Entrepreneurs Delphine Lefay and Diego Dultzin Lacoste have relocated their super-successful flash sale luxury retail venue, OnTheList, from Central to Taikoo Place’s Oxford House. The move eastward means they can bring even more brand-name fashion and great deals to Hong Kong shoppers — look out for brands such as Tory Burch and Furla in the near future! We caught up with them in their bright and beautiful new 11,000 square foot space.
What’s your personal definition of luxury?
Luxury is pure craftsmanship. It’s timeless; the combination of value and authenticity. It’s about attention to detail, passion and a brand story that helps create an emotional connection.
Describe the moment when you felt confident that OnTheList was going to “click” with customers and be a success?
The moment it “clicked” was when friends would message us to say that they now see more OnTheList bags in Hong Kong than any luxury branded ones!
You come from a family with a name – and brand – that’s world-famous. How did that influence your goals for your own career?
Hearing discussions on how to protect the brand image to elevate desirability may have planted the seeds with regards to OnTheList. We both started our careers at premium/luxury brands in Paris before moving to Asia, and brought our young industry experience to this booming region.
Name three people you most admire:
Yvon & Malinda P. Chouinard, the founders of the outdoor brand Patagonia, for their commitment to sustainability.
Nicolas Rorh & Frederic Mugnier, creators of Faguo sportswear and accessories, for their entrepreneurial journey.
And Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, for her panache and her passion for work, life, and indeed for everything she did!
Your new OnTheList showroom at Oxford House occupies an entire floor, it’s a bigger and much brighter venue than your previous location in a basement. What are you planning to do with all that natural light and space?
It was important to focus more on the experience we offer to OnTheList Members when they visit the sales at our showroom. With double the size, we’re able to offer more choice and brands to delight the customer. Our members can learn about our green initiatives and upcoming “swap parties” at the OnTheLove corner or even grab a coffee at The Porter pop-up located in our showroom.
Do you have a favourite luxury “toy”– a watch, a camera, a piece of sports equipment?
We love our Veja running shoes.
The first thing I do when I get to the office is…
Check in with the team before the first meetings.
Is it possible to be both sustainable and successful?
Of course. We have a huge responsibility to pass a healthier planet on to future generations
Coffee or tea? Martini or Negroni?
Coffee. Negroni.
Where can we find you at lunch in the Quarry Bay area?
The Sixteenth at the Oxford House.
When I am able to travel for fun again I’ll be heading to…
Definitely back to France to visit our family.
Find OnTheList at 4/F, Oxford House, Taikoo Place, and at onthelist.com.
PEOPLE