HICKOREES HARD GOODS

This range of cotton canvas bags from Hickorees Hard Goods are extremely amazingtastic. The online store have a lot of heritage work wear type apparel and accessories. These bags are so simple and paired down. Humble lux.


This is the website so you can check out the rest of the hardwearing canvas / leather trim range.
http://www.hickorees.com


This branding gives me shivers, its like burned embossing. I generally get the shivers when i encounter veg tanned leather.


The stitch work and embossing are so exacting and precise and although the fabrics are basic and understated, the result is extremely sophisticated and lovely.

NIKE BACKPACKS

These are Nike believe it or not. I really like them, they are so bicycle courier / snowboarder chic. Extremely cool and not really very 'nike'. DOn't get me wrong, i don't hate nike, i just like not to like the brand. maybe it has something to do with the fact that i worked for Puma for so many years - which would lead to the fact of not liking adidas, its more that i'm not really into huge sports companies and think generally cool stuff comes out of smaller brands.


It has nothing to do with the fact that its friday afternoon at work and i'm dreaming of the pub as i sip my spiked diet coke.


I suppose i should tell you where i got these images from - as i don't want to get in trouble by copyright law - they are from an excellent site called Skate Warehouse - and here is the link:
http://www.skatewarehouse.com



This colourway rocks, i just love lemon yellow at the moment. its so, not very masculine (in a good way)


I really have to get outa here. i hope you like these bags. if you do, send me a message! yo. have a great weekend!

PEASANTS AND TRAVELLERS

This is a brand i recently discovered who are doing some nice mens bags... i reckon Jack Spade meets... ehhh Prada sport... meets nike. hmmm maybe not. But i really like this version of the old fashioned doctor's bag executed in what looks like high performance nylon.







I definitely love the dr's bag the best, check out the rest of their range on:
http://www.peasantsandtravelers.com

MENS SUEDE TOTES

In my humble observation, one of the nicest things going around at the moment are mens suede bags. Totes, sports bags and other more casual styles done up in luxurious suede in an array of different colours. Here below you can see an electric blue tote during Paris fashion week.



This isn't really suede, i know but its a really soft supple leather by Tillmann Lauterbach, Autumn/winter 2010/11


And here we have a chocolate brown gym back style by Hermes autumn/winter 2010/11


By Ermenegildo Zegna from spring/summer 2010. I love suede in these sandy, caramel colours.


Again by Ermenegildo Zegna from spring/summer 2010. This sort of plum colour suede gives off a dusty feel. I think the simpler the bag the better with suede, so no pockets and minimal hardware.

BIKKEMBERGS AUTUMN/WINTER 2010/11

A bit of catwalk action, the mens catwalks are now over and i will be posting a few of my favourites from the shows, today, i have a few pictures of these gym-style bags from Bikkemberg's collection. I really love the rope handles and the compact shape of these bags.


The way the rope joins onto the bags is really nicely executed and the rugged outdoors look mixed up with some old fashioned luxury is really hot at the moment. I predict that alot of high street stores are going to copy this look.



Its almost like the new stud. You heard it here first.

Lorinza Studs Backpack

I really like this bag. Its japanese... of course. The panel of studs mixed up with the highly rugged, performance construction brings a bit of city to the outdoors. Note - not everyone will be able to pull of this bag. i suggest starting with some skinny jeans...



As seem at http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/tag/lorinza/

These clutch bags by TsuruBride on etsy are pretty cute. Check out their shop, there have been lots of new additions to the site lately. I think my favourite is the lil piggy.

ILLUSTRATOR COMPONENTS FOR DRAWING BAGS

As i have been designing bags for quite a while i have built up a massive library of bits and pieces that i have created in illustrator. Just thought i might share them with any other people who might be interested.


Here are a few clips / dog clips - the kind of hardware that come in handy for straps and buckles.


Just a few of the many many zip pulls that i have drawn. Unfortunately they are drawn straight on but i have lots drawn at wierd wonky angles as well.


And here are some of my lovely brushes. Zips and chains are my favourite. I can get quite obsessed with getting these right. Above, we have metal zips, plastic zips, nylon zips, a couple of varieties of chain including ball chain.

I can't quite figure out yet how to download here the illustrator document containing these brushes and components. So please bare with me. Otherwise if you want them in the meantime, just email me and i will send them to you.


JACQUIS BRUSHES -download here

MOULDY LUNCH BAG

Ant-theft lunch bags.



I fear this would put me off eating my own lunch. This could be a good thing for dieters.

CARDBOARD IPHONE CASE

You got to love a bit of DIY accessory design. This one takes the cake in the new cult area of must have iphone accessories. Great for festival use or to detract potential iphone robbers.



You can even personalise it simply and easily with your favourite sharpie.

Love this!