sweater, Lady Dior bag
When Leah took the time to stop and think about what she wanted in life right now, she discovered that she was happiest when she was closest to nature. And when I explained the concept of finding happiness no matter where you are in the world, Leah smiled and said, “Yes! That is exactly it!”
In Leah’s own words, “You've got to know what you want. Start by being honest with yourself—and by doing so, you'll discover that it's easy to be the best version of yourself. Be your own kind of beautiful, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."