“Fashion came later, and while it’s still something I enjoy, it’s not necessarily something I have to do for the rest of my life.”
Words by Adam Chan. Portraits by Charles Cave.
When you’re interviewing a fashion expert – the former fashion director of Tatler Asia no less – it can be quite daunting. But when you’re with a fashion journalist and a good friend, it feels like a regular Wednesday lunch catch-up, albeit with a touch more gravitas. In a world where fashion often takes centre stage, Rosana Lai is a breath of fresh air and is embracing the beauty of life beyond the runway with a career that spans the realms of fashion, writing and journalism. As our conversation progressed, we touched on a wide array of topics, from the stark contrasts between life in Hong Kong and the UK to dissecting the future of luxury fashion and contemplating the impact of AI.
“When I go to bed, there’s no noise,” Lai marvels, her voice tinged with palpable relief at the stark contrast to Hong Kong's incessant urban cacophony. This transition to London’s calmer cadence has brought profound respite – a chance to inhale deeply and then to exhale the perpetual urgency so intrinsic to her past life.
After years of steadily ascending the ranks at Tatler’s prestigious Hong Kong offices, Lai made the pivotal decision to step away from her role as Fashion Director at Tatler Asia. “I really worked my way up,” she reminisces about her hard-earned tenure at the renowned magazine. However, the allure of exploring new horizons and embracing a life beyond the confines of a singular career path proved too compelling to resist.For Lai, a career isn’t confined to a label; it’s about the freedom to explore, experiment and evolve. When we delve into topics beyond fashion, she reflects on the joy she has for interests such as movies and journalism. “Fashion came later,” she admits, “and while it’s still something I enjoy, it’s not necessarily something I have to do for the rest of my life.” Through freelance work and brand collaborations, the journalist has experienced the hospitality industry firsthand. She highlights the importance of company culture and genuine passion, noting, “You can tell a company’s culture based on how happy the PRs are.”
As conversations around sustainability and ethical practices gain momentum, Lai offers her perspective on the future of luxury fashion. She emphasizes the need for accountability and meaningful change, acknowledging the slow but steady progress towards a more mindful industry. “Hopefully, people can’t get away with unethical practices like before. Over time, there’ll be less on offer as designers agree to make less and consumers are willing to consume less." She praises platforms like Vestiaire Collective and Depop for giving clothes a second life and reducing waste. However, she wonders if some use this as an excuse to overconsume, thinking, ‘I'll just buy this because I can rent or resell it later.’ Still, she’s optimistic about the overall shift towards sustainability.
Upon discussing cultural nuances, Lai notes that attitudes towards secondhand fashion are evolving, particularly in Asian communities. While traditions are hard to change, she sees progress. “It’s catching up. Japan will likely catch up soon as they’ve always cared for items meticulously.” With Japanese preloved companies paving the way, she believes secondhand fashion will gain more traction in the East.
The spectre of AI’s inexorable creative march elicits pensive rumination from Lai. While acknowledging AIs potential to streamline creative facets, she resolutely believes the human element is indispensable. “Real writing requires a soul,” she asserts with conviction. Lai remains focused on building connections and supporting brands close to her heart. As she navigates her second London year, she looks forward to exploring more of the UK’s hidden gems, from Edinburgh’s picturesque streets to natural wonders such as Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway. With each adventure, she embraces the spirit of curiosity and discovery, defining her journey beyond fashion.
In a world equating success with specialization, Lai reminds us that true fulfillment comes from embracing life’s richness. As she charts her course, one thing remains clear: her passion for exploration knows no bounds.
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