District L

The Blonds took this season’s emerging Asian-inflected trend and literally ran with it. The show opened with dragons. Two dragons. TWO LARGE DRAGONZ darting around the runway. Once the opening Chinatown Brasserie drag montage and dancing dragon entrance came to a close, The Blonds Shanghai’d the audience with their sparkling runway lineup. The collection revealed a slew of tongue-in-cheek details, including oversized chopsticks and googley-eyes. With glittery Kabuki “bobs,” cascading silk kimonos, and their signature crystal-studded corsets, David and Phillipe Blond wowed a front row of designer Sally LaPointe, Amanda Lepore, Susanne Bartsch and a host of other Manhattan nightlife fixtures -- it was anything but a drag.

Our fellow District L darling Nick can attest; it isn't easy staying put. So when I heard handbag designer, Kazumi Lomri, considered herself a 'citizen of the world,' I knew we would find relatable content. Originally hailing from Tokyo, Kazumi has lived in 9 cities around the world. Fortunately, in 2002, she found inspiration that stemmed from her beginnings - her mother and an antique silk obi.

Eight years later, Kazumi and her mother have successfully introduced their line of unique, handmade handbags to the world. Combining traditional symbols, colors, and fabrics from the kimono and obi, this creative pair has developed a collection of versatile accessories, perfect for the modern jetsetter.

While the brand has been available in cities from Barcelona to Melbourne, CHAKO Tokyo is just finally touching down on US turf. And why should everyone else have all the fun? Check out their chic and cocktail-friendly design below...

Post by Amanda LaMela

Edit: What good would we be if we couldn’t help you find it?! Shop CHAKO Tokyo at Searle (60th/Madison) and online at http://www.shoplatitude.com