Thao Tran, founder of Lo Silk: ‘Behind every silk thread of Di Linh and Bao Loc, there is a history’
For those who enter business driven by true passion, their ventures often become an extension of themselves—Lo Silk and its founders are a prime example. Thao’s journey began while she was still a corporate employee, working daily with data, until nearly a decade ago when she transitioned into fashion by launching Lo Boutique. Defined by an aesthetic that is both modern and distinctly suited to the Asian woman, Lo Boutique focuses on silk garments with simple yet flattering silhouettes. Its primary clientele consists of women over 35 with a stable income—those who have cultivated a refined sense of personal style and an appreciation for quality craftsmanship.
Lo Silk is the culmination of Thao Tran’s deep-rooted love for silk, shaped over five years at Lo Boutique. Beyond the brand, it is an exploration of materials and an homage to her homeland. Thao immersed herself in the craft villages of Di Linh and Bao Loc, learning directly from the artisans and workshops. Lo Silk’s debut collection, primarily crafted from Bao Loc silk, embodies a minimalist, timeless elegance—pieces designed to be worn and cherished over time. “Behind every product, there is a history,” she reflects. That same ethos remains at the heart of Lo Silk today.
Sustainability from small things
With a philosophy of tranquillity and simplicity, both Lo Silk and Lo Boutique embrace a soft-spoken approach, prioritising imagery and messages of calm and healing.
In the midst of life’s constant motion, visiting Lo Silk’s social platforms—or even founder Thao Tran’s personal page—evokes the sensation of gliding one’s hand over cool, smooth silk. There is a quiet serenity, a sense of ease, free from clutter and urgency. From the moment she conceived Lo Boutique, and later Lo Silk, sustainability was an intrinsic part of her vision. For Thao, “sustainability” extends beyond the use of 100% natural materials—it is reflected in timeless, versatile designs and a dedicated team committed to long-term craftsmanship.
Sustainability at Lo is embedded in every step of production, offering both environmental and social benefits—from the responsible sourcing of raw materials to the artisanal finishing processes. With Lo Silk, a collection born from Vietnam’s acknowledged dyeing and weaving villages, Thao Tran hopes to foster a greater appreciation for silk among young Vietnamese consumers and elevate awareness of sustainable fashion.
Lo Boutique and Lo Silk focus on refined, timeless designs that transcend fleeting trends.
In terms of design, Lo Boutique and Lo Silk focus on developing product lines with simple, timeless designs intended for repeated wear. To achieve this, Thao Tran and her team prioritise high-quality materials and expert hand-sewing techniques, continuously researching and refining their craft. She believes that when a product is made with genuine care, customers will recognise and appreciate it. Above all, Lo avoids mass production, ensuring that resources are not wasted. Rather than catering to the mass market, the brand offers personalised services, such as tailoring, garment alterations, and custom pieces in a client’s preferred colours and fabrics. Thao is not focused on rapid expansion; instead, she is committed to enhancing quality. This measured approach ensures that Lo produces only what is necessary, minimising excess and waste.
Lo Boutique and Lo Silk focus on refined, timeless designs that transcend fleeting trends.
By operating with a boutique-style approach, Lo also places strong emphasis on customer service. With a relatively small client base, most of Lo’s employees remember their customers by name, along with their clothing sizes and preferred styles. Every month, Lo prepares thoughtful tokens of appreciation—such as tea bags, scented soaps, or handwritten notes—meticulously packaged as gestures of gratitude. While not of significant economic value, these gifts are a testament to the brand’s attention to detail, making customers feel valued and cared for. As a result, Lo enjoys a high customer return rate, with repeat customers accounting for 60 to 70 percent of their total base.
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Beyond craftsmanship and service, Lo Boutique and Lo Silk prioritise longevity—not just in fashion, but within their workforce. Thao Tran believes sustainability extends to people, maintaining a dedicated team with many employees who have been with her since the brand’s inception nearly a decade ago. Her leadership style is based on trust; while she oversees product quality, she avoids micromanaging daily operations. Instead, she sets clear KPIs from the outset, allowing her team to work with autonomy. For her, sustainability is not just about ethical materials—it is about cultivating a thriving, enduring business built on loyalty and shared purpose.
True luxury
As a single mother of two young children while leading two businesses, Thao Tran has crafted a lifestyle that many would describe as “luxurious”—but not in the conventional sense. Her mornings are slow and intentional, beginning with meditation, yoga, and a home-cooked breakfast. Evenings are spent in quiet reflections on a balcony overflowing with flowers. Those who knew her in the past might struggle to reconcile this tranquil existence with the high-flying corporate career she once pursued. Previously a finance executive, she was caught in a relentless cycle of deadlines and pressure, consumed by numbers that never truly fulfilled her. It was not the pursuit of financial success but the pursuit of a life she loved that ultimately led her to fashion.
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The turning point came when Thao embraced yoga and non-religious meditation from a young age. Yoga strengthened her body, bringing flexibility and vitality, while meditation became a powerful tool for inner healing. It helped her cultivate mindfulness, embrace the present, and release anxiety. Over time, she realised that doing less could lead to achieving more. Instead of chasing life, she began to savour it. Instead of bending to external expectations, she focuses on self-care and balance.
Reflecting on her journey, Thao Tran sees no division between her work and personal life. To her, they are one and the same. She remains deeply grateful for the decisions that led her here, calling her leap into entrepreneurship—despite the responsibilities of family—her bravest and most fulfilling choice. “Doing what I love allows me to enjoy every single day,” she says.
True luxury, in the end, is perhaps just this.
Article published in Tatler Vietnam, January 2025 issue
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