The Bags From Ipa-Nima

When we talk about Vietnam, the common thoughts that come in our minds are a mix of both positive and negative.

We know it as a once war-torn country and we also know that actress Angelina Jolie is working on her papers to adopt another kid from the country, well, as reported by the newspapers recently.

But do Vietnam exists in the international fashion map? If you say no, well that maybe in the past few years but now, thanks to a fashion-savvy lawyer from Hong Kong, Christina Yu, Vietnam has made its way to the glittery style map.

Introducing the not-so-new Ipa-Nima bags. Created by hardcore fashionista Christina Yu, the idea of creating a bag label began when she was relocated to Vietnam in 1995.

While in the country, Christina realized that Vietnam is the perfect place for her to combine her unique sense of fashion and the fine craftsmanship of the local artisans. She started her business by working with international private labels like Shanghai Tang, G.O.D and Anteprima, an Italian brand run and established by a Japanese designer Izumi Ogino.

Later, her eagerness in pampering the elegantes of the world started and her premier handbag label Ipa-Nima was born. Funky, fabulous and creatively-created accessories are the credos of the brand. Surprisingly, the establishment of Ipa-Nima too means job and business opportunity opened to the Vietnamese artisans, craftsman and manufacturers.

In 1997, Ipa-Nima bags were exported around the world and stocked by famous department stores and boutiques with high-reputation among fashionistas like Fred Segal in the US, The Swank Shop in Hong Kong and The Ginza in Tokyo to name a few. Socialites, celebrities and even dignitaries were in love with Ipa-Nima and names like Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and daughter Chelsea, world's famous homemaker Martha Stewart, Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jamie Lee Curtis and R&B chanteuse Toni Braxton are Ipa-Nima's devout devotees.

My oh my, I don't know where to start and what to recommend but I'm telling you, Ipa-Nima's classic wicker bag is something that you should tote this Summer.

Although Harpers BAZAAR Malaysia had long endorsed it in 2006, a classic is always a classic and no matter what season it is, the bag is always the in thing.

Another classic that is my personal favorite is the Corset Satine bag. The bag is uniquely of corset shape and richly embellished with stones and embroidered.

Look out for its Spring/Summer 2007 collection. Perrio long hobo in leather with colors of teal, lime green, cream and black, Veronica maxi bucket canvas in blue and yellow with floral prints, Asiyah corduraoy and multi color wool reversible tote in black, military green, blue and red, velvet Tamadur shoulder bag in dark brown, purple and rust with leather patchwork and embroidered sequined panels, to list a few are the bags that you should buy, beg or steal for this season.

If the names sound tempting, visit any multi-brand stores that carries the Ipa-Nima label today for more selection on the Spring/Summer 2007 Collection or you can buy them directly from Ipa-Nima's online store. In Malaysia, Ipa-Nima bags are available at Quintessential and CarmenZ.

*Photos courtesy of Ipa-Nima.

Ipa-Nima - Quintessential, First Floor, Parkson Grand KLCC, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur; CarmenZ, Second Floor, Lot 10 Shopping Center, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.