As fashion star Michael Kors approached his 40th anniversary, he wanted to use it as an opportunity to celebrate the future of the fashion industry with a brand collaboration. Luckily for us, he chose Ashya.
Mirroring Micharl Kors’ eponymous brand’s own beginnings, the designer decided to provide a unique opportunity to an emerging brand—offering them the global reach, distribution and platform of his company to help bring their brand to a larger audience. Ashya is a young New York-based brand whose appeal is steadily growing.
Inspired by travel and founded by American/Jamaican duo Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, all of Ashya’s products are rooted in travel, cultural awareness with a sense of utility.
“Anniversaries make you think about both the past and the future,” says Kors. “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.”
Designed in ASHYA’s signature silhouettes, the gender-neutral, leather ASHYA X Michael Kors bags will feature a custom print that incorporates the MK Signature logo print in a new pattern inspired by West African weaving techniques.
Motivated by those indigenous communities, the collection features the Multi and Bolo bags, ideally styled to be worn around the neck, waist and cross-body.