Cover The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts a wide array of features, from advanced technology to luxurious interior and exterior design (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts a wide array of features, from advanced technology to luxurious interior and exterior design (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Gen.T+
E-commerce entrepreneur Krizia Li has had close ties with the Mercedes-Benz brand since she was a child—from commuting in her father’s SEL 500 to playing games in her grandmother’s 190
The first Mercedes-Benz that Krizia Li, the founder and CEO of e-commerce platform Vermillion, recalls sitting in was her grandmother’s Mercedes-Benz 190. She would playfully poke at the leather seat, especially during long car rides. She also vividly remembers her father driving her to school or the family out in his 500 SEL.
Over the years, whenever it was time to change the family car, the German marque was always the first choice.
“[My dad would say that] the brand is very reliable thanks to the high-quality German engineering. It’s also safe, even for people who aren’t the most skilled at driving, because its cars have such a solid exterior that can protect the passengers well. So it was perfect for our family,” Li says.
Above Krizia Li, the founder and CEO of e-commerce platform Vermillion, in the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class W204 (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Above The headlights of Mercedes-Benz E-Class W204 can adapt to different situations and ensure optimised lighting (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Krizia Li, the founder and CEO of e-commerce platform Vermillion, in the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class W204 (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Li recalls that her father, who used to own an accounting firm, would always be working. “When I was little, I remember waking up at 4am and walking into the sitting room, and seeing my father sitting straight up but fast asleep. He would also still be holding the TV remote like he was about to press a button to change the channel,” she recounts.
Despite his busy schedule, she says, her father would include the family in every milestone moment of his life. He would also take them to events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos and international sports award ceremonies.
“Growing up, I saw him as my role model. I wanted to be like him one day, equally loved and respected both as a person and an expert professional,” Li says.
The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL that Li’s father used to drive (Photo: Krizia Li)
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In 2019, Li established Vermillion, a B2B platform that showcases Asia’s craftsmanship, heritage and artistry. She and her team have carefully selected more than 260 Asian homewares and lifestyle brands to retail at their luxury marketplace, focusing on those with interesting narratives, unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Some featured brands include Tai Ping Carpets, established in Hong Kong over six decades ago, and Nousaku, a Japanese brand that has been creating Buddhist ritual objects and home accessories since 1916.
As she goes about town for work now, Li typically drives her Mercedes-AMG A 45. “I prefer smaller cars because they’re easier to park and fun to drive, even for a new driver,” she says.
Her need for speed also often sees her taking longer drives to the countryside for a hike or the golf course for a game as a way to destress. “In the inner city, there is a lot of traffic and pedestrians, whereas in the more remote areas, you can see the whole city from a high vantage and I can drive at higher speeds more comfortably, which gives me the adrenaline,” she says.
Above Li poses in front of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W204 outside of Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Above The innovative design of the split taillights on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W204 emphasises the width of the rear (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Li poses in front of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W204 outside of Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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The German automotive brand invited the startup founder for a test drive of the new E-Class. Li was surprised at how effortless the experience was, considering that the vehicle was bigger than what she was used to. “The car was easy to handle, and the steering felt light and smooth,” she says.
Above The Mercedes-Benz E-Class W204 is in the color of verde silver (Photo: Zed Leets/Hong Kong)
Above On the display behind the steering wheel, there is a driver camera with facial recognition function (Photo: Zed Leets/Hong Kong)
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class W204 is in the color of verde silver (Photo: Zed Leets/Hong Kong)
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With an exceptional eye for art, she also praised its design: “A Mercedes-Benz always looks classic and polished. I think it’s like your best friend. It’s suitable for every single occasion in life.”
This article is in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong. Now, meet more Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow 2024 from the Arts sector.
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Credits
Content Direction: Kat Yeung
Videography: Isaac Woo, Thomas Kwok
Video Editor: Isaac Woo
Photography: Zed Leets
Producer: Jasmine Cheung, Yoyo Chow
Camera Crew: Leung Nin Hong, Sunny Yip
Grooming: Evelyn Ho
Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.
Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.
