That’s what Jaswinder Sehmbi a.k.a Jas M.B‘s father told him when he was 11 and he still lives by his father, his hero’s words. Today, he paints, illustrates, sketches, plays DJ and makes beautiful bags, jackets and luggage.
I was introduced to Jas at Wills India Fashion Week by a friend, who introduced Jas as the man who changed the way we carry bags. The ignorant little me had no clue who he was or what he was about so I just smiled. After I got home and recovered from the mad fashion week after party, I Googled him. It was a moment of fashion revelation!
Jas M.B is a phenomenon in Europe, US and Japan with loyal customers including celebrities like Sienna Miller, Elle Macpherson, Jude Law and David Beckham. His bags are sold at Barneys New York and Selfridges London. It’s a shame that we, in India, are absolutely oblivious to the prowess of the Indian-origin designer.
So when he invited me to visit Tokyo for the launch of his boutique called Doors during the Tokyo edition of Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, I was more than excited! It was just awesome to see Japanese shoppers excitedly asking for his autographs and taking pictures with him while drooling over his luxurious handmade bags.
Having said that, I was simply puzzled as to what makes this 50 year old tee-teetotaler Sikh man from London tick. I spent hours just sitting and watching the madness at his store. By the end, the only conclusion I could draw was that beyond his charming politeness and somewhat Indian friendliness, what really makes him so popular is nothing but honesty. Honesty with which he makes his gorgeous bags, honesty with which he ensures quality (he gets his bags handmade in London and zips+details come from Switzerland) and honesty with which he supports new talent and hence the name ‘Doors’.
I don’t know how long before he brings his bags to India, till then I am happy I picked up one! Hmmm actually thanks to ze internet you can also pick up one online from Barneys
Here are some pictures from Tokyo! Simply click on one of the pics. (@ThePickyC on twitter)
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- Love how simple these are!
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- These shelves are made of vintage car seats. Don't you love how he thinks?!
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- These benches are designed by Jas and made in his studio in London.
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- At one point Jas revolutionised canvas bags till China started making cheap imitations.
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- Love the vintage feel of this slingback.
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- Japanese actress Yuuka Oofuku came to the store opening. She picked up two of my favourite clutches.
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- Jas on the turntable. He used to DJ in London in the 80s. The man has tried his hands at almost everything!
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- Famous DJ Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive) played at the store!
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- Shoppers outside Jas M.B
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- Doors by Jas M.B was one of the participating stores for Vogue Fashion's Night Out
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- I think my next purchase will be one of these slouchy leather rucksacks!
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- One of my favourites!
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- Leather swatches. You can order a customized bag. Pick your leather, pick your size, pick your style and done!
