East meets east
A top American designer joins forces with a Malaysian bag specialist for a special tote for the Asian market, writes Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup
IN the few short years since the compa-established, ny was Sometime by Asian Designers has made a name for itself by working with fashion designers such as Rizalman and Alia Bastamam, to create bags that are beautiful, practical and affordable.
This month, the company is venturing outside of Malaysia for the first time by collaborating with New York-based fashWu, ion designer Jason through his casual line Jason Wu GREY. The result is a tote bag called Edie, which comes in two sizes and six colours.
The tote retails for RM569 for the large Edie and RM429 for the mini version, exclufashion sively on online portal Zalora.
HOW DID THE COLLABORATION WITH SOMETIME BY ASIAN DESIGNERS HAPPEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO IT? This project spoke to me on so many levels, and I enjoy collaboThis rations. partnership is not just about Jason Wu GREY, it is also about Sometime by Asian Designers and Zalora. The collaboration is a celebration of Asian creativity and innovation. Considering my heritage, doing more in Asia has always been important to me. When Zalora approached me it seemed like a natural progression in that direction. Sometime has successfully positioned themselves as a bag speworked cialist. They have with many big Malaysian designers and in the last six years.
Zalora has built an impressive reach across the region establishing itself as the area’s leading fashion e-commerce player. In working with both brands, I am assured that my design will resonate with fashion customers across Asia.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH NICOLE W. FROM SOMETIME? It was great working with Nicole and the Sometime team. She was patient and, as a bag expert, had valuable inputs on the design and the construction of the bag. It was a wonderful and collaborative experience. I look forward to working with more partners like her!
IS IT DIFFERENT WORKING WITH SOMETIME COMPARED TO THE
TEAM AT YOUR OWN LABEL?
Every designer or brand has a different creative process and collaborations like this is a great chance to open oneself to new ways of working and new ideas, to learn things, and that’s exactly we did.
DID YOU HAVE ANY CHALLENGES WITH REGARDS TO THE PRICE POINT, AND HOW DID YOU ADDRESS IT? None. We wanted the bag to be accessible and competitively priced for the consumers in the region.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE ON A TOTE?
The classic but simple structure of a tote is what I was drawn to, and I carry a simple tote almost every day — so that did have influence in the design.
WHO IS EDIE? Someone who is confident with a great personal style.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE COLOUR COMBINATION FROM THIS COLLECTION? The classic creme, navy with the pop of orange is my favourite colour combination as it is sophisticated but a bit playful.
IS THERE A REASON WHY ULTRAMARINE IS CHOSEN AS THE EXCLUSIVE BAG FOR YOUR BIRTHPLACE, TAIWAN? Ultramarine is a vibrant and eye-catching colour that represents the epitome of Taipei. Its rich blue skies and sea bring life to the city and to the Edie collection.
FINAL QUESTION. ARE DESIGNER BAGS A UTILITY ITEM OR AN INVESTMENT PIECE? Both!