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

{let's getaway} pack your bags

Lets GETAWAY_pack your bags

work ready: Lotuff Leather  /  date night: KAYU  /  organize: Gin & Jacqie  /  everyday: Cuyana  /  explore:  Joshu + Vela  /  beach holiday: Connected Goods

 ’Tis the season for travel and one of the things that I struggle with the most while away is feeling like I never have the right bag for the occasion. Sometimes a girl needs a sassy clutch purse and other times she needs a comfy backpack for exploring all the better. Whatever the reason for the getaway, these bags top my wishlist for always being prepared. And of course, a little organizational help from Gin & Jacqie, a Malaysian accessories company with a passion for traveling well and tidy.