Unveiling the Ultimate Affordable Luxury: The CRIS&COCO Story

The Founders’ Journey

Cris, a multifaceted German-born creative and entrepreneur with expertise in publishing, fashion photography, and design, explores Southeast Asia’s luxury markets. His journey began with manufacturing high-end bags for his personal brand in China, eventually evolving into a sophisticated trading venture in the dynamic luxury sector.

Coco brings her expertise as an accomplished stylist, having collaborated with elite photographers and models. In 2001, she pioneered her vision of creating premium yet accessible luxury bags and accessories.

Birth of a Brand

The brand’s inception came from an unexpected source – the aftermath of 9/11 in New York City. When their photography business paused, Coco channeled her creativity into crafting handbags in their Lower East Side apartment. Recognizing the potential, Cris proposed transforming this passion into a business venture.

Their entrepreneurial journey officially began with a modest start – a vendor license on West Broadway. Despite the challenging economic climate, this marked the beginning of their ascent in global fashion commerce.

From New York to Asia

A pivotal moment came during a fashion shoot when Cris discovered a SHANG HAI TANG bag that mirrored their design – an unexpected validation of their creative vision. The brand’s next phase saw them establish a workshop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, employing local artisans for their “Made in NY” collection.

Faced with Manhattan’s limited resources and high costs, they made a strategic pivot to Guangzhou in 2007, following advice from a corporate partner. There, they discovered a paradoxical marketplace – a design haven rich with manufacturing capabilities, yet known for both authentic luxury and replicas.

Evolution into CRIS & COCO

A chance encounter in Shenzhen led Cris to Kiko, who would become a crucial business partner. This connection opened doors to an extensive network of luxury handbag manufacturing, marked by exceptional craftsmanship. Their personal experience with high-quality pieces – including a LOUIS VUITTON x Fragment bag and a SAINT LAURENT shoulder bag – inspired the launch of CRIS & COCO’s online presence.

Today, CRIS & COCO stands as a testament to their vision, offering premium-quality bags and accessories at accessible price points. Their success story exemplifies the power of persistence, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to quality.