Vancouver presents some interesting sartorial challenges thanks to it’s mercurial weather.
From pelting rain to blazing sunshine, the spectrum of weather locals encounter throughout the year can make dressing for the weather an interesting endeavour.
Paul Ismirnioglou wanted to make getting ready — and getting around town — just a little bit easier when he helped dream up the new accessories line Taikan.
The company’s the co-founder and brand director chatted with Postmedia News about the new range, his target customer and why the city has been such a good launch pad for the young lifestyle line.
Q. For those who aren’t familiar, what is Taikan?
A. Taikan is a group of creatives based out of Vancouver, whose sole purpose is to create desirable, quality bags and lifestyle accessories.
Q. Is there a story behind the name?
A. Taikan — pronounced Take-en — means “to carry or bring with one.” It is also a journey that encompasses so many of our friends and family; thus referring to “taking” our tribe on this journey.
Q. The line is very minimalist in terms of design aesthetic. Why does this resonate with your team?
A. We love clean design. We believe that a focus on simplicity and functionality is what’s missing from today’s market. Our products combine minimalism with the quality only found in upscale, high-fashion brands. Ultimately, Taikan follows a simple design theory that less is more, and aesthetic will always mirror what is current within premium goods.
Q. How, if at all, has being a Vancouver company impacted the line’s offering or design?
A. Vancouver totally impacts the line offering and design. We have such an international city, so inspiration is always seen on our streets by locals and visitors, alike. Also, our bags have to endure our seasonally climate swings, extremely wet falls and snowy winters, so Vancouver is a great market to design and develop product.
Q. Who is the target customer?
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
A. Our consumer consists of creatives and young professionals. Photographers, musicians, DJs, artists, influencers. We cater our designs and aesthetic to those individuals, as we understand their needs.
Q. Do you have a favourite piece from the line? If so, which one and why?
A. I love the Sherpa Tote. Its really the perfect tote — it holds everything, and more — and anyone that starts using it becomes quickly addicted to it. It’s so clean, stylist, and practical. Sounds very Canadian, eh? (Laughs)
Q. Where are the bags designed? And made?
A. Our bags are designed in Vancouver but currently being produced in Asia.
Q. What is the price point of the collection?
A. The price point for Collection 3 ranges from $100 to $550.
Q. Where can people check them out?
A. Globally, we sit in amazing doors such as Beams in Japan and General Admission in the USA. Locally, we retail at stores including Roden Gray, Still Life, Hills of Kerrisdale, Tailored goods, etc.
Q. Lastly, what are you ambitions for the line? Any new releases you can share?
A. We are starting a new campaign titled TAIKANBY. By collaborating with local artists, musicians, photographers, et cetera, we are giving them a chance to put their twist on our product. Our first TAIKANBY is set to launch this month, so stayed tuned.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
