Michael Kors brings Ashya into its orbit
Capri Holdings-owned fashion and accessories brand Michael Kors, headquartered in New York City, has been celebrating its fortieth year in business since April of last year.
As part of its ongoing festivities, the brand has joined hands with Brooklyn-based emerging leathergoods label Ashya to create two limited-edition, unisex bags - the Bolo and the Multi - assembled from leather and coated canvas. Each style is based on a signature Ashya model.
The hands-free Bolo bag can be worn around the neck, waist, crossbody or as a mini backpack, whereas the Multi is a belt bag which can either be worn across the waist or crossbody. Both styles are available in two colourways: “brown multi” and “black combo”.
Michael Kors’ signature MK logo has been exclusively redesigned in a manner reminiscent of West African weaving techniques, as Vogue described it, and named the Saga Signature print. This is especially in-keeping with Ashya’s brand DNA, which the same publication reported is often strongly influenced by the shapes and line-work seen in African woven textiles.
The American-Jamaican design duo behind Ashya, Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, commented: “We’re often working in what feels like a silo, with little awareness of who’s watching or admiring from afar.
“The launch of our collaboration together [with Michael Kors] is an official global coming out for Ashya, sharing our work with the world at a scale beyond our imaginations at this point of our growth, so excitement is truly an understatement.”
Mr Kors added: “After what we’ve been through globally, I think we’re all looking forward to what’s ahead. The past few years have really shown us the importance of working together and supporting our communities.
“For me that’s fashion - and also New York. Partnering with an up-and-coming brand is a way of fostering that sense of togetherness while welcoming fresh perspectives.”
Image: Michael Kors.
