British cool meets Scandanavian contemporary as Giles Deacon presents the Isklar tote
This winter sees Giles Deacon, the most innovative and dynamic name in British fashion, present the Isklar Tote - a new twist on everyday affordable luxury that is inspired by the pristine world of Isklar Norwegian Glacial Natural Mineral Water.
At the very heart of London fashion, and renowned for his unmistakably flamboyant edge, Giles and his aesthetic vision has brought to life a dazzling limited edition bag that is destined to become the ultimate accessory of the Winter season. The Isklar Tote is designed to marry the opposing demands of style and practicality and bring them together in one perfect accessory. The design of the tote means it will grace the arm of only the most astute fashionista, whilst the bag’s spacious capacity and clever design, means it is also ideal for convenience and everyday use.
Giles’s signature silk jacquard has been infused with the magical spirit of Isklar’s Norwegian roots, to form the sleek silhouette of the tote. Isklar, meaning ‘ice-clear’ in Norwegian, originates from the remote Hardanger region of Norway, a pristine wilderness of snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls, that is reflected in the swirling azure blues and sparkling silvers of the jacquard fabric. The bag is lined with silky smooth fabric and neatly incorporates a pocket on the outside, so that a 500ml Isklar bottle is always at hand to hydrate throughout the day, whether shopping, travelling or socialising.
Giles’s work is renowned for a superior craftsmanship that is coupled with a distinct sense of whimsical fun and in the new collaboration this unique spirit compliments perfectly the ideals of the Isklar brand:
“The best thing about fashion is the fun that you have playing and experimenting with things. I am always on the look out for new, interesting brands with which you can get creative and have a bit of fun. With Isklar I felt there was a real story to be told - one with strong visual qualities that transferred seamlessly into fashion design, but also one that felt a little special and a little magical.”
Giles’s inspiration for the Isklar Tote came from the purity of Isklar’s Norwegian provenance and also from the memorable design of the Isklar bottle:
“The Isklar bottle has a faceted surface that shimmers and sparkles like the crystals of the frozen glacier from which it came - the challenge for me was to translate the mystical quality and inherent style that is present in the Isklar story into a pattern and fabric and in turn a handbag. Isklar has a smooth taste of unparalleled purity due to an ideal balance of low minerals and is a water both to refresh and savour throughout the day. The Isklar Tote is therefore a bag that can hold everything a fashionista needs to tackle the day, but with effortless style.”
The Isklar Tote is as rare as it is special, as only 100 of the bags are ever to be made, so fashionistas will need to be quick off the mark if they don’t want to miss out on what is certain to become the most coveted handbag of the winter season.
The totes will be available to buy from www.gilesdeaconisklar.com from November - with one bag hand signed by Giles himself that will be purchased at random by one lucky fashionista. The totes will be retailing at £95 and come with two bottles of Isklar, with 50% of proceeds going to Oxfam, a charity chosen by Isklar and Giles.
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A sample bag is available for photography or for more information or further images please contact:
Holly Ford or Marie Sterry at Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster – 020 7467 9292 or holly.ford@bisslancaster.com or 020 7467 9259 or marie.sterry@bisslancaster.com
Notes to Editors:
Isklar Norwegian Glacial Natural Mineral Water is an award-winning1 mineral water from the remote Hardanger region of Norway. It launched in to the UK in April 2008 and has since gone from strength to strength; gaining listings in major retailers such as Tescos, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Boots, as well as premium stores such as Harrods and Wholefoods.
Isklar strives to borrow, not steal from nature and is committed to being the most environmentally responsible bottled water brand in Europe. The enchanting wilderness of Hardanger is both their inspiration and responsibility and Isklar is proud to be CarbonNeutral® as a company and product.
For further information on the awe-inspiring world of Isklar please visit www.isklar.no
Giles Deacon has worked with names as diverse as Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Louis Vuitton and regularly dresses the most glamorous of stars, such as Thandie Newton, Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow. In November 2006 he was awarded British Designer of the Year.
Oxfam is an independent organisation, working as a charity, which aims to overcome suffering and poverty internationally. Isklar and Giles together chose Oxfam, because of the charity’s strong links to British fashion. In Spring 2008 Oxfam launched its new fashion boutiques in London, with help from fashion guru Jane Shepherdson and seven of the country’s most influential young designers, one of which was Giles Deacon. Today Oxfam continues to be a place where stylish people hunt for interesting and unusual fashion items.
For further information please visit www.oxfam.org.uk
1At the 2008 Water Innovation Awards, Isklar was awarded the highest accolade, Global winner of the Best Bottled Water Concept Award.