Fashion and apps go together like Louis Vuitton and a Hong Kong Tai Tai’s, just ask Benoit Lavaud, the founder of Zoolook. Benoit worked for 3 years in the LVMH group, then 12 years in the L’Oreal group including 7 years in Japan before founding Zoolook.
We sat down with Benoit to find out what his inspiration is for his popular fashion app:
What is your startup?
ZOOLOOK is a Fashion Snap Lookbook and Style Application. It is a place where people can upload their looks or fashion items, tags them with informations and share with their friends.
We have successfully launched the app in Japan collaborating with more than 60 brands including Kenzo, Lacoste, X-Girl, Jeremy Scott, Nicopanda the brand of Nicolas Formichetti former stylist of Lady Gaga, and being the official app of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo collaborating on several digital and non digital events. We officially revealed the app last week in Hong Kong by organising a Fashion Live Snap event at the Apple Store of Causeway Bay which was a really unique privilege. We are one of the most edgy social fashion app actually gathering many top bloggers and trendy users.
Not only in Japan, but we have a rocket expansion in Hong Kong. We have also many users from Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and other Asian countries.
How did you come up with this idea?
I had launched a small fashion label in Japan in 2007 sold in United Arrows and Isetan that at the end sold as well in France, USA, Spain. It was very difficult to find ways to have my label noticed despite its success in stores. I was thinking that it would be great to have a Social app only for Fashion where people gather and share their trends and style. It would then be easy to introduce brands and upcoming labels, follow influencers, get inspired by people to develop new collections etc… That s how it started.
Who are you targeting and how big is the market in HK/Asia?
The market in Asia is unlimited. Do you know one woman between 20 and 30 years old not interested in fashion?
We are already in many countries, we need to continue our fast expansion.
What are your future plans for your startup?
Very good news coming soon but I cannot reveal for now. Just follow us!
1 Benefit and 1 Challenge in the HK startup scene?
Benefit: Things are moving fast in HK. There s a kind of excitement around startup scene which make the atmosphere really motivating. It gives a lot of energy.
Challenge: Recruitment. To build and develop the team is quite challenging here. But as I said, things are moving fast.
Where can we find Zoolook and yourself online?
URL: www.zoolook.me
Twitter : www.twitter.com/zoolookapp
Facebook : www.facebook.com/zoolookapp
Connect with Benoit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/benoitlavaud
LinkediN : http://www.linkedin.com/in/benoitlavaud
