From Bangkok With Love: Pomelo Brings Fresh-Faced Fashion to Manila

Did you know that popular Thai fashion brand Pomelo draws its inspiration not just from Bangkok's bustling style scene, but also from Dongdaemun—Seoul's vibrant fast-fashion district?

- LAI S. REYES

This little-known origin story was shared by Pomelo CEO and co-founder David Jou during an exclusive interview at the opening of the brand's first flagship store in the Philippines, located on the ground floor of Glorietta 1 in Makati City.

A pioneer in tech startups and co-founder of Lazada Thailand, the Korean-American entrepreneur recalled how the idea for Pomelo took root while wandering through the maze-like streets of Dongdaemun Market in Seoul.

"I was amazed at the sheer number of retailers who sifted through fresh fashion items delivered daily," he shared. "And that's when it hit me—why not bring that style and speed to Thailand, where I was living at the time?"

With e-commerce booming in Southeast Asia, Jou saw an opportunity to blend the fast-fashion supply chain with a tech-driven business model—and Pomelo was born.

A Fruitful Idea
Launched in 2013 as an online-only retailer, Pomelo quickly made a name for itself with its street-chic fashion tailored for working women. The brand expanded beyond Thailand into Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines via online platforms like Zalora.

As for the name? Yes, it's a nod to the refreshing Southeast Asian fruit.