posted Fri, 2/26/10 1:11 PM

A careful study of classic fabrics and patterns, ESSENTIAL DESIGNS’ renditions of plaids, tartans, and checkers have become its signature trait the last several seasons.  After its exploration of far away lands, such as India’s Madras Plaids and Scotland’ Highland Tartans, the Japanese label took up the humble American Paisley Pattern as the design theme in the Spring/Summer 2010 Accessories Collection.  With roots from the days of American Wild West, the paisley pattern, like so many Americana from the period, was an adaptation of popular fashion items from the Old World.  But it was the 1960s, the generation of hippies and outlaw bikers, which the current variant really took hold.  Today, the design has trickled into every corner of American society, from the bandannas worn by construction workers to posh blouse on fashionistas.

Designed in part with YOSHIDA & CO., maker of PORTER accessories, the Paisley Collection features a perfectly faded and worn paisley pattern, imprinted on durable cotton canvas.  A zipped portion, with the recently revived Talon zipper, serves as a coin pouch, while the bi-fold compartment can take up to 5 credit cards and bills.  Comes in colors red, black, and blue, the ESSENTIAL DESIGNS x PORTER - Paisley Bi-Fold Wallet, along with the rest of the Paisley Collection will be made available in April.  But, interested parties can place advance orders through Japanese retailer ARK and ARKKABAN.

ARKKABAN
1-1-7 Utsunomiya Nishi | Map
Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Japan
TEL #: +28-633-6039

VIA: FRESHNESS