We love to search for vintage pieces, and I base my looking on the texture, feel and quality of the fabric plus the name Chanel, or Gianfranco Ferre, or Lanvin can also inspire me to add a new beautiful bag, jacket, skirt or dress to my collection. I noticed in the early nineties there was very little in the way of vintage European pieces in Hong Kong, but finally vintage clothing and accessories have caught on here. Now I’ve cast my eye over the pieces available in Reverie. The owner, Hannah Sutton, sources with her sister who is based in London. The boutique is in a fabulous location on Duddell Street, Central – right next to Rennie Fensham’s hair-salon Hollywood Hair. So once you’ve picked up a Chanel classic flap you can then pop over to Rennie’s for a quick blow-dry.

Why Reverie?

I have always had a passion for fashion and all things vintage. In Europe vintage has been very popular in the last few years but not so in Hong Kong. I’ve always dreamt of owning my own vintage shop and realised there was a gap in the market here so my sister (who is based in London) and I made the decision to make our dream a realisation last November by opening Reverie. But it was a few years in the making.

Some of the things you might do in a day?

Each day is different. But my day always starts with getting my children ready for school, followed by exercise. I am in the shop most day’s and you never really know what the day will bring. There can be a photo shoot, an interview, viewing private collections, searching for unusual new stock, getting ready for a fashion show, model fittings and the more boring necessary things like paper work, catching up on Emails, admin etc. But I always manage to fit in seeing friends for lunch or coffee at some point most days.

Describe your style?

My style can vary – and I go through phases. But I’m always on the look out for the latest trend and the latest must have item.

Can you name your three best traits?

You would have to ask my friends and family for an honest opinion. But I would like to think they are loyalty, a sense of humour and great determination.

Who or what inspires you?

My children and family.

What achievements are you most proud of?

My children, my decision to move to Hong Kong seven years ago and of course realising my dream of owning a clothing store.

Where is your all-time favourite place to visit?

I have been lucky enough to visit many places – but I always love going back to the UK and I think London is the best city in the world. 

What are you currently reading?

I only seem to have time to read books when I am on holiday – but the last book I read was ‘The Power of Now‘ by Eckhart Tolle – Oh and I always start my day catching up with what’s going on in the UK by reading the Daily Mail online.

What are you listening to

James Blunt’s new album

One of the meals you love most?

Pasta every time. Oh and English chocolate.

Your favourite store?

Harrods in London. In my opinion it really is the best store in the world. You can buy everything from the latest fashion to food. at a price though!

What is your scent?

I love the new Dolce & Gabbana perfume – ‘Dolce’

What do you love about Hong Kong?

Where do I start. The diversity – the fact that on one street you will find designer shops and top restaurants and the next one can have a traditional chinese food market. I also love the fact that there are so many different nationalities all living in the same place.

Any pets?

We have two toy poodles – Noodles and Mabel.

How do people find Reverie?

We are on No 1 Duddell Street – on the 23rd Floor (on the same floor as Hollywood Hair). Its the building right next door to Shanghai Tang.

Words Ingrid Keneally