Arnault Castel
Founder, kapok
Born and raised in France, Arnault founded kapok in 2006 as an antidote to the perceived blandness of the Hong Kong retail scene.
kapok focuses on designers and brands whose work reflects his attitude towards quality craftsmanship and creativity in design. kapok has grown to a network of 13 stores in four countries: Hong Kong, Japan Singapore and Taiwan.
Arnault has developed an extensive knowledge and understanding of the Asian consumer goods and retail environment since 1996, when he moved to Hong Kong. In 2001, he joined the team in charge of the development of the Lomography brand in Asia as the head of Southeast Asian operations.
Arnault is also the co-owner and director of Working Unit Limited, founded in 2005, the exclusive distributor for the Moleskine brand in Southeast Asia for over 10 years. Working Unit is now the exclusive distributor of more than 10 lifestyle brands in Asia, including Daniel Wellington, Bensimon, Mismo, Sandqvist and Rains.
Previously (2):
kapok + GA Present: How to Gain a Cult Following
How can you build a cult following in Asia? Join us with Arnault Castel of kapok as we seek to answer this question with some of Hong Kong’s most beloved brands and personalities.
Made in HK : Entrepreneurs
General Assembly and The American Chamber of Commerce are excited to bring you a panel of Hong Kong entrepreneurs to discuss their experience with growing a business in Hong Kong.