Nankeen

Nankeen goes Tabletop

Sarah in USA — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:00:23 +0000

Our newest line for the home “Nankeen for Simon Pearce” includes exclusive table runners, and napkins that are now available in all 10 Simon Pearce retail locations nationwide. The Nankeen Simon Pearce partnership makes perfect sense, a true match made in heaven.

At Nankeen we aim to support other companies that preserve unique art, value handcrafting artisans, and appreciate the imperfect beauty in handmade products. After all, that’s what the story behind Nankeen is all about. Simon Pearce has also built their brand with the same values, and we have always been in awe of their breathtaking individually blown glass pieces and pottery.

Each piece is unique in and of itself and now paired tabletop with Nankeen napkins and table runners, just stunning. Below check out images of their New York City 5th Avenue store, and East Greenwich, CT location both featuring the new Nankeen items. To view all of their locations and learn more about Simon Pearce click here.

East Greenwich, Connecticut

5th Avenue New York City

Nankeen Big Bag Giveaway

John in China — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:22:22 +0000

Taking a trip this summer? Whether you are planning on traveling to lands far far away, or traveling to the beach and closest bbq, Nankeen big bags will take you there in style.

Enter our travel bag giveaway contest! Here’s how to enter:

1. Write in 25 words or less why YOU should win a Nankeen big bag for Summer 2009 in the comments section below, remember to be creative…the more unique your entry the better your chances

2. Include the name of the big bag you would like to win (click here for options)

3. Our judges will pick the winner on June 1st

Have fun and forward to your friends!!

We are proud to announce, the opening of our first store!

Sarah in USA — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:05:37 +0000

Just as you allow your adored baby to take his first baby steps on his own, a little shaky but determined, and with the future looking prosperous and promising; Nankeen’s first flagship store made it’s debut this past Saturday. We held our breath, bit our lips a little, but our hearts were all overflowing with pride and happiness and we unlocked the doors. Luckily, our hard work over the past few months and anxieties were quickly washed away as some of our most valued customers came to celebrate with us and take a peak at our fresh new gallery style boutique. The boutique opened at 3848 Main Road in Tiverton, RI right in the heart of the historic Four Corners district.
We wanted a fun way to display our bags, pillows and accessories without it looking overwhelming. Since the story behind our products is so interesting, we felt that a gallery style boutique was the best means to convey our message. It has a very contemporary feel with clean lines, interesting artifacts, and cool photography strategically placed on the walls to give the bags some personality. Our classic blue and white comes alive in orderly displays with our vibrant colored linings giving you just a hint of the Nankeen experience.
Please come say hi and check out the boutique the next time you are in Rhode Island, we hope to see you soon!
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10-4, Sundays 12-5 Closed Mondays

RecycloFashion

John in China — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:41:30 +0000

We are really impressed with the site recyclofashion.com and their efforts to promote eco-friendly fashion.

Environmental awareness in the fashion industry is becoming a bigger topic, especially here in Asia. Aside from agriculture, fashion is the largest user of the world’s natural resources. Here at Nankeen we are working with our suppliers to minimize our environmental footprint and I am excited to travel to some new regions of China where organic cotton crops are becoming more and more prevelant. Will report back on our findings.

Happy Year of the Ox

Sarah in USA — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:38:17 +0000

As we take some time to reflect on our first full year of business and our goals for 2009, we thought we would update those who made it all possible–our supporters.

Oranges and Song during the Chinese New Year celebration

1. Despite gloomy economic news, Nankeen had its best holiday season yet, including great press (Daily Candy Top 10 Gift List, Good Morning America, and Issac Mizrahi’s web-i-sodes). The launch of our new more wintery items along with many great gift items, meant many return customers and a whole bunch of new customers. Nankeen is a valuable and unique gift and we are glad you shared it far and wide this past holiday season.

2. We have a new partner–Simon Pearce. The famous blown glass and handmade pottery family business based out of Vermont will now be featuring Nankeen napkins and table runners for their Spring/Summer collection. They will be sold in their retail stores throughout the US. We are very excited to work with such a reputable and high quality partner.

3. If that wasn’t enough news, Nankeen’s flagship store is opening this Spring at the historic Tiverton Four Corners. Our store will resemble a gallery like experience featuring our products, information on the fabric process, and other items of interest we have collected during our travels throughout China. We hope you will stop by next time you are in the area.

That is some of our exciting news and plans for 2009. We will also continue to bring you innovative products through our online store and expanding list of retailers worldwide.

Enjoy 2009,
The Nankeen Team

It’s not too late

Sarah in USA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:25:59 +0000

Red & green is so 2007. Make your 2008 holidays navy & white! The clock is-a-ticking. Have you like myself and so many of my friends (cough, cough) procrastinated holiday your shopping this year? No worries, its’ still not too late. Go Nankeen; super easy ordering, same day shipping, and 30% off.

Another reason to go Nankeen, we are very popular this year. Don’t just take our word, we have been getting a whole lot of media attention lately for our unique gift items. Our friends at DailyCandy featured the Nankeen weekender dash on their men’s gift guide, and also on Isaac Mizrahi’s Holiday gift guide web-i-sodes. Watch here. Monday we were on “Good Morning America’s” gift guide segment, and next week we will be on Elfster.com’s 12 days of Christmas Special. Make sure to enter for a chance to win shire tote on day 2.

Thank you all for your support & Happy Holidays from all of us at Nankeen!

Gifting in this Economy

Sarah in USA — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:44:00 +0000

As we are beginning to pick out the trees, stringing up the lights and singing jolly carols, the shoppers are starting to swarm the malls, and we begin yet another holiday season.

But this year feels a bit different as many of us are strapped to tighter budgets with the uncertainty of the economy, our shopping attitude has shifted. Shoppers this year are scouring for gifts with real value and integrity instead of the same old presents. Personally, I would rather pay more money for a fewer gifts of better quality, than participate in the old American mindset of mass quantities without purpose.

Nankeen is a no brainer. Not only is our brand now known for our bags’ quality of craftsmanship and lasting durably, but you can feel good about your purchase. Nankeen supports environmentally-friendly manufacturing, and the creation of our fabrics sustains an ancient art form. With many gifts under $100 (check out our gift guide), free personal shopping assistance (need an idea for Aunt Betty?) and gift wrapping, you are guaranteed a stress free shopping experience.

Happy Holidays!

Sparkle with Nankeen for the Holidays

Sarah in USA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:31:39 +0000

For me, the holidays always seem to sneak up on me faster than my candy from Halloween is gone. As a result, year after year I’m scouring websites, boutiques, malls and even my friends’ closets at the 11th hour in search of that perfect, unique and classy outfit to make the holiday party rounds. To avoid blending into the reds, greens and blacks this year, try pairing the beautiful blue on blue hues of the sapphire clutch with one of the most vibrant colors of the season for a truly stand-out statement. Top off with simple timeless accessories and you have the perfect solution. What could be easier?

Sparkle for the Holidays with nankeen by Steph Wang

A Traveling Man

Sarah in USA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:14:15 +0000

Here at Nankeen, everyone keeps telling us to do more men’s items since men are the hardest to shop for and the selection is never very interesting. Our designer, John, seeking to find a solution for his own travels to and from Shanghai, developed the men’s weekend bag. Now we all know that while women love their bags and can never get enough, men are a different story. Whether it is the generic wheelie or the dated high school gym bag, men usually just want something that functions. To this end, John made sure to select a simple pattern, with durable leather straps and bottom, and inside pockets for various gadgets. There is even a matching dop kit.

After lugging this chic yet simple bag across many oceans, John can attest to the function and durability–and it never hurts to add a little style along the way. As you can see below, we gave a few suggestions on how we see dash fitting into your weekend.

Nankeen Man on the Go

Fall/Winter Line has arrived

Sarah in USA — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:44:44 +0000

It’s here! Presenting our new Fall/Winter line. It features the stunning weekender “dash”; the first masculine bag option from Nankeen. As well as two new professional bags perfect for the office, a variety of new totes, and everyday bag options. We have many new shapes and sizes as well as updated colder weather versions of everyone’s favorite shapes we’ve released before and now LEATHER accents.

When working on this line, each piece in this line was carefully designed to compliment a fall/winter wardrobe. The fabrics were carefully selected to reflect richer blues and more prominent indigo, then altered down to the slightest detail and accented with the highest quality soft brown leather.

Especially my favorites are the two everyday bags mini-bengal and mini-derby. We designed them to reflecta smaller version of the ever popular 2007 tote “derby”; a brand new size more practical for everyday use. And true to Nankeen, they each even have their own little personalities with leather detailing from the handles right down to the little mini-pull tabs on the zippers, and bright interiors that really pop.

Our men’s line is growing too. Check out dash, our first bag option for men. Stylish, and very masculine we held true to clean lines, comfort, and practicality in designing this bag. We also have many new male accessories including the trac belt, and quake tie.

Make sure to check out all our new stuff and leave your feedback. Happy Fall Shopping!