For Immediate Release
Los Angeles, CA, November 2023 – King Kennedy is pleased to unveil a new collection of bags set to debut on November 29th. Following the success of previously released tote bags, the latest offering expands on King Kennedy’s exploration of the unique uses of antique rugs through two meticulously crafted creations: The Despina and The Isadora. Designed as an homage to Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities, the release is a continued evolution of the brand’s narrative and artistry. Intricately crafted from antique rugs, each bag is a one-of-a-kind work of art made in Los Angeles, embodying the brand's commitment to crafting unique objects that share the centuries-old storytelling held in the fibers of late-19th and early-20th century rugs.
The brand's dedication to craftsmanship is evident in its quest to engage artists and makers capable of working with the challenging material of century-old rugs. The Despina and The Isadora offer a refined and elevated aesthetic with premium Adria leather, a sleek silhouette and enhanced functionality. The Despina strikes a balance between a briefcase and a tote, perfect for daily use. Meanwhile, The Isadora, is a direct response to shopper requests and features a more compact shape for day or evening wear. Both bags are lined with black waterproof nylon and include an internal zip pocket.
Creative Director Mikael Kennedy's decision to venture further into the handbag category is deeply rooted in his personal experience and the years he spent as a nomadic fine art and fashion photographer. As his passion for rugs grew and he ultimately traded in photography for rug dealing, it seemed only natural that he would begin to experiment with new uses for the rugs he sourced to create items for the modern traveler. The bags, much like the mules, boots, and jackets already in the King Kennedy repertoire, symbolize essential elements for the kinetic creative.
The latest bag launch on November 29th marks a significant moment for King Kennedy, showcasing the latest result of an evolving experimental journey. With a limited run of just 50 units per bag, featuring Persian, Caucasian, Turkish, Chinese, Moroccan, and Kurdish rugs, the collection is the latest iteration of exclusivity and individuality.
“This is all an experiment,” says Mikael Kennedy, Founder and Creative Director of King Kennedy. “I never know if my ideas are going to work when we start a project. Sometimes I’m disappointed and we drop a project. The carpets can’t do everything, but sometimes I’m completely blown away with the final product, and this is one of those times. I gasped when we pulled the first few bags out, I couldn’t have dreamed a better outcome. I always steal one of every product for myself and I’m having a hard time choosing which one I’m going to keep.”
King Kennedy’s Isadora and Despina bags launches November 29th and are priced at $595 and $895 USD respectively. The collection is available on the brand’s website, www.kingkennedyrugs.com, and at the King Kennedy Gallery, located at 5022 Eagle Rock Boulevard – Open Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1pm – 6pm, or by appointment.
About King Kennedy:
King Kennedy was founded by Mikael Kennedy in 2008 in New York City, where he honed his skills and forged invaluable relationships within the fashion industry prior to launching the business. However, it was in Los Angeles that the brand found the vastness and creative freedom needed to flourish – aligning with Kennedy's ethos of reinvention and attracting fellow dreamers. Named “the fashion industry’s favorite rug dealer” by GQ Magazine, Kennedy, a former art & fashion photographer, turned his eye to creating one-of-a-kind iconic pieces of footwear and ready-to-wear in 2020, using antique rug scraps from late 19th century and early 20th century. Mixing modern designs with antique textiles, King Kennedy has created a niche in garment and product design unlike anything else – highly coveted sculptural pieces of art, made to be used and worn.