In My Shoes | Kuo-Fang Yang-O’Connor
Kuo-Fang Yang-O’Connor is a creative entrepreneur and founder of Y + O Lux, a global boutique consultancy that helps fashion start-ups and entrepreneurs manifest their ideas into thriving businesses. A graduate of London College of Fashion, Kuo-Fang started her career at Anya Hindmarch where she went from making teas to managing their Asian wholesale business. Following subsequent roles at Stella McCartney and LVMH, Y + O Lux was founded in 2018. Driven by her passion for mentoring people and helping them achieve their ambitions, Kuo-Fang also works with the charity foundation The Prince’s Trust to mentor young entrepreneurs launching their businesses. She has also supported young designers through the British Fashion Council.
For her, everything comes from a fundamental belief that sharing education and knowledge empowers people to succeed. Follow @kuofioconnor
How do you start your day?
I’m a morning person - normally up by 5:30/ 6am. I love to go for a run followed by my quick ritual: a quick meditation with sage burning and a warm cup of tea, to kickstart another busy day – before kids and husband emerge with all of their hubbub!
What is your fashion philosophy?
‘Buy Less Buy Well’. I don’t follow trends or influencers. I love combining great vintage and designer pieces in new ways. I am always fascinated by true craftsmanship and how things could last much longer in my grandparents’ generation. My style comes naturally because of my work. Instinctively I am drawn to amazing talent with interesting designs. I like to collect curated pieces – hoping they one day become family heirlooms to gift to my girls.
Can you share a styling trick with us?
I don’t really have any style trick, but I feel to dress well is a way to respect yourself. Dress to show your personality.
Can you share your top tip?
My life tip is from my father who always told me to be my own cheerleader. Your only competitor is yourself. If each day you can recognise progress, then you are nearer your dream and that is success.
What inspires you?
Our own life events, and failures in particular, always inspire and empower when seen through the right mindset that comes more and more with age. Travel is of course an incredible source of inspiration and fuels my creative work – throwing oneself into different cultures is a joy that finds its way into your work, sometimes in unexpected ways.
How do you unwind?
In no particular order:
- Fast walking, particularly in the countryside. There’s something very restorative in being surrounded by nature as far as the eye can see.
- Having ’the best facial’ at Salon C Stellar by Andrea Pfeffer. A friend introduced me to this salon in Soho, Andrea curated a space where art and beauty fuse to make a lifestyle community space to unwind. The facial is really one of a kind and bespoke to your skin type - I highly recommend it.
- Creating my own happy place by doing what makes my soul sing: floral arrangement and tablescape, calligraphy with my daughters, and with home interior design. Funnily enough, the floral hobby has become a new side hustle which has given me the opportunity to work with the most incredible businesses and entrepreneurs for their events.
If you could visit anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
Taiwan - I left home at 18, since then, I did not have enough opportunity to explore this beautiful island, because I was always studying and preparing for exams and then work trips tend to be focused in other South East countries. I love to fly back whenever possible and discover new experiences with my kids and husband together. The natural landscapes and hiking trails are immense and the street food is the best!
Can you tell us something you discovered recently?
My recent discovery is Korean food writer and chef Su Scott and her recent published book Pocha. After learning about Korean culture in the past few years, naturally as a foodie myself, I started searching the best Korean restaurants and cooking classes. I found Su’s food styling and writing is beautiful and somehow resonated strongly with my own backstory. Joining her cooking class was such a privilege, and it’s so accessible - her recipes are easy to follow and truly delicious.
What is the best part of your job?
Discovering new talent and working with creative people. I feel very lucky to be able to travel to beautiful places, where stumbling upon galleries, museums, artisans and new food is a priceless benefit.
Which shoes do you love this season?
Deidre would be my choice for the season. They are one of the chicest platforms I own, and so comfortable. I just love how versatile it is. You can dress up and dress down in them. I also love Valette. I had a pair around 15 years ago now when my former boss introduced me to the brand. Rupert does the best classic pumps; I love wearing them during special work meetings, and the sister style Velma would be my go-to’s as a perfect pair of flat slides.
