Lu Kou
Lifestyle guru and interior designer, Louise Kou, known to her friends simply as Lu, opened the lifestyle boutique KOU in June 2005.
Born in Hong Kong, of Shanghainese background, Lu spent her childhood years with her family in exotic Central Africa, where her unique sense of style and artistic creativity was influenced by elements of African art and design.
Back in Hong Kong, Lu worked her way up in corporate fashion world, holding sought-after management positions with some of the top names. Her main roles included Operations Manger at Joyce Boutique, General Manager of SWANK and Managing Director of Escada Asia. In these positions, Lu was responsible for purchasing of quality stylish inventory, designer shop layout and general marketing of the brand in the Asian region. She also spearheaded Swank's Inspiration Store and the opening of the Escada Stores at the Beijing Palace Hotel and at Princes Building in Hong Kong.
Ready for a change in lifestyle and with a belief that Hong Kong was lacking in lifestyle consultancy, Lu started her own styling, design and purchasing consultancy, KouConcept, five years ago. With the opening of KOU, she combines her talents for innovative interior design concepts with insights into the global fashion industry gained while in top management positions at some of the world's leading luxury fashion brand and has gained a reputation for her own unique design and style.
Lu is also known as the queen of creating lavish parties, hosting fabulous events for her friends at her home that are talked about for years after.
Lu's philosophy has always been and will continue to be to believe in what you believe and venture where you want to go".
Lu is also the proud mother of her 3 year old son, Lance.
"Louise Kou has an incredible and absolutely unique ability to bring high style and extremely good taste to everything she does; her homes, table settings, clothes and accessories - all are uniquely hers. As a long time hotelier, I only wish Louise had been in business when I was building "Regent Hotels". We had good properties but Louise would have made them even better."