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BagTrends: Katherine Kwei is a relativity new brand and yet you have so much press attention. What was your first big mention and how did it feel?
Katherine Kwei: My first mention, which happened to be very big, was on September 13, 2006 in WWD. I was over the moon, and still am that the writer picked me up right before my first tradeshow. It is so very flattering and it is every aspiring designer's dream to be mentioned in WWD!
BT: Why do you think your bags are unique and so quickly received by media and customers?
Katherine: I don't think my bags are 'so well received' by media and customers, but thank you if you thinking that they are. I know that my bags are very unique and I think people are more curious as to what they are, more than anything else. I always hear feedback that my bags are so different and exciting, and there is nothing like my signature Eternity knot-inspired weave out on the market. My customers are looking for something different and special. I am happy that I fill this need and desire.
BT: What inspires your designs?
Katherine: My grandmother who taught me the art of Chinese knotting and my mother who surrounded me in her good taste when I was growing up. My Asian heritage is important to me and I am drawn to the simple lines, colors and forms of Asian art. I also feel touched by nature and look to colors I see in plants, the ocean, sky and animals for inspiration. Design to me is about interpretation, how one interprets what they see and how they depict this. That is how we stay unique, innovative and true to our own voice.
BT: Would you say you’re an aspiring luxury brand versus a contemporary brand?
Katherine: Yes. I am positioning myself as a new luxury brand. I use the best leathers from Italy and make sure that my bags are constructed with the utmost care and precision. My signature Eternity knot-inspired weaves are hand woven and I spend many hours going over this weave with the Shi-fu's in the factories. My bags come in duster bags, and then in beautiful boxes. It is a whole luxury experience opening up, receiving and wearing my bags.
BT: From the current summer 2007 line which is your favorite bag?
Katherine: It is still the Zara Tote. I developed this bag when I was in school in London. I love the movement of the bag, the way the knots swing when you walk. I get the most compliments from this bag.
BT: What can we expect for fall/winter 2007?
Katherine: The collection is more refined and sexy than my spring/summer 2007 line. I continued to use the snake skin for one of the lines, but added Swarovski crystals. I have also introduced new shapes especially in the totes, to have bigger more work related bags that can fit folders and documents more easily. My Eternity knot-inspired weaves are all over the bags, as usual, but the placement and proportions give this collection a very chic and sophisticated feel.
BT: What about spring 2008?
Katherine: Spring has bolder colors like lime green, fuchsia, red, and bright yellow. It has more pop and is less tonal than previous seasons. I also used the Eternity knot in new ways like on the handles. There will also be more outside pockets and functionality.
BT: Describe the Katherine Kwei bagista. What is she like?
Katherine: The Katherine Kwei woman is confident and secure in her own sense of style. I really like to design for my friends who I always think dress well. Their styles blend everything from luxury brands to vintage pieces to the latest street wear, and they always look polished, chic and playful.
BT: What’s next for Katherine Kwei? Are more accessories on the horizon?
Katherine: Yes! I am looking to make small leather goods such as key chains, coin purses, and passport holders. I might look into belts as well. I would love to do home furnishing as well, but that is much much farther down the road.
BT: What’s always in your bag?
Katherine: Lipgloss and hand cream are a must!
BT: What’s the next big trend for handbags?
Katherine: I am not such a trend-follower, but I hope it will be to see more color!
BT: Structured satchels or loose hobos?
Katherine: Loose hobos
BT: Clutches for evening or all-day chic?
Katherine: I love changing my bag from day to evening, so clutches for evening and a tote for the day.
BT: Black or colored bags?
Katherine: Colored bags
BT: Aside from your own bags, what other brands do you wear or admire?
Katherine: I only really wear my bags, but I love Bottega Veneta. I admire them for their impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, superior leather quality and of course the subtle and sophisticated sense of grace and elegance in their design.
BT: If you could put any woman in your bag who would it be and why?
Katherine: Wow, this is a tough question for me to answer. I would have loved to show my grandmother my bags and have her see how I took the skills she taught me and inspired me to create my own weave and eventually my business. I am not sure she would have liked to have carried my bags, not because she would not have liked the design, but she would not have wanted to damage or ruin them. She would say that they are too expensive for her. It would have been so thrilling to her to carry one of my creations, and I would have been so flattered and honored if she did.
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