40 has indeed never looked so good! From its first namesake collection in 1981 to now — the luxury brand celebrates its momentous 40th anniversary. As Kors approached his 40th anniversary, he decided to commemorate the occasion by supporting the future of the fashion industry. Reflecting on his own roots, he decided to provide a fledgling brand a special chance offering them to leverage the Michael Kors company’s worldwide reach to help them attain a larger audience. Further to that, he wanted to offer 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,” the designer quotes. “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 I first saw the work of Ashley and Moya at ASHYA, their thoughtfulness and unique point of view impressed me immediately. 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.”
The gender-neutral, leather ASHYA X Michael Kors bags – The Multi Bag and The Bolo Bag – are designed in ASHYA’s signature silhouettes and will have a bespoke 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, 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wanted to reference West African weaving in the design of the ASHYA x Michael Kors styles, creating something that has historical reference to our identity and that really spoke to the specialness of this partnership,” said Annece and Cimone.
Both the exclusive, limited edition bags – The Bolo Bag and The Multi Bag, are both malleable and versatile. The 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 Bolo Bag can be worn around the neck, the waist, or cross-body. It features one lined compartment with a leather card sleeve and is perfect for carrying everyday essentials with ease. In India, the collection will be available exclusively at Ajio Luxe
All of ASHYA’s products are designed as an “ode to exploration.” ASHYA’s vision, since its inception, is rooted in travel, cultural awareness, and the act of unifying style and utility. Motivated by black, brown, and global indigenous communities and transient modern life, the brand approaches design with effortless mobility and essentialism in mind.
In India, the collection will be available exclusively at Ajio Luxe.
