Incorporating the ‘KL’ from Kuala Lumpur and taking a contrastive interpretation on the word ‘clutch’, Klutched came about when Ung Yiu Lin and Zaireen put forth their creative ideas and endless passion for gorgeous bags. Yiu Lin, who is the face of the brand, comes from a business background with a masters degree in finance and is a fashion icon in her own right having been deemed one of Malaysia’s most stylish women in 2006 by Harpers Bazaar Malaysia.
All KLutched bags are highly crafted and meticulously made in Asia from plush exotic skins and leathers, ranging from glossy sting ray, metallic python, embossed lizard on cowhide to the softest of lamb skin with the most favourite being the ostrich leg leather which appears on the central flap of the signature ‘Kay El’ envelope clutch. The bags are then finished off with just the right amount of embellishments resulting in refreshing, contemporary creations that leave an unforgettable impression. Every season showcases an intimate collection of totes, clutches, updated signatures and limited editions with no more than 20 pieces produced for each design. Without question, purchasing a KLutched brings you glamour and luxury whilst promising you true, one of a kind style.
Recently I was fortunate enough to catch up with Yiu Lin and get her views on how she plans to take over the fashion world with her ever so glamorous range of bags.
HQ: Yourself and Zaireen seem to have such a great partnership, how did you both meet
Y: We are actually friends, and we got talking about doing bags out of chance. My plan has always been to expand into clothing and bags, after successfully launching my own shoe label “Shoes Shoes Shoes”, which I have managed to do four years ago. It was only natural, and especially after Shoes Shoes Shoes and all the experience, contacts and network that I gained from it, developing and launching KLutched was somewhat easier but I was on the lookout to do KLutched with a partner, especially since ShoesShoesShoes and IdyLinn (my resortwear line) are both done solely on my own. So when Zaireen mentioned she has always wanted to do a bag line, it was somewhat fate for both of us, and for KLutched. Zaireen however remains as a silent partner, and I am more involved with the designs and the running of the business but it’s always great to have a partner to bounce ideas off with and more…
HQ: Who came up with the brand name and the logo?
Y: We both brainstormed the name and logo together, we had the idea to link the brand name to us being from KL, as we wanted it to be a proudly asian brand, and also loved the idea of a zipper being part of the logo. After lots of sessions together, we finally came up with KLutched (KL as both our hometowns are in KL), and the word KLutched also gives people an idea that it is related to bags.
HQ: What inspired you to create such an exclusive and exotic range of bags and where do you draw your inspiration from?
Y: We wanted to do something very different, as we noticed lots of bag brands out there who played with exotic skins had very simplistic designs, and were astronomically priced. We love the skins that we use, as everything is so luxuriously textured, and is just so great to touch! And we add to that, the dimension of edgy designs, either it being a clash of textures, colours or the use of hardware.
We draw inspirations from places around Asia, being true to our vision of being a proudly Asian brand. Each bag is designed with inspirations from different places in Asia, hence each bag is named after either cities, districts or areas in Asia such as Ko Lanta, Kay El, Menilla, Tokeo etc. We feel that Asia has so much personality, and has such wide and diverse cultures, leading to so much room to play with for inspirations!
HQ: Can you describe your design process? From the concept in your head, to the sketches, to the final product?
Y: I can’t say that there is a systematic approach to it. Sometimes it comes from a dream, sometimes it’s from noticing the people that pass me by, and just from everything around us. Everything is visually inspiring, so those starting points just needs to be translated into an actual sketch. Once we are happy with the sketch, we start seeking out the choice of leathers that will work for the bag, and the hardware from locks, to chains to studs, that will add more edge to the bag. Samples are then made, and revisions if necessary and then we go into production once we are 100% satisfied with the end product.
HQ: What is your latest collection about?
Y: Our launch collection, which was just launched in June and available through www.KLutched.com, is a fierce introduction to our edgy brand. We played with leathers from shagreen stingray, to karung snakeskin, to python skin in various treatments from metallics to matte, fishleather and so much more. Every piece we made, had a unique design to it, and each bag was uniquely textured. We also designed our first collection using very useable hues, from metallics to neutrals to greys and blacks, as we wanted your first KLutched to be a bag that you could use ever so often, and that could match nearly every outfit. Your second KLutched piece then could be more experimental.
HQ: Did you always envision you would be designing bags?
Y: I think if we knew what we would be doing, life would indeed be too boring and predictable. I have a masters in applied finance, I guess I was supposed to be a banker. But I have always known I wanted to have my own business, I only knew what it was when I left my consulting job with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The Shoes business was a great opportunity, as the concept and numbers made sense from a business perspective. And once combined with my love for fashion, it all just made sense. Once I did shoes, I knew straight after that bags would be my next step.
HQ: When did this love for bags come about?
Y: Ask any woman if she loves bags and you will never hear a “No”. I’ve always been an accessory girl, shoes, bags because it’s always easy to throw on fab shoes or bag and voila you’re ready to rock!
What is your favorite clutch/tote from your collection and what outfit would you team it with?
I love the ToKeo, it’s edgy, uber cool and functional at the same time. It kind of fits my whole life in it! And I wear it with everything from shorts to dresses!
HQ: Who is your style icon?
Y: I don’t have any one particular icon. I love women who are confident, experimental, but at the same time knows what looks good on them. I do also believe in the timelessness of designs, and not just a design that lasts for just one season.
HQ: Describe yourself in three words?
Y: Driven, honest, crazy
HQ: What style lesson have you learnt?
Never be safe! Always have at least one STATEMENT item (be it your shoes, bags or a statement necklace/bangle) that will just complete your whole look, and transform the ordinary into something special.
HQ: How do you see KLutched evolving over the next few years?
I have sights for KLutched to be the new cult brand carried by fashionistas the world over, and we do hope more fashion icons are spotted with KLutched (After BryanBoy was spotted with his ToKeo Satchel in gold). We aspire to be carried and retailed by uber cool boutiques like Colette in Paris, Browns & Selfridges in London and more.
HQ: Will we be seeing KLutched gracing the covers of Vogue and prancing the catwalks of London, Paris or New York Fashion Week in the near future?
Y: We definitely hope and pray so! We are a brand new spanking brand, and definitely do need the support of the fashion world to acknowledge what we are trying to do, and to help give KLutched its presence. We are also planning to attend some trade shows to get KLutched out in Europe and the US as we do acknowledge that the market is definitely there!
To View the full range of KLutched bags and see more from the brand visit the website www.klutched.com
Interview by: Yazmin Azhar
All images are used with permission.
