What makes Abi-K unique?
Abi-K designs unique bespoke accessories crafted from vintage Japanese kimono obi silk and premium meltingly soft nappa leather. The ‘obi’ is the formal sash worn around the waist of a kimono, ranging from 1920’s upwards and were once worn by Geishas or in formal Japanese ceremonies. Only an average of ten products per obi are ever made, making them entirely unique and limited edition. Abi-K designs all pieces herself in the on-site studio at her boutique in the heart of the iconic Lanes in Brighton. Once the silks are cut, fine nappa leather is sourced, and all beautiful components are collated, Abi takes the silks herself to an artisan workshop in London where they are expertly produced in collections for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. Abi designs each piece with great care and attention to detail to ensure you own a special wearable work of art with a story to tell.
The patterns in the vintage Japanese kimono silks are symbollic to create one-off beautiful handbags including clutch bags and shoulder bags, cross body handbags, purses and matching wrist cuff bracelets, as well as glasses cases and statement necklaces which make great gifts. She has expanded the range to include stunning home décor; cushions filled with duck feather pads, table runners, bed runners, lampshades, curtain panels and framed wall art.
Abi-K is a great advocate of maintaining the 'couture' philosophy. All her products are designed and individually crafted in England, Britain. She believes talented UK crafts people should be rewarded for their skills, and does not send any of her designs abroad for production. The 'made in Britain' or 'made in England' philosophy stands for quality. It represents exceptional attention to detail and products that will transcend fashion seasons and trends. It is your stamp of approval that your product is unique, bespoke and a quality work of art. Not a cheap, fast, mass produced item; it has been lovingly designed and expertly manufactured, giving respect to the culture from which the silks originate.
Each piece of kimono silk is cut according to where the pattern lays. Abi-K does this herself, determining the design and look of each piece. Great care is taken to ensure the pattern is in perfect juxtaposition with other elements of the products, meaning your piece is completely exclusive, unique and one of a kind.
You will find Abi-K's logo and 'made in England' laser etched into many of her products. The acrylic buttons on her Anna Clutch Bags for example are specifically made, and not pre-bought from another supplier. They are truly unique. The hexagon shape you see featured on the buttons is symbollic in Japanese kimonos. The repeating pattern of hexagons can be found on many of the silks used. It is called 'kikko' meaning 'tortoiseshell' that represents happiness and longevity in Japanese culture, and often used in wedding kimono. And so the hexagon has become synonymous with Abi-K designs.
Her wrist cuff design won 2nd place British Jewellers' Association Design Award 2011 for 'Fashion Cuffs'. The first cuff was designed with an ingenious magnetic clasp is a unique design to Abi-K. It cleverly combines a slide lock mechanism to ensure the cuff can't come apart unless removed by the wearer. You won't find a clasp like this anywhere else. Now a decade on, the cuff evolved by having a press stud fastening where one size fits most featuring 3 size options on one cuff. It's simplicity means Abi-K produces these cuffs to match her clutch bags so you can accessorise your style with these striking, unique limited edition pieces... Be Unique.