There’s nothing better than making your own personal statement through fashion and since owning one-of-a-kind pieces is one of the few ways to do so, this explains my obsession with handmade and vintage. Now when I come across something that combines handmade, vintage and bursts of bright colours, I fall totally and completely in love. Drool aside, let me introduce MISCHA – a range of bags and accessories made from vintage Japanese obi fabric designed and handmade here in Hong Kong. Ranging from large leather bags, to long envelope clutches, and includes a range of obi-belts and bangles, I feel like I am a child in a candy store unable to decide what to purchase as everything is just so beautiful.
Vintage Japanese obi silk, some dating as far back as 50 years ago, are sourced directly from Japan and then used to create each bag. As each obi has a set length and width, a single piece of complete obi fabric can only make 3 or 4 bags or in some cases, even less. With the purchase of each bag, you’ll be able to know exactly how many other ones exist in the same fabric as each bag comes with its own authenticity card.
The lady behind it all, Michelle Lai, is practically a one-woman show – she does all the sourcing, promoting, and designing which has seen MISCHA grow over the last 4 years to be a well-known brand on the Hong Kong fashion scene. For those outside of Hong Kong, MISCHA bags can be found at stockists in Singapore or failing that, the MISCHA website has an online store.
1.How did you turn your hobby into a full time business?
What started as a hobby of travelling and collecting art pieces from around the world, with a penchant for Japanese kimono and obi reminiscent of ancient Japan, became a full time business over a period of 4-5 years. The first bag I made for myself came as a necessity, friends started
noticing it and requested them. So I decide to start my own collection using my finds from my trips to Japan. It took me 3 months and many sleepless nights to sew the whole collection by hand and I debuted it at The Conrad Hotel fair. They were a hit, and the rest is history!
2.What was the biggest challenge you faced as a designer and entrepreneur?
Well, I think one of the biggest challenges is doing everything for the first time! Running your own business is hard enough, I think running a design based business is even harder! Especially doing
everythign by yourself in the beginning, such as admin, to sourcing, to designing, to overseeing production, to sales and marketing. It’s all very challenging and character building on the good days, on the bad days you just want to give up!
3.What do you have planned for MISCHA in the future and where do you hope to see the brand in 5 years’ time?
Well, we recently launched our new design – the Mischa Big Bag, a leather hold-all with obi strap. It was by popular demand. In the immediate future I’ll be working on the next collection. I plan to broaden our vintage Japanese limited edition range and add more deluxe touches to every piece. I’m also looking at expanding our range and into other areas of fashion, including apparel and jewellery.
4.What inspires you?
Definitely travel to exotic places, observing and meeting inspired individuals. Since starting my own business, I’ve found entrepeneurs to be among the most interesting and charismatic people I’ve met.
5.Who are your favourite designers?
Hmm, don’t want to commit any faux pas here! I think my tastes are quite classical and I lean towards good quality and attention to small details. I love the Chanel of Karl Lagerfeld, for shoes I love Roger Vivier, they’re the most good-looking comfortable shoes. For clothes I’m a big fan of Diane Von Furstenburg and the Valentino’s flowing gowns but, Zara is a guilty pleasure… In menswear, I really like Tom Ford and YSL.
6. What should every girl have in her wardrobe?
The LBD, in all its incarnations!
[Photos courtesy of MISCHA]
Website: http://www.mischadesigns.com
Online store: http://www.mischadesigns.com/shop
List of Stockists – Hong Kong
White Bridal, 17 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Fang Fong Projects, Shop 1, 69 Peel St, Central
TDC Design Gallery, Level 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai
Melaine Living Arts, G/F, 15 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
List of Stockists – Singapore
Retail Therapy, 501 Orchard Road, Unit 03-13 Wheelock Place
Mandarin Gallery
