Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine

Davie & Chiyo is a handbag line created by sister duo, Fumi and Himi Bull. It all started approximately a year ago when Himi created a clutch and Fumi fell in love with it instantly. The ladies excitedly hatched a plan for their new business. They started a website and online shop of their own on the popular marketplace website, Etsy. This was a perfect idea since Himi was looking for something to do while she stayed at home with her young children and Fumi found a way to use her new business knowledge since graduation from university.

Design has always been in the Bulls' lives. They were taught sewing from a young age by their mother who created their clothing as kids. In high school, they were both figure skaters and sewed their own costumes. Himi and Fumi now use their skills designing and making the feminine clutches. When the handbags were first made, the material used was from vintage Japanese kimonos that their father collected from neighbors and sent to them. Now they mainly use silk and heavy upholstery fabrics such as canvas and cotton from local fabric and vintage stores. Davie & Chiyo currently have six different styles including their best seller, The Classic Bow. Some of their handbags are hand painted with a variety of floral motifs. All of their bags come in a variety of different colors and their top sellers even have versions with a chain handle. Their biggest market is the bridal market. After taking a look at their website, it is clear why. The clutches are beautifully hand-crafted and unique which is what every bride looks for. Inspiration-wise, the designs are mainly influenced by their family and friends, although they may get the odd idea from a runway show. The clutches' intent is to be more personal which is why Davie & Chiyo offers customized pieces. Since their January 2009 debut, the clutches are rapidly becoming popular among brides and fashionistas looking for a unique bag.

Davie & Chiyo is concerned with the environment. They have taken it to another level and incorporated it into their clutches and packaging materials. First of all, the majority of the fabrics used are vintage. When they package a clutch, it is a very involved process. First the clutch is packed with used grocery bags or Japanese newspapers as shipping material to maintain the shape of the clutch frames. Second, the clutch is wrapped with tissue paper that it is never taped so that the customer can reuse it, then it is wrapped with paper ribbon and a paper tag. Next, the clutch is packed in a box made from cereal boxes, turned inside out of course. Finally, the box is wrapped with stuffing paper from previous shipments. Imagine if all designers were this environmentally friendly in their shipping process.

Unfortunately, Davie & Chiyo are not available in stores yet. However, you can see them in person at the next Portobello West. For more information on Davie & Chiyo, please check out their website, www.davieandchiyo.com.