Despite juggling two demanding roles as Chief Executive Officer of Browns, and Chief Fashion and Merchandising Officer of Farfetch, Elizabeth makes time for her cherished wellness routine. From Vedic meditation and wine nights with friends, to her daily kale smoothie and our Morning & Night supplement, striking the right balance between work and self-care is how she continues to succeed.
HEALTH & WELLNESS / 23 MARCH 2025
Sitting Down with Fashion Mogul, Elizabeth von der Goltz
Author: Rachel Chalmers
A friend of Lumity since 2024, Elizabeth von der Goltz is the female powerhouse behind luxury e-commerce fashion company, Farfetch, and London-based upmarket clothing shop, Browns. Whether you’re a designer handbag collector or an activewear aficionado, pieces from these iconic fashion retailers are likely lining your closet as you read this, and Elizabeth’s vision is to “build on the incredible heritage” of Farfetch and its subsidiary, Browns.
A woman who wears many (chic) hats…
After a childhood spent between New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong, Elizabeth cut her teeth as an assistant fashion buyer at Barney’s New York. Fast forward a few years (and a degree from Harvard Business School) later, and Elizabeth is now the woman Tatler describes as “leading a legacy, and bringing together digital and physical in fashion.”
In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we’re sitting down with our hand-picked selection of women to watch – members of our #LumityCollective who believe in Morning & Night’s ability to support women in reaching personal and professional goals. Elizabeth von der Goltz is our latest woman to watch, and after getting to know her, you may find yourself booking a flight to London to sample her favourite miso mushroom pain suisse…
How would you describe your wellness routine?
I am a true believer in maintaining balance in my life and optimising almost every aspect of it to improve my wellbeing. I start my morning with a probiotic drink, matcha tea, my Lumity and other natural supplements. I also make myself a kale smoothie every day filled with lots of antioxidants, collagen, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. I practice Vedic meditation 2x a day and I try to fit in a Pilates session at least 2-3 times a week. I also have a multi-step day and night skincare regimen.
What’s one book you believe everyone should read?
This is super difficult to answer as I am a huge book nerd and read pretty voraciously – mostly fiction and biographies. Honestly, I believe everyone is so different so I don’t have one book I think everyone should read. The last book I read that I loved was Orbital by Samantha Harvey. It’s hard to describe as it is almost more of a meditation on life as it follows these astronauts in space as they continuously day after day orbit the earth. It is a real reflection of life.
What helps you feel good?
Pilates and long outdoor walks. When I’m by the sea I love taking super long swims. And just being with my husband and closest friends and family and just chatting away with them and laughing about silly things and having a great time together.
Three things you’re loving right now?
Lumity – taking it every morning and night has given me energy, focus and a glow! Pilates at Epoch with this amazing instructor Dmitri. And I cannot live without my whole skincare regimen from Skin Design London and my regular facials with the genius, Fatma Shaheen.
What’s the best advice you’d offer to your younger self?
Whatever you want to do in life go ahead and do it, set your goals and work towards them. Do not be afraid to make big changes in your life and pivot when you feel a calling towards something new as it is important to always explore your interests and passions. Then always give your most to whatever you are doing.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, personal or professional?
I have always been super work focused and so much of my life revolved around work. I recently worked with a coach which has been super valuable in my life. They helped me understand what I really value in life and helped me work on my personal mission statement so that I can incorporate that into every decision I make whether personal or professional. It’s not about separating who you are in these parts of your life but ensuring you are always being your authentic self in every aspect of your life.
What's your evening drink of choice?
On my solo days just warm water and when I’m out I do love a few glasses of wine – red or white depending on the time of year and weather.
Feel-good food?
I eat an abundance of greens – one thing I discovered in my local farmers market are kalettes which are these little baby kale that I roast in the oven until they’re super crispy and they’re just delicious. I eat a handful of walnuts every day. I also love sashimi and sushi and always feel like I’m getting all my omega 3s and brain food when I eat a lot of it. And I just discovered this amazing cafe 15-minute walk from my house that calls itself UK’s first tree-to-cup coffee shop. I don’t actually drink coffee but they make the most unusual and insanely delicious pastries – my favourite being the miso mushroom pain suisse.
What makes you feel empowered?
I feel empowered when I’m able to channel my creative energy, strategies and ideas into action and am able to see the results. I feel empowered when I’m able to help and mentor others in realising their own goals, dreams and mission.
When do you feel the most inspired?
Helping and mentoring others especially women working in the business world trying to make an impact and female entrepreneurs. I love hearing about all the amazing new innovation happening every day in all industries. The work that so many non profits are doing globally. And of course with RAISEfashion which I co-founded with an incredible group of women in the fashion industry to support underrepresented emerging designers.
Which three women do you admire and draw inspiration from?
1. My mother - she grew up in China and moved to HK when the Communists took over in China. She did so well in school she went on to college at Bryn Mawr and then became the only woman in her PhD class at Harvard University on Physics in the 60’s. She passed away a few years ago but she always showed me that you can do anything you put your mind to and she was also the most caring and empathetic person.
2. My paternal grandmother - she was the 1st and only woman law university graduate in Southern China she became the 1st female lawyer in Southern China much later when women were eventually allowed to practice law. She co-founded the Alliance of Women’s Rights in China and she also founded a women’s teaching college.
This is so hard as there are too many to choose from as I admire all women who have started amazing non profit organisations making the world a better place as well as all women who have founded and built incredible businesses as entrepreneurs and all women who have been incredible mothers, daughters, partners.
If I have to name a few? Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Madeleine Albright, Georgia O’Keefe, Elsa Schiaparelli, Sonia Delaunay, Angela Ahrendts, Nathalie Massenet, Jane Fonda but the list goes on and on!
What does wellness mean to you?
It just means you feel good inside and out, mentally, emotionally and physically. Having a balanced life and living well.
Who is part of your community, and how do you support one another?
My husband and family are such an important part of my community as are my circle of best friends. We are always there for one another no matter what. I am not much of a phone person so it’s a lot of messaging and when we see each other it’s just about talking and talking about anything and nothing and laughing and enjoying life. It’s about being supportive and listening when needed and to never judge. Sometimes it’s good to even hold back advice until someone has asked for it. It’s really just bringing that sense of security, support, love and joy that matters most in my community. I also have become very close to many people I have worked with over the many years and again I am always there for them be is mentoring and advising them and vice versa. Being able to just be together and laugh and have fun no matter what is what I love most about my little community.
One piece of advice you’d give to all women striving to find or build an empowering community?
Open yourself up to others and trust more and build those relationships with other women which will gradually grow to be super strong bonds. Not only by giving advice and helping others but by also asking for help and accepting it from other women.
