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Fashion in Focus: AITCH AITCH

A campaign image featuring AITCH AITCH's Amelia Backpack.
Photo courtesy of AITCH AITCH

Born out of creative director Hailey Harmon’s desire to live a life inspired by beauty, quality, adventure, and mindfulness, AITCH AITCH is truly an inspired brand. AITCH AITCH is about experiences, the experiences one has that makes an amazing, full life. The durability and exotic texture lend themselves to live life with you, from the city streets to the exotic jungles, and black tie events to road trips. The special combination of excellent craftsmanship and the innovative materials they work with creates something truly unique. We spoke with Hailey to learn more about her accessories and her passion for sustainability.

FM: When did your collection officially launch?

HH: March 31st, 2017.

FM: How did you get the idea/inspiration for your line?

HH: The idea for my line actually started with the material. I use salmon skin, which is a natural byproduct of the fishing industry, as my main material in all of my pieces. It has the look of an exotic skin, but is very durable and wears beautifully. I wanted to elevate the material with excellent craftsmanship, and everything evolved from there.

FM: What is your background/experience in fashion and/or design?

HH: I was an art major in college, and I worked for a sustainable fine jewelry designer in New York after school. The company I worked for was an amazing experience—not only was I exposed to the growth of a small business, but my hand was in a lot of the design throughout the company—from jewelry design and production to branding and marketing materials.

FM: What are all of the different styles that appear in the collection?

HH: There are four handbags styles in the main collection: The Ella Clutch, The Rosa Crossbody, The MK Tote, and The Amelia Backpack. I also have two small accessories: The Isabella Luggage Tag and The Abigail Card Holder.

FM: What are your main inspirations?

HH: I really admire other companies that have sustainability and ethical business practices at the core of their values. It’s so much more difficult to create beautiful pieces in an ethical way, especially when the current process for production has so many shortcuts, and people turn the other way to take an easier route. I love Stella McCartney, Maiyet, and (my former boss) Monique Péan—their collections are modern, edgy, but still feminine; it’s all very empowering.

FM: How would you describe your typical customer?

HH: They are definitely someone that appreciates high-quality craftsmanship, and loves things that are unique and one of a kind. Salmon skin is so new to the luxury market, and my clients love the story behind it—that it looks exotic but is sustainable, and wears really beautifully. They love that it can transition so easily from day to night, and that it’s so travel friendly. I’ve gotten photos of the bags everywhere from New York to Peru!

FM: What are some of the highlights of your collection? Favorite pieces?

HH: We came out with a new matte black hardware and maroon skin color for fall—I’m currently obsessed with them! The matte black hardware also looks beautiful and very edgy with the midnight skin color.

FM: Retail price ranges?

HH: The handbags range from $1,400 to $2,750, and the small accessories are $275 and $385.

FM: Where can people buy any of your pieces?

HH: My website has my full collection. I also did a capsule collection with CURVE, which is available at their San Francisco location. I also do trunk shows all over the country, and have the pieces up in Napa at Auberge du Soleil in their shop.

FM: What are your goals for the collection in the next year?

HH: My goals for next year are to develop a new style and come out with a few new colors. I also had such a great experience collaborating with CURVE to create an exclusive collection for them—I’m definitely going to be working on some other collaborations in the future.

 

For more information visit www.aitch-aitch.com or follow them on Instagram @aitch_aitch_.

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