Few names are as synonymous with American fashion as Michael Kors, and with the brand celebrating its 40th anniversary, looking back on his first years in the business made the designer feel extra reflective about what it means, in particular, to be a new designer in the big city. Hence, Michael Kors’ new partnership with Ashya, a small Brooklyn-based label, dreamt up to offer a sort of platform to the masses.
“Planning for the anniversary last year, and remembering my own start in business, made me think about the challenges that young brands face today,” explains Kors, who chose the young American-Jamaican duo, Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece of the accessories brand Ashya, to create a limited-edition capsule of two exclusive bags.
“After what we’ve been through globally, I think we’re all looking forward to what’s ahead,” adds Kors. “The past few years have really shown us the importance of working together and of 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.”
For the occasion, Kors worked with Ashya to create a custom print that includes the signature MK logo in a new iteration inspired by West African weaving techniques, dubbed the Saga print. For Ashya, putting an emphasis on textiles as a storytelling mechanism has always been intrinsic to the brand, so they looked to the line-work and shapes within African weaving as the main influence. The common ground between the two designers? An effortless approach to luxury. “Michael’s vision for pared-down luxury from the very beginning of his design career is what stands out to us most, so in thinking through how to stay true to Ashya, that came fluidly because we too look to design pared-down luxury,” explains Cimone.
The gender-neutral Ashya x Michael Kors bags feature a custom print incorporating the Michael Kors Signature logo in a new pattern inspired by West African weaving techniques. The bags themselves are versions of Ashya’s signature styles; they are unisex and they can be worn in numerous ways, some still yet to be discovered: one of the major appeals to Kors himself. “I love that the bags are streamlined and can be styled in different ways, so they work as well for travel as for stepping out in the city,” he says. Likewise, “Our customers and friends of the brand often inspire new ways of wearing the bags,” explains Cimone. The Multi Bag retails for $498 and the Bolo Bag retails for $298.
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