A for Akris

I’ll never forget the first time I encountered Akris. I was in the fine apparel department at Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store searching in vain for holiday gifts. In reality, I just wanted to absorb as much glamour as possible, before returning to college in Virginia, where the closest we came to couture was J. Crew. When the sales associate recommended a cashmere Akris scarf as the perfect gift for my mom, I immediately fell in love with the quiet sophistication of the brand. I left Saks with an alligator wallet for myself and a new found appreciation for Akris apparel.

After returning home, I instantly began researching Akris and uncovered the heartwarming story behind the brand. In 1922, a Swiss woman by the name of Alice began designing aprons in her living room and selling them under the label, Akris. Following in his mother’s footsteps, her son Max was able to catapult the brand into a couture house known the world over. Now the company is run by Max’s sons, Albert and Peter, who decided to launch a handbag collection in spring 2010.

The result is a stunning compilation of bags and the ad campaign starring Daphne Guinness is ingenious. My favorite design is the Ai bag, which is actually modeled after the letter “A” for Akris. The rich horsehair fabric in a variety of beautiful colors and leather trim detailing is so modern and effortlessly chic. For fall, the design has been updated with a beautiful animal print that will surely get you noticed. The Akris Dalmatian wool Ai bag is available at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores for $1990. With style icon Angelina Jolie amongst their elite clientele, I have a sneaking suspicion that Akris bags are going to be appearing on quite a few “must-have” lists.

Words by Guest Accessories Editor Michael St. James for Bagpoor.com
Images courtesy of Akris