My response to a live brief set by Kipling Asia to create a mini collection of unisex bags for A/W out of dead-stock fabrics.

Nostalgia | Practicality | Comfort | Security

This year (2020) we’ve mostly been wrapped up in our indoor bubble’s of comfort and security. Lounging on our sofa’s and in bed, protecting ourselves from the invisible danger lurking outside.  The world has become contained within the 4 walls of our houses and flats, and becuase of this most of our inspiration comes from the domestic. It feels unwise to predict how things might have changed (or not) by November, but we can hope that things will have at least started to take a turn in a better direction. I imagine we will be taking tentative steps towards our front doors, breaking free from our indoor cocoons. 

In these uncertain times it feels natural to be drawn to nostalgia. thinking back to times that felt safer and simpler. As someone in their mid-20s Kipling bags really take me back to my school years, I remember being deeply jealous of classmates who had Kipling rucksacks or cross body pouches... they were the ‘it’ bag of the playground. I’d like to infuse some of the  practical, chunky, 90’s-2000’s Kipling style into my designs, I think people will be searching for that earthy, grounded,  understated-cool  that Kipling does so well as we emerge from the safety of our homes. 

I want my bags to posses that slouchy comfort we have grown accustomed to over the past year , while remaining practical, with pockets and pouches for all our vital items we need to face the world. I’d like the bags to be as practical for going to the supermarket as they are for going on a hike in nature , while still having a subtle sense of style, playfulness and individuality.