crazy for kayu

Kayu handbagsKayu handbagsKayu handbags Kayu handbagsKayu handbags

I'm so excited to finally share some photos of my shoot for KAYU - gorgeous bags with a mission.

I met KAYU's founder, Jamie Lim, via Twitter and as luck would have it she's originally from Malaysia. She was in town over the holidays to visit family and take care of business (her clutches are hand made in South East Asia) so we were able to meet in person and collaborate for her Spring look book photos and graphic design. We hit it off immediately and I was in total awe of her designs. She has somehow accomplished making the traditional artistry of weaving look completely modern and sexy. And as if good looks weren't enough, a portion of sales is donated to perform sight-restoring surgeries in India and to purchase backpacks and school supplies for children in Cambodia. Win-win.

I had a blast walking around KL together with only a bag full of clutches and a determination to "get the shot" despite the hot day and hungry mosquitoes. Felt like quite the urban-jungle warriors at the end of the day!

I can't finish writing this post without mentioning the stall owners at Chow Kit Market. They thought we were nuts every time we asked "can I put this bag here and take a photo?". Sure, crazy ladies...go right ahead. The strange looks were totally worth it as my fave shot is the trio of clutches on the Durian scale. It doesn't get any more Malaysian than that.

Shop KAYU at kayudesign.com and Shopbop.com

New webshop + GO NATIVE Collection

The new shop is finally up!

First up in the shop are the GO Native Collection clutches and cuff bracelets followed by brand new brass necklaces.  Very excited about all of these - they are playful, eye catching, and truly unique.

Browse the Envelope Clutch and Frame Clutch categories for past styles and the new SALE for recently discounted pieces - isn't that nice!

Trunk show

Last week, 3020 Designer Resale in Santa Monica hosted the first ever ANAMU trunk show. Between  introducing the new GO NATIVE collection* of clutches and jewelry, mingling with old and new friends, and seeing happy customers, the event couldn't have gone any better.

3020's very own Gina and Jessica were beyond hospitable and supportive...I mean, check out the cute sign they made! So sweet.

Their neighbor, actor (and sculptor) Paul Sorvino stopped by while we were getting ready and ended up staying the entire time. He just couldn't leave when every few minutes a new woman walked into the room!

I'm so thankful to Gina and Jessica for the opportunity to share ANAMU in such a great setting. Thank you to everyone who came out!!!!

*Some items sold but remaining one-of-a-kind GO NATIVE clutches and cuffs will be online soon!

Unique LA Spring 2010 is in the bag

It just gets better and better. The folks at Unique LA (spearheaded by the amazing Sonja Rasula) pulled off an incredible two-day event filled with independent design, craft workshops, music, and good people.

ANAMU lucked out with a corner space that was perfect for creating a walk-through gallery feel. I learned a lot from the last show: each bag needs to be highlighted individually. With so many different prints and colors, they each need to shine!

The bags and display got incredible reactions. Lots of oohing and ahhing with some personal compliments that included gals saying that they loved my sense of design and overall aesthetic. So cool :)  Some women literally bolted into the booth from across the walkway to check out a bag that caught their eye!

Though it's always difficult to see my bags go, it's also gratifying and joyful to know that they are going to adoring new owners. Thank you to everyone that came out to support local talent. I had a blast sharing ANAMU with you!

View more booth photos here