Cecilie Bahnsen presents the tenth Encore Collection, the brands first-ever handbag collection. Crafted in collaboration with the legendary British outerwear brand Mackintosh and the perfected Japanese handbag name, Chacoli, the collection is brought forth with a photo series by Japanese artist Fumiko Imano.
For the first time, in partnership with Japanese heritage brand Chacoli, and using upcycled Mackintosh fabric, Cecilie has created the seemingly simple concept of a structural tote bag, crafted to withhold the test of time, functional and utilitarian in form. The iconic masculine contrast to the unashamed femininity, using embellished leftover fabric from past collaborations with Mackintosh the “Creative (wo)mans” tote merges with the Cecilie Bahnsen universe in a limited single run of hand- crafted bags, constructed for this one-off collaboration as part of the tenth Encore collection. The bags are available in black, yellow, white, grey, and blue, varying in shapes to fit the varied creative endeavors of the wearer.
Chacoli was started in 2011 with its first tote bag made for a bookstore owner to carry the fragile and heavy antique books, expanding to create bags for occupation specific wearers, meticulously testing each bag for each person and profession, wearing it day-in and day-out as a test of time and to create the “Perfect match.” Each bag is crafted to stand on its own- similar to the sculptural qualities of the Cecilie Bahnsen silhouettes, able to stand alone both physically and stylistically. The different sizes of the bags are tirelessly thought through, made to fit between the legs of the wearer on a crowded train. in the basket of a bike, or with a small handle to carry inspirational books borrowed from a friend. Outfitted with the perfect compartmental dividers to store the designers note pad and tools, Chacoli ́s practiced craft is similar to Cecilie Bahnsen ́s commitment to couture like detailing.
The photo series shot by Japanese artist Fumiko Imano is directed with the senses, letting the colours, movement, and shapes of the garments set the scene and posture of the work. “I simply love Cecilie’s pieces because they are feminine but not too sweet. Its more like armor. Its more about strong but feminine women.” Fumiko and Cecilie ́s creative practices intertwine as they both find therapy through creating with their hands. Fumiko ́s process of using glue and scissors to bring her photographs together, “Something magical happens inside of the image.” Cecilie and Fumiko met many years ago at Dover Street Market, staying in touch until it felt natural and right for the moment to collaborate. The artistic collaboration with Fumiko Imano is one of some ongoing friendship collaborations.
Fumiko Imano is a photographer and artist, known for her self-portraits. Her personal work reflects matters of identity and its relation to multi-culturalism as well as unassuming notes on the preservation of youth within. She holds a degree in Fine Arts from Central Saint Martins and Photography from London College of Fashion. She combines self-portraiture and fashion photography in her work and has been published in the most renowned magazines around the world.
The Tenth Encore Collection will be released exclusively on ceciliebahnsen.com, Dover Street Market London and Dover Street Ginza.