In Italian, ‘Ricostru’ means ‘reconstruction,’ but designer Rico Manchit Au was constructing an entirely new notion of designer Chinese fashion when she launched her label in 2011.
OH BOYY, A CELEBRATORY DEBUT AT BERGDORF GOODMAN
March 31, 2014 3:26 PM
The road to Bergdorf’s is no easy road for designers if the movie “Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s” is any indication of the nature of this very selective buying process. Among the millions of designers longing for their chance to be sold at Bergdorf’s, only the best of the best in the world are selected. So when Boyy bags held their Bergdorf debut event on March 27, there was much to be celebrated by the designers Jesse Dorsey and Wannasiri Kongman. For the couple, the journey started 9 years earlier in New York City, crossed several continents, and finally landed them here today.
Jesse and Wannasiri met in 2004 and started their collaboration in 2005. Jesse Dorsey was a musician, composer, and producer with works written for the Beastie Boys, Milla Jovovich, and scores for Cirque du Soleil. Wannasiri, nick-named Boy in Thailand, worked as a buyer for one of Thailand’s largest department stores “Central” and subsequently moved to New York to study at FIT to further explore her love for fashion. When the two met, sparks flew, in many ways. The two not only joined forces in their creative endeavors but also romantically; they are probably one of the most endearing and engaging couples you will ever meet. The parts of the business that Wannasiri doesn’t enjoy, Jesse loves, and likewise.
The synergy of this partnership brings together androgynous designs with both feminine and masculine touches. The geometry of classic boxy shapes as well as slouchy silhouettes are made with the softest leathers sourced in Italy. Their designs are further enhanced with modern exotic materials like stingray, crocodile and python. And the final touch that brings a unique edginess is the raw urban chain element inlaid over many of their signature designs. There’s a universal appeal to their bags that transcends sex, whether male or female, many of the bags look as great on a woman as a man. Perhaps because they spread themselves across Thailand, Italy, Paris, and New York, the designs absorb a worldly culture like a good global citizen. The Bon Bon backpack, the signature Filippo bag, the slash bag - all are in the fashion world’s top must-have lists.
The final touch is a more convicting one. As a designer, an artist, your craft is an expression of the truth within, it is a materialization of the beauty and the life that composes you. Many fortunate start up brands today have money to fund large PR teams and extravagant advertising and marketing, but Wannasiri and Jesse started with almost nothing. Wannasiri remembers having to go to 5 restaurants in Soho looking for a job just to pay her rent and fund her schooling. The trying times of surviving in New York for the two didn’t deter them from starting a brand, it just made success ever more sweeter. Through hard work, determination, and strong passion, Jesse and Wannasiri now have 3 stores in Thailand including one 2-story flagship store that includes a coffee shop known for the best croissants in Bangkok. Yes, flaky moist delicious croissants. When you are a crafter, every aspect of your creation is not shy on perfection and quality. Jesse designs the entire store from the interiors, to the café menu, to the croissant recipe. They want all elements of the entire Boyy experience to be one of exceptional quality. When asked if he ever misses music and production, Jesse responds that, no he doesn’t, because what he is creating today is just as captivating and just as engaging as when he was creating music. I guess if music was a tool to materialize an inspiration, then so is a beautiful handbag, or a croissant for that matter.
With already a huge following in Thailand, Denmark, and Paris, the couple plans to further expand their markets throughout Europe in the near future. And of course expand even more in New York City, where they first met, where they fell in love, and where they brought to life their baby, Boyy.
WRITTEN BY:TINA SHIMIZU
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