Kimberly Hartman spent years working for some of the top fashion houses in the world, but found her best source of inspiration when she quit her job to travel the world. What resulted was a line of covetable bags that carry more than just a beautiful pattern. We asked Meredith Mulligan to get the story…

“I am inspired by the nomadic world traveler; discovering bits and pieces of traditions from cultures one visits as reminders of exotic and far away lands,” says New York-based handbag and jewelry designer Kimberly Hartman. With JADEtribe, her new line of Asian-sourced, eco-friendly bags and accessories, Hartman has fully embraced this sentiment.

After working as the vice-president of global sales and marketing for various fashion houses for sixteen years, Hartman embarked on a spiritual journey to India last year, as part of her childhood dream of traveling the world. It was there that Hartman fully conceptualized what was to become JADEtribe.

“I wanted to share these organic and hand woven designs [created by the indigenous women I encountered] with family, friends and fashion buyers that I worked with over the years,” says Hartman, whose designs are based on various Asian tribal crafting techniques. While volunteering in the local villages, Hartman had a chance to embrace the local history and observe the making of these handicrafts first-hand, from vintage looms, to generations-old dyeing methods. Utilizing textiles found in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, Hartman employs local women who dye, braid and sew the pieces together. The end result: a unique assortment of handbags spun from the indigenous fabrics, women and culture of the Far East, and bags that also give back to the people that inspired them.

As for how the bags will translate into a more metro lifestyle? The eccentric collection of totes, bracelets and other small accessories in JADEtribe’s debut collection also work outside of a village — “for a modern woman in any fashionable city around the world,” notes Hartman. The native Texan finds more contemporary design inspiration from Consuelo Castiglioni of Marni, Yves Saint Laurent and Matthew Williamson. So it is no surprise that her totes, clutches and coin purses are emboldened with sharp bursts of colors and intricate patterns that make them perfect in more urban settings as well.

What’s next? A new collection for JADEtribe and perhaps, more traveling. “I have a global perspective and I am looking forward to exploring new cultures soon,” says Hartman, “and I think my brand will always evolve as I continue to explore and travel the world.”

Learn more about JADEtribe by visiting www.jadetribe.com

- Meredith Mulligan