Bag Battle: Davie and Chiyo Save Us From the Oversized Bag

At some point in recent history, oversized bags took over the world. But fear not, clutch lovers — the super-sister team of Himi and Fumi Bull are fighting the oversized bag army, one eco-friendly clutch at a time.

Their Vancouver-based business, Davie & Chiyo, produces hand-made bags from vintage kimonos. By recycling materials, the women strive to remain ecologically conscious while delivering detailed and gorgeous clutches.

“We are recently also loving the idea of up-cycling, so we have a whole collection of beautiful unique clutches using vintage kimono and sash fabric,” said 24-year-old Fumi.

The girls commissioned their dad, who lives in Japan, to help find them the one of a kind fabric they use to fashion their bags.

“He was able to get some from his neighbor who used to be a kimono retailer. We also got him to check out some local vintage stores in the neighborhood for some kimono and sash,” Fumi explained.

Davie & Chiyo (named after the duo’s parents), started as venture to make some extra money while Himi took care of her two young children. After Fumi graduated college with a business degree in hand and a “ready-to-go” attitude, the venture grew.

The Bulls were inspired to start their line when they noticed a listing on the online art marketplace, Etsy.com, for an oversized bow clutch. The girls whipped up a bag in “minutes” and while they lost the bid, their business was born.

Fumi now says that a business like theirs takes a lot of confidence and patience, but she wouldn’t give it up for anything.

“We have HUGE dreams,” she said. “We have to pace ourselves and never bite more than we can swallow, but the sky is definitely the limit.”

Photo courtesy of Davie and Chiyo.