Inspired by Korean heritage and knowledgeable by years of customer-centric roles, designer Kacy Yom’s first collection of charming candy-colored handbags is an indicator of Pacific Northwest innovation combined with the soul of a legendary fashion brand. Before launching KACYYOM, Yom owned her own luxury handbag boutique Arm Candy, worked as a consultant for Amazon and REI, and as a product designer for Expedia.

“Working at these companies shaped how I approach the design process. I learned that design is never finished and the life cycle of design requires continuous iteration.”

Her debut collection for her namesake brand, called Soh-Lee, meaning “sound” or “voice” in Korean, is made up of five classic styles and five colors. Each style features a structured silhouette and convertible elements allowing for seamless transitions from day to evening.

Yom Immigrated to the US from Korea at age 10 and grew up with a global perspective and an early introduction to beautiful handbags. Inspired by her mother’s bag collection that gained patina and softness with age, Yom worked to find a leather that aged gracefully. Her search led her to a partnership with a family-owned handbag factory in Tuscany where all KACYYOM handbags are assembled. The handbags are produced with leather that is sustainably sourced from an Italian tannery that is both socially and environmentally responsible.

KACYYOM handbags retail for $200-$1,100.