Jonathan Simkhai Launches Handbags in Partnership with Apple Pay

Jonathan Simkhai is making his first foray into accessories with a line of handbags debuting as part of his Spring Summer 2020 collection.

This first accessories category for Simkhai includes four unique styles that were designed as an extension of the brand’s aesthetic and ethos, blending the line between strength and sensuality. As a nod to the women around the world that embody the Simkhai spirit, the bags are named “woman” in four languages. Femme, Donna, Mara, and Isha.

The collection is handmade in Italy and includes an oversized hobo bag, a mini crossbody, an enlarged envelope clutch, and a micro belt bag with detachable clutch. Ranging from $393–$595, the bags are made of soft nappa and pebbled leather and feature bold macramé detailing against tonal colors of black, white, stone, camel, rose, and maize. The versatile bags have adjustable straps and are suede-lined with inked edges and minimal branding of a subtle debossed logo on the inside pocket.

With the mobile shopper and tech savvy customer top of mind, the handbags are now available online for preorder and Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad and Mac is the exclusive check-out payment method for the digital trunk show.

“Since it began, Apple Pay has been my favorite way to shop. I love how convenient it is and most  importantly, safe. It offers the easiest form of checking out for me, and I’m excited to bring this experience for my customers to be able to shop seamlessly on their Apple devices.”

Apple Pay users now have premier access to order the bags using this payment method during a three week digital trunk show on JonathanSimkhai.com. Following this online trunk show, the bags will be available exclusively direct to the consumer on JonathanSimkhai.com and at the brand’s flagship in Los Angeles.

Available at JonathanSimkhai.com

JONATHAN SIMKHAI SPRING/SUMMER 2020 COLLECTION

“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower..”

- Georgia O’Keeffe

This season I found myself moved by Georgia O'Keeffe's painting, Grey Lines with Black, Blue and Yellow. Admiring the curves and flow within the folds of the flower, and showcasing its unexpected femininity really struck a creative chord. Her awareness of how something intricate and beautiful can be overlooked so easily was impactful. And for this collection I aimed in attempting to see each item with at least a fraction of that intensity.

This concept led me down a clean and minimalist design path while keeping with the dichotomies that anchor my design philosophy. Sharp-edged elements are seen in utility suiting juxtaposed with airlike gowns and dresses along with jumpsuits in crinkle and flat liquid plissé. Soft crochet knitwear with custom hardware is vividly intertwined into modern shapes. Fluid tailoring in parachute tech fabrics complement broad shoulder shapes featuring soft feminine draping in the back. I wanted my woman to feel a sense ease and joyfulness. We are introducing a sunbleached palette referenced from photos of New Mexico where blue skies hit the red rock, and the home of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. New color combinations like capri blue and sedona, and midnight with cherry blossom prints are energized with pops of lilac, pear, and muted shades of fern.

For spring summer 2020, I am also excited to launch my first handbag collection consisting of four styles that are each named “woman” in different languages. Isha, Donna, Mara and Femme. We are introducing a trapezoid belt bag, an oversized and slouchy hobo bag, a miniature hobo crossbody, and an oversized envelope clutch.

The handbags are crafted from structured matte Italian Nappa leather and are a natural extension of my brand’s aesthetic and ethos.

JONATHAN SIMKHAI FALL WINTER 2019 COLLECTION

Before the Shah of Iran was exiled, my grandfather ran a lace mill in Tehran. My connection to his rich heritage and expertise in lace has always offered so much inspiration. This season however, I looked back at the other half of my family's diverse history. I looked back to my mother's grandmother who was born in Odessa, Ukraine. I was compelled to incorporate some traditional garb that represented the time while my grandmother lived there. The headscarves worn by the babushkas at the time were worn as protective layers against the harsh winters, and I am delighted to present them in a new light.

The concept of the headscarf is used throughout this fall winter collection and within our custom prints. The silhouettes this season elicit a vintage spirit while equally exuding modern appeal. The traditional headscarves are incorporated into the actual form of the dress; adding elements of innovation and allure. For this collection I spent a lot of time experimenting with new colors ways, fabrications, prints and patterns based on the palette and landscapes seen in Odessa.

I challenged myself to incorporate some of these traditional elements in newly conceptualized blueprints. Houndstooth and our new approach to plaids pay homage to my family while stylistically adding layers of complexity. Experimentation in color led us to the intertwining of mahogany, marigold, and turmeric against peacock blue, purple reign and electric green. Menswear and continuing the use of masculine elements are entangled with new twists on femininity. Known for their use in handkerchiefs and ties, foulard is used throughout this collection, emblazoned with eye-catching miniature print.