Silver mesh shopper. Chain mail crossbody. Embroidered bum bag. Gingham cloud bag. Wallets complete with oversized bike-lock inspired chains. When it comes to bag styles, New York-based label, KARA, isn't a one-trick pony but a master of plus-ones in their myriad shapes and sizes.

Coming from a multicultural background – with Hong Kong roots, a creative American mother and an entrepreneurial Chinese father – Founder and Creative Director, Sarah Law, grew up with diverse and polarising ideas living together. Naturally, this ethos has poured into every inch of her creative process and brand. Heavy industrial chains (much like the locks worn by cyclists NYC) sit next to dinky polished calf leather, while sculptural and travel-friendly (collapsable) lantern bags experiment with form and function.

And now the brand (which translates to 'empty orchestra', derived from the Japanese word karaoke) has launched at retailer LN-CC with its cult ‘Bike Wallet'.


What's the mantra you tell yourself first thing in the morning?
Oh man! I'm NOT a morning person. My mind is empty and I try to fill it by listening to the BBC World Service and The New York Times show, The Daily.

How do you take your coffee?
BLACK.



If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what would you be doing instead?
I've never thought about it, but I often dream about having more free time so maybe I would go to the gym every day, take hours to get ready and do nothing.



If you could only keep one outfit in your wardrobe, which would it be?
WOW that's a tough question. There are so many seasons in New York! I wear a lot of black so if we stay in that territory, I will probably be okay.

Who's one person you'd love to have dinner with?
Wendi Deng! I think it's obvious why but the bigger question is whether I'd ask for business or dating advice.



What's the main thing you would like to achieve this year?
Start a Natural Wine Club for female business owners so I can drink more and hang out with some fun women!

Who would you want to record your audio autobiography, voice-wise? 
Meryl Streep.



Why did you end up doing what you do?
Because I wanted to share my personal experience of complex identity – growing up Half Chinese and Half Caucasian American – and create an open space for people to express themselves however they want.

Shop KARA:




More 8Qs:

+ Tina Lutz: 
"I got a sewing machine from my parents and started sewing for the entire family"

+ Alexa Chung: "Nobody has a mantra - except for people being interviewed!"

+ Levi Palmer & Mathew 
Harding: "I tend to spend a lot of time with my mind in the future"

Tags: KARA , Sarah Law , 8Qs