When Chopova Lowena released its Margaret bag, complete with a pocket for a jar of Hellman's mayonnaise, the shoulder style fast became a viral sensation. How ever would Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons follow an item that was not only filled with the kind of kooky irreverence that helps the news of an item travel far and wide, but was actually desirable to wear too? The answer: with just as much noise.
Today, and exclusively here with ELLE UK, it's revealed that the London-based design duo have collaborated with SONY to create a carry-everywhere bag that also houses the Japanese behemoth's WH-1000XM6 headphones. The bag and the headphones are available together exclusively here with Dover Street Market.
Named the Alto, the crossbody style has been inspired by vintage travel case interiors and carries all the markers of a signature Chopova Lowena piece. There's the tartan fabric, characterful hardware, and fastenings that are as much of a design detail as they are functional. Let's not forget that this is the brand that made carabiners a veritable fashion piece.
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'We were in touch with SONY and they told us about the launch of the WH-1000XM6s headphones. It was the perfect opportunity to work on a bag again since listening to music is so big in our world,' the designers told ELLE UK. 'We always want our headphones right by our side… or under our arm!'
Music has long been an important part of not only the designers' process but also world-building too. 'It's one of our most important inspirations and the right song can immediately transport us into the world of a collection. We have one song for every season to get us to the right mood and feeling,' they added.
It's Chopova who leads on the playlist making primarily with Lowena-Irons adding her favourites too. Together, they fill their South London studio with music from the likes of 'Warpaint, Cocorosie, Fever Ray. Those are our core.'
On the Friday night of London Fashion Week this coming September, Chopova Lowena will unveil its SS26 collection with much anticipation. The duo choose to put on a show just once a year, which makes the September occasion all the more exciting.
Hints from what we might see from Chopova Lowena could be lifted from the types of artists they've been listening to ahead of the show. They tell us that they (like very many of us) have 'been obsessing over the entire Addison Rae album,' but other artists included on this seasonal playlist paint a broader picture. 'We've also been listening to Sierra Ferrell, Biig Piig, Anohni, Sufjan Stevens, Tami T, Hapi, Wet Leg, Bright Eyes, You Say Party! We Say Die!, System Of A Down, Cherry Cola, Nia Archives, Saya Gray…. the list goes on and on. But a song that we listened to over and over again and to us is the song for the season is the The Mirror Dance by Helen Island.'
What's for certain is that when Chopova Lowena call upon the usual musical stars that race to their front row, they'll be swinging the Alto with just enough time to clip their headphones in place before the show soundtrack takes over.
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