Josie Ho is one of the most well known actresses/singers in Asia and is known as a fashion IT GIRL. We have an exclusive interview with the startress and we’re giving away the above bag to one lucky commenter, who will be chosen by Josie herself.
1) From acting to singing to modeling, you’ve had quite the repertoire of careers. What made you choose introducing a line of hand-bags?
I guess I’ve always been really fascinated with being able to create anything, that’s why creating a handbag would naturally be something that I’d be into. I’m a huge fan of accessories, bags and art books. I’m really driven by beautiful artwork, bright colors and textures, I’ll collect things wherever I see them I’ll bring them home and share these beautiful things with my friends.
The biggest reason I started designing handbags was because of my buddies Brian and Annie whom are trend icons in HK and work in fashion. They asked me if I would be interested in starting this project together. Otherwise, I would never have the guts to start such a brand on my own.
2) Out of the many projects you’ve been involved in, we, being fashion people, would certainly hope that designing lands among your favorites. What was your experience like designing hand bags?
It was my first time. I’ve had lots of help from my husband, he helped me to draw the bag on the paper. All I did was to come up with an idea of having an M16 on a duffle bag. Then my partner helped me to put in all the details. I’ve also came up with having the black and yellow print for my M16. It was easy to figure out a concept but it’s definitely a headache to put it to practicality. Thanks to Annie, my partner. She’s smart and creative at the same time.
3) Please describe the name and theme behind your Mata Hari bag line.
Mata hari was the stage name of world war l’s famous female espionage spy. The brand captures the same underlying themes of glamour, sophistication, and a certain chic sexiness as the heroine it’s named after. It’s the essential link to making your mark for your personal style with these statement pieces and one-off show-stoppers. Every season we pick our muses: The first season we chose Asia’s top iconic fashion figures who were models, actors, singers, etc and for our next coming season we have the industries top stylists creating their own handbags for our collection. It’s a fun project that always involves creative women who are leaders in their respective industries.
4) Who is your ideal customer for the Mata Hari bags? Give us her background story.
mata hari was created in answer to every girls desire for a handbag with distinctive characteristics and features that reflects a unique individual style.
It’s that sassy girl who likes to play with style, stand out in a crowd, or anyone who has a sense of humor with fashion. And girls who likes to own bags in high quality but doesn’t necessarily want to pay sky high prices for them. Our bags are made of top quality leather and very playful designs. Our price is considered very reasonable for 100% genuine leather, high quality metal hardware, and quality craftsmanship.
For those who want the ultimate “it” bag appeal but desire something more affordable.
5) Describe the other bags in your Mata Hari collection. Do you anticipate another collection in the future?
Every bag has a story that reflects the woman who carries it and Mata Hari definitely has something for everybody.
Lisa S is Asia’s top super model extraordinaire, leading cover girl, and style icon. She channels the elegance and sophistication of a bag fit for a modern Grace kelly. It’s the reinvented bowling bag that comes in a vibrant deep purple patent and a sharp contrasting black and white version. Perfect for the girl on the go to carry everything she needs while still looking amazing.
Hilary is an actress, style icon and up and coming fashion designer. Hilary Tsui is famous for her fashion forward edge. With loads of Ooh factor, she brings us a must have fun and playful one of a kind showstopper. A star shaped purse in luscious metallic red, punchy cobalt blue sheep, and sophisticated black patent all of which comes with a metal chain strap with a rock n roll edge.
The Ayumi bag was designed by Ayumi Ito, a critically praised actress with a distinctive style. This bag is drama worthy with different shapes and sizes of oversized stones embellishing the front of the bag. A classic shape with a distinctive style.
We also have in the collection THE REMI which is a cute coin purse covered in round studs and a short chain to carry it on it’s own. THE IRINA named after our favorite female fictional spy is our multi function clutch bag. Like the character it’s named after it’s a chameleon in disguise transforming from clutch, wristlet to chain strapped shoulder bag.
The SELENA named after the greatest feline super villainess of all time, is a coin purse shaped in a mask and embellished with chains is a coin purse or can be carried out with just enough space to fit in a lipstick, cards, and the necessities.
We also have some classics like THE FIONA but, in metallic colors to add a boost of something extra.
The ANIGAMI is a special accessory. It’s inspired by a traditional origami folded with leather to create a spiral opening that reveals a hidden mirror, these origami flowers can be attached to any bag.
The next collection is going to be very interesting. It’s going to be a collection of bags that you’ve never even imagined.
Coming soon SS2010.
Rebecca does not like biographies. They are stupid and she would rather spend her time editing the site. Which she does with great vigor.
This is the kind of bag that my mom would kill me if I owned, but I would carry around just to spite her.