Two Decades of Craft, Curiosity & Growth
“Her energy is endless. She never gives up-and that passion is the foundation of everything we’ve built.”
Sophie
As we welcome Chinese New Year on Tuesday, February 17, and step into the Year of the Horse, we’re reminded how this journey first began. More than twenty years ago in Taiwan, Emmy was working for a French company, driven by craftsmanship, boundless curiosity, and a fearless mindset. What started there became the foundation of everything that followed.
What began as Emmy’s vision has grown into Labels & Things as it is today: a trusted partner for fashion brands around the world. Twenty years later, we celebrate far more than an anniversary. We celebrate resilience, passion, and the courage to keep evolving.
Built on decades of experience and now carried forward with fresh energy and structure under Sophie’s leadership, Labels & Things stands stronger than ever. Together, they represent a rare balance of intuition and professionalism, creativity and strategy. Rooted in everything we’ve learned and driven by what’s still ahead, we continue to grow, innovate, and strengthen our role across design, sourcing, and production—with pride, purpose, and excitement for the future.
Q&A Emmy & Sophie
What does reaching 20 years of Labels & Things mean to you?
Emmy: Reaching 20 years feels like a major milestone. I’m incredibly proud—it truly represents a lifetime achievement. What makes it even more special is being able to celebrate this moment together with my daughter. That gives it an extra emotional value.
What achievement from the last 20 years makes you the proudest?
Emmy: One of the moments I’m most proud of was our first participation in Première Vision. That was when we were truly taken seriously within the international fashion industry; it felt like real recognition. Another proud moment was when we started sponsoring the Fashion Academy in Antwerp after being approached by Walter Van Beirendonck. That meant a lot to me, and it still does.
How important has the Labels & Things team been in achieving the company’s 20-year milestone, and how important will the team be for the years ahead?
Emmy: The team has been absolutely essential. Everything we’ve achieved has been a collective effort. Without the team, there is no Labels & Things. In fact, the majority of our team in Belgium and Asia has been with us for close to 10 years or more — something we’re very proud of.
That’s why we continue to invest in people, systems, and structure, so we can grow stronger together in the years ahead.
How did the idea for Labels & Things originally come to life? Why did you choose this name?
Emmy: I originally studied Chinese and later worked for a French company that was already very active in producing labels for the international fashion industry. During my studies in Taiwan and through my work experience, the idea grew to start my own label company. The name Labels & Things came very organically. We started with labels, but clients kept asking, “Can you also do this? Can you do that?” Over time, it naturally became more than just labels, hence Labels & Things.
What were the first products ever created?
Emmy: We started with woven labels and embroidered badges.
Did you ever imagine that the brand would reach a 20-year milestone?
Emmy: Honestly, no, not even in my wildest dreams. Of course, I hoped for it and worked very hard toward it, but when you start a company, you don’t think twenty years ahead. Time passes quickly when you truly love what you do, and suddenly you realize you’ve reached this milestone.
How did you feel when you realized it was the right moment for Sophie to take the lead in the business, while you remained an important guiding figure?
Emmy: It wasn’t something we formally planned, it simply happened. At first, it was a bit challenging, because change is never easy. But I quickly saw how Sophie was bringing more structure and professionalism to the company. That’s when I realized this was absolutely the right direction. Today, I’m very happy and incredibly proud of her.
What was it like growing up with a mother running a creative business?
Sophie: It was intense, and very special. As a child, it could be difficult because my mother was often busy with work. But her energy, passion, and positive approach to the fashion industry were incredibly inspiring. She fits this industry perfectly, always enthusiastic, a little bit crazy in the best possible way. That energy made everything more fun.
How do you balance keeping your mother’s legacy alive while adding your own vision?
Sophie: Through constant communication. We share the same end goals, but sometimes we approach things differently. I tend to move quickly toward what I want to achieve, while my mother brings experience and perspective. Learning how to grow together, rather than individually, has been key.
Did you always want to be part of Labels & Things, or did that decision come later?
Sophie: While I was still a student, I started helping out at the company, first as a summer job. A turning point was traveling to China with my mother and seeing the teams there, how hard everyone worked and how much they genuinely cared about the company. That experience really stayed with me and made me want to be part of it.
What do you hope to achieve with Labels & Things in the coming years?
Sophie: Definitely growth, working with more international and inspiring clients and doing what we already do, but on a larger scale. We also want to move toward a more vertical business model, being involved in more stages of the production process. Overall, it’s about growth on every level: business, team, and personal growth.
How would you describe the experience of working together as mother and daughter?
Together: At times, it’s challenging, but above all, it’s a lot of fun. We know each other extremely well and constantly learn from one another.
In what ways do your strengths complement each other?
Emmy: My strengths are experience, market knowledge, product expertise, and sales.
Sophie: Mine lie more in structure, organization, and professionalization.
Together: That balance works well, one of us focuses more on external growth and markets, while the other strengthens the internal organization.
What do you admire most about one another?
Sophie: Her endless energy, positivity, and perseverance. She never gives up.
Emmy: Her vision, structure, and professional mindset. She’s taking the company to the next level, and I’m incredibly proud of that.
What dreams do you share for the future of the brand?
Together: We want Labels & Things to be a leading international partner in the fashion industry, a true one-stop shop where design, production, and logistics come together. When brands think of complex or creative solutions, we want Labels & Things to be the first name that comes to mind. Our goal is to give our clients complete peace of mind, so they can focus on what truly matters.
Greetings, kisses & hugs and gingerbread ...
