Introducing PAKT, the winner of the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize 2024

Continuing its mission to uplift and champion regional trailblazers, Vogue Singapore has once again partnered with luxury automotive manufacturer BMW for the fourth iteration of the Vogue Singapore Innovation Prize. Together with the Vogue Singapore Foundation, BMW aims to drive the future by identifying and supporting emerging entrepreneurs who embody fresh thinking and innovation to solve real-world problems. Leading by example with its new Vision Neue Klasse—which represents the future of the brand and marks a major leap forward in both exterior and interior design—the automobile giant paves the way for a new wave of trailblazing businesses looking to shake things up.

Following an intensive two-day boot camp and four-week mentorship phase, this year saw two finalists selected to present their plans and ideas to a final VIP panel that consisted of notable names such as publisher of Vogue Singapore, Bettina von Schlippe; vice-president of new business innovation at Condé Nast, Ciara Byrne; and research engineer open innovations at BMW Group, Dr Stella Clarke.

Emerging victorious was Hong Kong-based smart wardrobe service PAKT, which was unveiled at Vogue Singapore’s Next In Vogue Gala in October. Presenting the prize was managing director of BMW Group Asia, Lars Nielsen. PAKT received a$20,000 cash prize, media coverage on Vogue Singapore, a one-year complimentary membership at the Singapore Fashion Council, a pro bono legal consultation from leading global law firm Gibson Dunn, and first-hand feedback from global industry leaders and introductions to potential investors for funding. Additionally, the wardrobe service also received an all-expenses paid trip to Monaco for an innovation-packed itinerary including mentorship sessions, workshops, investor meetings and events, courtesy of Visit Monaco.

With a goal to revolutionise wardrobe organisation and management, PAKT boasts various key functions such as climate-controlled storage zones, inventory optimisation and valuations of one’s wardrobe. “PAKT combines physical archiving and speciality storage with digital convenience using an app and AI features, allowing users to maximise their wardrobe and extend its life to the fullest,” shares PAKT’s founder and CEO, Barbara Yu Larsson.

Here, Yu Larsson speaks on the motivation behind starting the service, its ongoing mission to champion sustainability and circularity, and where she envisions the future of the business.

What motivated you to start this service?
It all started from personal experiences. When I first moved to Hong Kong, there was a shortage of storage space in my apartment as well as a lack of quality solutions in the market.Thus, I set out on a mission to create a wardrobe that would be both digital and physical, allowing for on-demand deliveries, consignment of pre-loved pieces, and access to cleaning, alteration and repair services.

Why is PAKT the solution to wardrobe organisation and management?
PAKT offers digital convenience through features such as an interactive inventory, on-demand deliveries, resale and sharing. Cataloguing is a vital part of wardrobe management and we have streamlined everything onto an app to meet all the consumer’s needs at the tap of a finger. Additionally, we would soon be introducing an AI-driven fitting room.Who is the target demographic?Our clients are primarily urban dwellers; think industry professionals, frequent travellers and high-net-worth individuals. While PAKT initially started as a business-to-consumer business, our long-term strategy focuses on business-to-business clients. PAKT occupies a unique intersection between lifestyle and property tech, hence we are looking to tap into high-end property developers through integrating this service within new buildings.

What are some obstacles you faced along the way?
Given that the vision and concept were so new in 2016, it was hard to convince the public that there was a smarter way to [maintain their] wardrobe. Building PAKT’s brand image was critical for us and our journey also focused on aligning with responsible consumption, sustainability and circularity. Additionally, the global pandemic delayed many of our initial processes.

Aside from the consignment feature, how else does PAKT champion sustainability and circularity?
Conscious consumption starts with knowing what you already own and making the most of it. The PAKT experience starts with archiving and storing all one’s clothes, reminding users of the pieces that they already own. We also place emphasis on garment care through partnering with external vendors to offer top-of-the-line dry-cleaning, repairs and alterations.

What advice would you give to aspiring innovators or emerging businesses on navigating the challenges within this space?
In the circularity/sustainability space, I have always been careful not to overpromise as there is a lot of green washing around. You need to have a clear vision with actionable steps to reach different milestones. And you need resilience and a huge dose of grit and thick skin; it’s not an easy journey.

Finally, what’s next for PAKT? Where do you see the future of this business?
The future is exciting. We are committed to developing more wardrobe features in addition to the cataloguing, resale and sharing features we currently have. Soon we will have a prototype for a digital fitting room that can help to plan outfits for events and trips. We would also like to expand into more cities in Asia, including Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo and Shanghai.

Vogue Singapore’s December ‘Gratification’ issue is now out on newsstands and available online.