Ahead of his 40th anniversary, Kors wanted to give back to the future of fashion.
The word is out that Michael Kors, who is approaching his 40th anniversary, has collaborated New York-based Ashya to create limited edition bags.
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These pieces are the Moya Multi Bag and the Ashley Bolo Bag, which debuts this month.
Ashya, pronounced “agh-shya,” was founded in 2017 by Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece. The label features unisex travel accessories, and, according to their website, is dedicated to “creating well-crafted purposeful designs that unify luxury and utilitarian principles.”
It is the recipient of the 2018-2019 Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) and Accessories Council Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship.
It exists, its site background continues, as a “vehicle to diversify cultural perspectives through broadly researched narratives and design. By documenting and sharing cultural stories, and designing multifunctional accessories, we hope to help the modern day explorer move more thoughtfully and fluidly throughout the world.”
The brand’s motto is an “ode to exploration,” and is expressed in their collections.
Supporting the future
As Michael Kors approached his 40th anniversary, he wanted to celebrate the milestone by supporting the future of the fashion industry.
Thinking back to his own beginnings, he decided to provide a unique opportunity to an emerging brand—offering them the global reach, distribution and platform of the Michael Kors company to help bring their brand to a larger audience. In addition, he wanted to share his personal advice and experience, as well as the mentorship of his team.
The decision to collaborate with ASHYA was a natural choice—a New York-based brand inspired by travel, dedicated to the marriage of style and pragmatism, and helmed by two talented, thoughtful and entrepreneurial designers.
“Anniversaries make you think about both the past and the future,” Kors says. “I began my business in New York City in 1981, and now I find it very exciting to be able to turn the spotlight on the next generation of designers working here in New York City.”
When he first saw the work of Cimone and Annece, the designer was impressed by their thoughtfulness and unique point-of-view. “I reached out to them about doing a collaboration together that would merge our sensibilities and I am thrilled with how the collaboration came together,” he shares.
Designed in Ashya’s signature silhouettes, the gender-neutral, leather Ashya x Michael Kors bags will feature a custom print that incorporates the MK Signature logo print in a new pattern inspired by West African weaving techniques.
“As a nod to our continued explorations of our roots, and this global ‘stepping out’ moment for our brand,” Annece says. “We wanted to reference West African weaving in the design of the ASHYA x Michael Kors styles, creating something that has historical reference to our identity and that really spoke to the specialness of this partnership.”
African textiles have an exceptional significance as a means of communication within communities, Cimone adds, and act as a conduit of stories passed down through generations. “There is a spiritual and historical significance to the colors, patterns and decorative elements used,” she says. “The aesthetic value of West African textile designs can be seen in the lines and motifs created for this collaboration.”
The Moya Multi bag can be worn as a crossbody or a belt bag. It features two lined pockets, each featuring a leather card sleeve, and a roomy interior to carry your day to night essentials. The Ashley Bolo bag is equally adaptable, and can be worn around the neck, the waist or cross- body. It has one lined compartment with a leather card sleeve, and is perfect for carrying everyday essentials with hands-free ease.
