When was the last time you stepped into a Kipling store? If your answer’s “not recently”, then you might be surprised. With collaborations that include PAC-MAN and artist Keith Haring, as well as modern pieces in their core collection, now sleek and updated for today’s audience, these are functional bags and accessories we can stand by, which is why we can appreciate this latest pairing. Kipling has collaborated with iconic Chinese brand MUKZIN, marking their first designer-label collection of bags and pouches, which were notably featured in Shanghai Fashion Week.
You can now make a fashion-runway statement with this series of Kipling bags, whose signature silhouettes feature MUKZIN‘s modern-meets-traditional prints. The particular design happens to be a reinterpretation of MUKZIN designer Kate Han‘s favourite print off her runway pieces, inspired by ancient Chinese poems, with birds being a key motif due to their spiritual meaning in Chinese culture.
It’s also worthy to take a close-up look at the bags, which see the bird and floral print on black, on a luxe PU sheen fabric. On top of that, other details you can observe are the embroidery woven patches that highlight significant parts of the print for a 3-D feel, contrasting straps in a sporty striped pattern, leather touches, as well as a special “lock” keychain that references traditional Chinese locks. An additional white-based print is available too, one that pays homage to traditional Chinese porcelain.
This attention to detail is, no doubt, due to how closely the brand has worked with Dalian-born Han. Her label MUKZIN was established in 2014, and recently gained global recognition after the stellar 2018 Fall/Winter ‘Jade in the Shadow’ showcase in Paris, earning fans that include celebrity Gigi Hadid. A master at deconstructing the ancient cultural elements for the current age, Han often shares that she wants to bring back an appreciation of Chinese culture in her modern designs. The pairing with Kipling’s finest, including the roomy ART M bag, feels much in line with her vision.
“To me, the Live.Light philosophy stands for a positive spirit, joy and happiness. I like the craftsmanship and how my design pattern can be shown completely on the ART M bag,” she shares.
Indeed, with bags as roomy as the ART M, or as versatile as the YASMEMINA XL, which can be worn both crossbody or converted into a waist bag, it looks like we can get to appreciating art through our everyday choices. Other functional styles include the DELIA backpack, a roomy but compact design that has discreet back and side pockets, or a half-moon shape KRISTI. The DUO POUCH also wields a smart design where you can use each pouch separately, or clip them together and sling across your body for handy access to your essentials.
Kipling x MUKZIN collection, from $89 – $299. Available at Kipling stores. kipling.com.sg
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