Hexagons feature throughout many Abi-K designs, so we thought we’d share with you their importance and symbolism. The repeating hexagon pattern is common in the vintage Japanese obi silks used in our products. The scale varies, displaying bold geometric designs, or smaller repeating details. This repeating pattern is called ‘Kikko’, which means tortoiseshell. In Japanese culture this represents ‘happiness and longevity’, and often used in wedding kimonos. 

We use the hexagon throughout our products, to give everyone a little bit of happiness and longevity, and it’s simple geometric shape fits well with the clean lines and construction of our products. Abi-K hexagon buttons punctuate our asymmetric clutch bags, shoulder bags, clutch purses and small purses. They are laser etched from either leather or pearlised acrylic. Each batch is made bespoke specifically for us by a local specialist in marquetry. Joe at Heritage Inlay Design Ltd http://www.heritageinlay.com/ has been laser etching our buttons since 2011. He’s Brighton based, and on the same road where Abi hand selects each of her leather skins for each collection. Abi can determine exactly what size each button is, and the laser engraves her logo and ‘limited edition’ or ‘made in England’ on each button.

The same process is used for our leather labels stitched into every handbag.

Take a look at our short videos on Instagram of the laser machine in action at Joe’s workshop:

https://instagram.com/p/BjcUuU8HW1t/

https://instagram.com/p/BjcpBc8njwI/

 

 

 

Celebrate the Best of Bespoke under one roof! I’ve moved to the High Street in Steyning, collaborating with existing dressmaker Toni at Get Waisted. Come to our launch event on Friday 22nd June 10am-6pm and enjoy 10% off and a glass of fizz! 

I was contacted recently by a fashion student who was interested in my designs for her project based on the importance of recycling materials in the fashion industry. Until my communication with her, I hadn’t focussed on promoting this aspect of my business, so I’m greatful to her for highlighting it to me.

I use vintage Japanese kimono obi silks in my designs that date from 1920’s upwards. Most are sourced from Kyoto, and have either been worn by geishas or in formal Japanese ceremonies. Their history and elaborate symbolic designs are endlessly fascinating to me, and my heart jumps when I open a new delivery of obis. My design eye ignites at the prospect of turning them into my accessory designs, to give them a new lease of life, a completely different direction and immersed in a new culture, while giving respect to their original heritage. 

I design products that make women feel special when they wear them. My handbags not only are made from recycling the most exquisite metallic woven brocades, but they carry with them their history and culture. If only the silks could speak, we would be enlightened with stories of traditional Japanese ceremony’s of past. My products are not fast fashion, they are little works of art carefully curated to bring a little luxury into your life.  

I’m often asked if my silks are sustainable, is the supply indefinite? I’ve been buying vintage Japanese obis for ten years now and for each decade that passes, so another decade is defined as ‘from a past era’. So I hope to continue reconstituting these incredible belts of beauty into many more Abi-K products for you all to enjoy wearing and telling their story.

Be unique :)

Give a unique one-off gift this Christmas... it shows you care, have thought about the person you’re buying for, and also supports small creative independent businesses. Don’t buy high street, buy local :)

Sharing a few images of our exhibition stand this October at Best of Britannia 2017, London.
The standard of exhibitors was phenomenal, I felt really proud to be exhibiting with other British designers of such a high standard. The Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, London was pretty special too.