We sit down with Kim Kollar, the director of fashion and special projects for BLITZ to learn more about their latest program dedicated to exquisite handcrafted accessories made by artisans around the world

Hong Kong Tatler: How did the Krafted project begin?

Kim Kollar: Quite organically actually, as BLITZ is the conceptual space within Lane Crawford footwear and accessories that is dedicated to creativity through new and fresh collaborations. We see a wide array of brands and collections around the world as a multi-brand retailer, and it was a collection of sandals we saw on a trip that sparked the idea. Álvaro Gonzalez is a line of sandals we are launching exclusively with Krafted – we were so impressed with the modernity and sense of luxury behind the hand-made quality, timeless design and the beautiful vegetable tanned leather, and this led us to look for other designers that had a similar ethos to their design: artisanal, handmade, limited production, and regionally specialized.

Sandals by Álvaro Gonzalez


HKT: Where did you travel to in order to source the brands and products for Krafted, and what were your criteria?

KK: This search for designers and product for Krafted led us to travel all over the world to Jaipur and Delhi in India, Florence and Milan in Italy, Los Angeles, and France to name a few. Labels such as Mansur Gavriel, Janavi, Moreau, Maiyet, and Newbark are brands that hold the aesthetic of Krafted. Customers will find pieces that have been designed with an artisanal approach, crafted by hand, made of superb materials that are of the best quality and specialized in how they are handled, specific to their geographic origin, and produced in limited quantities.

HKT: What are your top picks from Krafted?

KK: The Moreau bags are exquisite, and Maiyet makes beautiful statement jewels that are perfect to layer onto autumn/winter looks. The Janavi and Elder Statesman cashmere blankets are pure luxury and will be great for the cooler months, as the blanket shawl is such a major trend.

 

Cuff by Maiyet, blanket by The Elder Statesman, leather bag by Moreau

HKT: What do you see as the plans for Krafted in the future?

KK: Krafted will be a continuing program that is season specific. We will be introducing new designers and products that display a high level of craftsmanship going forward. For next spring, we have started to scour the market for beautiful Turkish cottons, natural woven items, and a bespoke sandal program from Capri.

 

Visit BLITZ Lane Crawford Krafted I at the following locations:
Lane Crawford ifc mall: August 29 – September 18, 2014
BLITZ Glasshouse, Lane Crawford Canton Road – September 16-29, 2014