From A to Z and across the globe are earth-friendly status bags for every imaginable purpose. I start with Alchemy Goods where founder Eli Reich combined his green lifestyle with a misfortune in Seattle. His stolen messenger bag story inspired him to become an accessory designer who combines bicycle inner tubes, car seat belts, and billboard vinyl.
The company was honored to display their messenger bag beginning May 15th at the Sustainable Fashion Symposium in The Design Museum of University of California at Davis, which runs until July 13th, 2008. So exciting that a blog was created just for the event.
I’ve been told that artistic Seattleites in the Emerald City are famed for introducing grunge music, and that the craze made unkempt appearances a trend. This cool unisex bag can style you either way; vogue or grunge!
Well speaking of messenger bags, Artisan Gear in Oregon offers a mini version made of hemp. Being an AG backpack owner, I understand why their craftsmanship brings awards. This one is unisex, compartmental, and with optional shoulder strap. Check out the other styles. All so hemp-practical and handsome!
Larry Duprey manages his Bazura.biz in Toronto, yet he offers bags from everywhere. Some are constructed in the Philippines, some Vietnam, and now India. I didn’t mean to get obsessed with messenger styles, but this one is so cool, made from used rice bags and lined with recycled aluminum. It features multi compartments and a long adjustable over-the-shoulder webbed strap. The BaZura shop even sells a bowling bag with all kinds of other accessories.
English Retreads is in Colorado where founder and designer Heather English gained inspiration from floating down Boulder Creek on an inner tube. One of her first bags in 2001 is still a classic, named Model T, that has seatbelt straps.
Goóc, which means “your roots” in its home country of Brazil, inspires customers to embrace nature’s laws of imperfection and reuse. They recycle canvas tarpaulins into stylish bags with a style that is urban chic, original and unconventional. No website until 2007 and already have representation in 12 countries. The story of founder and Vietnam refuge Thai Q is amazing.
My favorite is the Funky Kewl, designed for women with exposed outer seams, a small zippered pocket and attached key ring. Indeed, recycled waterproof canvas never looked so stylish before.
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Appropriately named HER Design, Helen E. Riegle founded the company in Massachusetts 2004. Bag materials are hemp, organic cotton, recycled PET, treetap, and cradle-to-cradle certified wool. Sensuede, a/k/a Microsuede, is made from 100% recycled fibers and looks as terrific as it sounds. The Poppy is precious. Each item is inspired by nature with a clear goal to promote greener living with contemporary style. That’s connected Helen to a celebrity clientele.
Well we traveled far, but haven’t passed half the alphabet. So, to be continued. Meanwhile, respond if you have any trouble finding any of these wonderful items. Or better yet, share your comment if you own one of these fab bags!
Stay tuned …
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