Lucia Tait Tolani tells Tatler about her move from fashion to interiors, how Hong Kong influences her design projects and her funniest client request to date
Lucia Tait Tolani is the type of person that sparks intrigue as soon as she enters a room. You can spot her from a mile away, with her long, jet black, flowing hair and meticulously selected style choices. The mother of two moved to Hong Kong from New York eight years ago and has since taken the interiors world by storm with her eponymous design firm and styling homes at prestigious addresses on Hong Kong Island. Tolani’s signature is using her background in fashion to transform her client’s spaces into rooms filled with character, pops of colour and pizazz.
Before focusing on interior design in 2018, Tolani was co-director of her own private shopping company, Coup de Coeur, which offered expert styling advice and access to exclusive perks to shoppers. “Instead of going to a client’s home for the typical closet clean, we designed a customised itinerary that took them directly to the stores, designers and showrooms,” she told Tatler in 2015. That same year, she developed an exclusive personal styling events company, which invited designers, brands and retailers to the city for a unique shopping experience for high-end clients. Though she still runs those private events, Tolani’s focus is now firmly on interior design. Here, Tatler gets to know her a little better.
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When did you move to Hong Kong?
I moved to Hong Kong at the very end of 2013. ‘Moved’ is an overstatement as I came with a few bags and I kept my apartment in New York City for many years. I had to make sure I liked the city...and my now-husband! I no longer miss living in New York because home is where you make it, but I do miss visiting—mostly for the culture, the vibes on the street and my old friends.
What did you study?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in advertising and marketing communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.
What was your first job?
It was in the marketing department of a [private jet lifestyle] magazine called Elite Traveler, which was by subscription as well as distributed on private jets and in luxury hotel suites. It was focused on the lifestyle of the ultra-wealthy. I had just finished a couple of internships at Nylon [a pop culture and fashion magazine], which was quite a different demographic. I really loved the publishing world.
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