Sometimes we all need to take a moment and think about what we can do today to better our tomorrow for future generations. Going green is one great example of how you can do your part to help save the planet.

One easy way to jump start your green lifestyle is by using our new stylish shopper bag/totes. They are a great eco-friendly companion to your everyday rountine. The shoppers feature durable handles, side snaps for alternate shape and a removable base for added support. They fold completely flat for easy stowing when not in use. Just like your other Nankeen favorites, they feature the unique Nankeen designs with bright accents colors, and are machine washable.

As far as future generations are concerned, your new Nankeen shopper purchase will help sustain the past by helping to keep alive the endangered historic art form of blue Nankeen, and preserve the future of our planet by reusing shopping bags instead of the plastic alternative which clutter landfills and exist for decades.

So the next time the cashier asks you “Paper or plastic?” You can feel good when you reply with a smile “No thanks, I’ll go Nankeen”

flagship store in Tiverton, ri

With our new flagship store up in running in Tiverton, RI, we are officially “summering” here in the Northeast. It is great to have our own physical space to interact with customers and share the Nankeen story. We are also trying many new bags and items that have yet to make it to our site because we are selling out of them too fast. It is best to stop by our store this summer to check out the latest and greatest. Once things start to calm down here, we will be migrating all our new items to the web site. Look out for our new shoppers and also some smaller items for the holidays.

We hope you are enjoying the summer as well, let us know how you are doing.

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

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!!

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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