Shanghai Tang creative director on her father David Tang’s legacy, her plans for taking the brand forward, and practical fashion
- Central Saint Martins graduate Victoria Tang-Owen has reconnected with her roots by taking over as creative head of Hong Kong lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang
- She talks about expanding into new markets, growing the brand’s non-fashion offering, and putting a distinctive spin on Chinese culture
Chinese-inspired luxury brand Shanghai Tang has seen its fortunes rise and fall under several owners, including Swiss luxury conglomerate Richemont and Cassia Investments, a Hong Kong-based private equity firm. Now the brand founded in 1994 by the late Sir David Tang has come full circle.
“I don’t think my father ever thought about [Shanghai Tang] as his legacy. Personally I don’t want to make the brand my only legacy – I want to be part of many things – but it’s important that my father is still very connected to the brand’s story. And by default, that means it is part of my story too – back then and now,” says Tang-Owen.
Aside from the obvious family connection – she fondly remembers being decked out in Shanghai Tang clothing for most of her youth – the 34-year-old Tang-Owen ticked all the right boxes.