One third of the creative trio behind luxury luggage label OOKONN talks blocking out noise and authoring your own story book
It is hard not to spot a bit of a philosophical streak in Anson Shum. One third of the creative brains behind luxury luggage brand OOKONN (pronounced as "woo-cone"), which the young entrepreneur and avid traveler founded with friends Alan Tsui and Paul Sze just over a year ago, Anson speaks with forward-thinking insight and a blasé spirit that runs through OOKONN’s brand DNA—and as it seems, its co-founder too.
Having worked in the luxury and fashion industry for 12 years, the craftsmanship which Anson brought was no surprise. But it is the rare marriage of quality and rebellion, vintage and experimentation—as found across the brand’s products including its signature patented circular carry-on bag—that makes the Bluebell Group-backed brand an exciting travel lifestyle name to watch.
In our latest edition of the Tatler 10, a column where we pose 10 questions to Hong Kong-based entrepreneurs about their businesses, Anson tells us about the perks of running his own business and the importance of gaining perspective through travelling.
What does Hong Kong mean to you?
Born and raised in Hong Kong, I wasn’t wise enough to appreciate this gem when I was younger, like the Chinese saying “The moon seems fuller in foreign lands”. Now that I have travelled and lived in other cities, I realised I already have everything I ever need right here—my home, family, closest friends and all the seeds for happiness.
Summarise your business in one sentence.
Made for a unique journey.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Sitting here doing this interview with Tatler? (laughs) My definition of accomplishment is not limited by objective measures of outer wealth or physical achievements, but closer to a good feeling; so even something simple like having the freedom and possibility to do things that I like can be my proudest accomplishment.
See also: The Tatler 10: Olivier Dauchez
