Kasmo adds men and bags to the mix

Millinery and accessory manufacturer, Kasmo Design is set to diversify. Following the success of its Morgan & Taylor headwear range, the company has created a line of complimentary bags for women and introduced a collection of casual hats and trilbies for men.
Head designer, Molly Kasriel said the men's range, Blake, was created after she noticed a gap in the market for directional headwear. Manufactured in Melbourne and Asia, the line is made from paper straw, raffia straw and machine knitted material. Retailing from $20 to $50, Kasriel said the brand is aimed at men looking for "slick yet affordable" headwear.
"Popular culture is also a major contributor to the direction of Blake," she added. "Many colours and printed designs are inspired by the latest trends in the hip hop music industry."
Taking a more international approach for the Morgan & Taylor bag range, Kasriel said it was inspired by her "extensive overseas travel and catwalk trends". Featuring a range of embellished satin evening bags, clutches, purses, totes and every day casual bags, the line is imported from Asia and retails from $25 to $60.
"Morgan & Taylor Bags have been created in response to the overwhelming popularity of the headwear label over the past two years, offering consumers a complimentary range of bags," Kasriel explained. "Satin fabrics are used with three main embellishments: sequins, diamante trims and beads."
The new bag and men's range are set to coincide with Kasriel's four additional lines; Fiona Powell racewear, Morgan and Taylor bags, Shades hats and Kazz cowboy hats and caps for women. Kasriel said the ranges incorporate "a kaleidoscope of embellishments that can't be found in Australia" and are influenced by classic shapes with modern interpretations.
Set to be stocked at major department stores and select boutiques, Kasriel said that some styles will also be made for chain retail outlets and sold under their name.