The Ai Handbag

One Icon. Ai

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Ai: One Icon.

The Ai is Akris's first and most iconic handbag, a Swiss convertible luxury tote with a trapezoidal silhouette derived from the letter 'A'. Introduced for Spring/Summer 2010, it transforms with a single gesture into three distinct configurations: open shopper, trapezoid tote, or closed tote secured with the signature turn lock.

Ai - The Three Configurations

Closed Shopper- Signature Ai Tote

Open Tote

Trapezoid Tote

Ai - Three ways to wear.

All Akris Ai handbags are designed to transform effortlessly. The same bag offers three convertible silhouettes, no additional accessories required. A single turn lock separates one look from the next.

Materials & Craft

Horsehair

Horsehair was the material of the very first Ai bag. Rare, natural, and woven on Victorian looms dating to 1872 at one of the last remaining horsehair mills in southern England secured by Akris specifically for this collection. Lighter and more resilient than leather, it develops a richer character over time. Black and brown tones come from the natural shades of the tail. Only white horsehair can be dyed, in a palette as broad as pure cashmere.

Leather

Cervocalf is one of the house's most important leathers sourced from Tuscan tanneries and barrel-dyed for colour that saturates all the way through. At 1.6 mm thickness, it holds its shape without stiffness. The name derives from the Italian word for deer: cervo.