Gigi Ho

Shoes to me are like the cherry on the cake, the Italian macchiato after lunch, the gelato after a summer day.

Personal & Studies

I’m Gigi. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, educated internationally, and have been living in Milan 10+ years to pursue my European dream.

In the last 10 years, I have learnt to understand more about Italian language, fashion, culture, and of course, the famous Italian FOOD! :) I feel very lucky and grateful to have experienced this course of life, both the ordinary and extraordinary, which has helped me mature myself both personally and professionally, from an aspiring young girl to a well-respected professional and a happy mother of two beautiful girls.

This is my life, and I’m appreciating every second and minute of it, hopefully more and more so in the future years!

Career

I have been building a consistent career on Buying/Retail Merchandising along my professional life. I can’t be prouder when I say I LOVE MY JOB! :)

My very first job was in Prada, which influenced me the most both stylistically and creatively (their circle dresses, those prints!), it was also the foremost meaningful experience that I had as a Shoe Merchant for their Women Footwear Department. I can still recall one of the interviews was done in their flagship stores in Via Montenapoleone, the number one luxury shopping district in Milan. My then-future boss asked me to pick their best seller off the shelves and explain the reason. I picked a classic, almond toed pump, stiletto high heel 110 mm, in blush pink shade. I didn’t know if I was right then, but I was sure enough to bet on this intuitive choice. I had a strong feeling that nothing could go wrong to a classic timeless silhouette, an admirable color and branded by an established design house of Design & Quality. So? SO? I was right! Ever since then, I have always kept this secret formula in many of my decision making. That mix of Science & Feeling, Logic & Magic.

After 6 years, I decided to challenge myself and here came the opportunity with Giorgio Armani... where I met MANUELA, my partner in crime in Merchandising! :) The journey we had together was priceless, and it was a great pleasure to partner with a person with so much knowledge and passion about products!!

Fast forwarding to my current position, I’ve recently joined as the Head of Retail Merchandising in FURLA, an Italian Premium Accessories Brand. I’m feeling both grounded and adventurous, because it is where I can stand calmly between a very statistically driven environment, yet always believing in Italian creativity and heritage.

I’m ready to explore, and discover new ideas, especially in this age of millennial, which continuously impact our fashion industry nowadays; as Steve Job said, “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”, there’s always something new to learn, to define the delicate balance between Logic & Magic. #Lovemyjob

Shoes to me

Shoes to me are like the cherry on the cake, the Italian macchiato after lunch, the gelato after a summer day. It’s the small finishing touch that will make every look transform and shine. A beloved pair of shoes require a precise mix of Logic & Magic, that translate into Comfort & Beauty; a balance that I strive both professionally and personally. They also remind me a lot of my memories linking to Manuela. All our talks, our work and our shared passion. I am very proud of her, for everything she has achieved and will continue to achieve.