Lisa Ho, the Sydney-based Australian fashion designer, dresses many high profile celebs: Tyra Banks, Lara Bingle, Megan Gale, Delta Goodrem, and her favourite, Sarah Wynter. I enjoyed a chat with Lisa during the pre-parade cocktail party (for her special Brisbane clients) at the Lisa Ho store.
Q: Where did it all begin with Lisa Ho?
A: My Grandmother was a beautiful tailoress so for me I was sewing my dolls' clothes at four years of age.
Q: Will you encourage your daughter to be involved in the industry?
A: My daughter is 11 years old and has been coming backstage to the fashion parades since she was very small. She doesn't sew, like I did, but she has a great eye for design and other details.
Q: Lisa your fabrics are fabulous, do they inspire your designs?
A: Yes for me it all starts with the fabrics. Some fabrics require certain things - certain things have to be handled certain ways.
Q: Do you archive pieces from each season? Is there a museum yet?
A: Yes, a large collection. I have been collecting vintage pieces since I was 15 years old. Mainly beautiful old European pieces - remember the Banana Room in Adelaide? Well I was fortunate enough to be able to buy a lot of their things. I also bought a complete collection off a well known Sydney lady plus I do keep some Lisa Ho pieces - I probably have a total of about 18,000 pieces in the collection now.
Q: The conundrum for most women is juggling career with motherhood and family life. How do you manage this aspect - growing your business and raising your family?
A: I am very fortunate. I have a very good support system in place. It was hard at times - in the early days I did miss out of some of the precious moments with the children - I do have a full-time nanny. But nowadays I am able to be with the children more and I don't miss out on those special times. I try to work everything around the family now that the business is well established. It's not always easy.
Q: What is your personal style?
A: I am fairly understated - I play it down. I guess I work with glamour but I don't dress glam like some of my clients - I just stay in neutral!
Q: What is your most notable moment in your career?
A: In 2005 my show at the Sydney Town Hall - just hearing that roar of approval from the audience. My friend Sarah Wynter was also in the audience.
Q: Your travel wardrobe, is it all Lisa Ho?
A: Pretty much so. Dark denim jeans are a great piece for travelling. For the woman with hips it's more flattering to wear a bootleg style and for the woman with boy hips, she can do a skinny leg. I personally prefer a non stretch fabric, but I do know most women want a bit of stretch in the denim.
Q: A travel tip for all of us?
A: I take outfits, yes complete sets that work, so that all the pieces work together.
Q: Your favourite travel destination in the world?
A: Venice, yes definitely Venice.
The Lisa Ho store opened in the Wintergarden in 1998 and is one of the most enticing stores you will ever enjoy shopping in.
