Guo Pei’s Husband Discusses Asia’s Discerning Consumers, the Importance of Workmanship, Plans for a Secondary Label and Sotheby’s Showcase

Like his wife Guo Pei, Jack Tsao is motivated by the delicacy of craftsmanship and committed to informing the greater public of what that involves. Dividing his time between Paris, Beijing and Taiwan, Tsao recognizes how cultural differences are playing into consumers’ shifting brand preferences. In addition to working closely with his wife, Tsao is sharing his insights with a range of emerging designers in Asia. Through his affiliations with the Asian Couture Federation, China Fashion Association and Design Craft, he is advising up-and-comers and championing their workmanship to try to bring it to a larger world stage. “At this moment in the whole world, it’s a money game — it’s not fashion. These big groups like LVMH [Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton] put money in and they want to see the returns. Instead of investing in the product, they invest in events, decorations, VIP guest lists. They invite 300 people from around the world, [pay] for the hotel, business class [flights]. They expect millions [in return],” Tsao said. “A ceo wants returns.” After 20 years of buying from big brands, Chinese customers want to find something unique, Tsao said. “What I tell my independent couture designers, is, ‘It’s not your fault. They are

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