Q & A
recycled polyamine , and all our packaging is Forest Stewardship Council-certified . Longchamp also commits to limiting its environmental impact
[ in the following ways ]:
Longchamp collaborates closely with our tanners to guarantee perfect mastering and to limit the ecological footprint of the tanning process .
Materials and alternative solutions research for minimal environmental impact ( fabrics made from recycled materials , upcycling ) Reduce and reuse waste from production Logistics and transport optimisation to limit greenhouse-gas emissions ( the partnership between Longchamp and shipowner NEOLINE is one example ) Buildings ’ energy consumption optimisation
IR : What is Longchamp ’ s approach to preserving the prestige and exclusivity of the brand whilst expanding wholesale with retailers in the ANZ market and globally ? JT : We are not aiming at expanding wholesale in ANZ and at the global level . On the contrary , we are investing in our retail network . Longchamp will preserve its prestige and exclusivity by keeping a selective distribution and targeting only the best shopping centres .
IR : How does Longchamp continue to innovate and define itself as a brand in the ‘ quiet luxury ’ market ? JT : Longchamp always keeps its specific identity and its unique positioning and would define itself as a leading aspirational
Our distribution network will remain selective and in the best shopping centres . fashion house with responsibility , authenticity and energy at its core .
IR : Tell me about your career journey . How did you get into the retail industry , and what are some of the different roles you ’ ve held along the way ? JT : I started at Longchamp almost 12 years ago in the Hong Kong office as an area manager for the APAC region before being promoted to APAC sales director . I was in charge of all the APAC markets where we had franchisee partners and also all the duty-free partnerships , from Japan to Australia . When the decision came to buy back the Australian business from our distributor , I was offered to move to Sydney to open the Longchamp Australia affiliate .
IR : What are some of the challenges you ’ ve faced in your career and how have you dealt with them ? JT : Moving a family with two very young children to the other side of the world , while starting a new management role , in a non-existent structure where everything had to be done , was the biggest challenge I had to deal with both personally and professionally . Covid-19 happened six months after having moved to Sydney and disrupted the original timeline and plans .
IR : What are some of your career highlights so far ? JT : I am very grateful for my international and multicultural experience – 14 years in Asia , in Shanghai and Hong Kong , and five years in Australia so far . Having worked closely with so many different countries , nationalities and cultures through my previous APAC roles , and also today in Australia , has been so enriching and has had a strong influence on the manager I am today .
The store concept is meant to evoke a quintessential Paris apartment .
14 Inside Retail Weekly