Backpacks are in style, they’re comfortable, functional and elegant and they are becoming the preferred accessory for an entire generation. Their rise comes with the help of two movements amongst young millenials, on the one hand there is the culture nomad who loves travelling and getting to know new places, and on the other there is the boom in cycling, the preferred mode of transport for this generation. At So Catchy! Where Fashion Begins, we wanted to bring you a selection of young talent that is laying the groundwork for a resurgence of designer backpacks. You’ll want to keep your eye on them.
Côte&Ciel
The Parisian brand Côte&Ciel brings together the concepts freedom and movement in urban and non-ubran environments. They’re a combination of creativity, functionality and design with the end user in mind.
Chris van Veghel
Simplicity, natural products and organic lines make Chris van Veghel’s designs an authentic ode to artisanry. From his studio in Amsterdam, he designs and produces each and every one of his backpacks, keeping in mind sustainability and the quality of the materials.
THISISPAPER
The minds behind THISISPAPER are Alexander and Zuzanna, two creatives whose main objective is to do things right and to support the local artisan community in Poland. All of their products are handmade in their city and, of course, the materials are also local. It all comes together to achieve a perfect balance between design, durability and sustainability. They don’t worry about trends; they worry about the quality and durability of their products over the long term.
Chloe Stanyon
C.S. is an accessories brand based in London. The creator, Chloe Stanyon, like many other contemporary designers, is focused on traditionally, and artisanally, causing the least impact possible on the environment. The materials are natural and handmade, the design is minimalist and the end result is backpacks and accessories that transcend seasons and styles.
DOVILÈ B
Dovilè B spent 4 years researching and exploring different materials and techniques, beginning with artisanal jewellery and, most recently, in the production of leather accessories. She admits that working with the material is absorbing and she enjoys the creative process so much that she barely notices the time pass when working. Her backpacks are artisanl, put together piece by piece, and made to order only. To get the 3D shape, she wet molds the leather on a solid block of wood, each hole is made by hand with a punch and she sews the pieces together with waxed linen fibers.
Aimee Kestenberg
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Aimee Kestenberg studied industrial design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. She later moved to New York to study at the prestigious Parsons The New School for Design. While a student at Parsons, Aimee did internships with different luxury brands like Ralph Lauren Collection, Isaac Mizrahi Couture, Sass & Bide, Jill Stuart and Alexander McQueen. Twice she has been a finalist and three times a winner of the Independent Handbag Designer Awards . Her career has led her, after launching her own brand in 2013, to start selling her bags in big brand stores and specialized shops all across the United States, as well as in smaller boutiques in more than 8 different countries.
Photos courtesy of the designers’ websites.
Translation & Layout by Michael Padilla
