Killspencer Bags
I came across a handsome group of weekender and messenger bags by Killspencer last week in my online meanderings. I learned from the website—the only place you can buy a bag—that they are designed and made in Los Angeles, but only after talking with head bag man Spencer Nikosey did I learn that the company is less than a month old, and debuted at his senior show at Art Center College of Design in LA.
“I always knew I wanted to launch a brand,” Nikosey told me last week, though his initial plan was to make a line of waterproof, vinyl backpacks for his senior show in product design. Vinyl’s toxic manufacturing process put the kibosh on that idea, but a class field trip to the American Military Museum quickly provided another route. Impressed with the aesthetics and durability of the tarps that covered military vehicles in the 50s and 60s, he spoke with a curator there who put him in touch with a source for the fabric.
The Repurposed line from Killspencer makes use of that fabric, scuffs, markings and “used in combat” imperfections only adding character to the bags. “When I think of where that fabric has been and what it’s done, that’s very powerful for me,” he says. The Historical Reserve collection is made from decades-old deadstock coated cotton canvas that Nikosey tracked down, and each line comes replete with military spec hardware—D-rings, zippers and buckles from Switzerland and Austria. “I want to make a bag that is classic enough to be passed down,” he says.
Streamlining the manufacture of his bags is presently Nikosey’s greatest challenge, that and finishing a final semester at Art Center. “I’m driving all over the place to get fabric, take it to these industrial washing machines and get it over to the crew of master leatherworkers I have,” he says. “My teachers have all been really supportive, but this is pretty much a full-time job. Fulfilling orders is starting to cut into schoolwork.”
Refining the process is certainly paramount, as is getting his product into local stores. Though there is still much work to be done in that arena, Nikosey is hopeful about getting the kinks worked out. “My goal is to be at a place where I could design something, a bag or whatever, on Monday. Then I refine it over Tuesday and Wednesday and by Friday or maybe the following week I’m starting to produce it.” A lofty goal, but one this young designer is only too happy to chase.
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I think this is awesome bag. It is utilitarian, practical, ergonomic and it looks good to. Great Job!
Where can I find that bag?
Jose, they are available on the website: www.killspencer.com
Excellent article and product. Follow your Bliss !!!!!! Nandini
These are so sick!!
I you want some inspiration and ideas on production processes for the bags, please try London's Ally Capolino: she makes these amazing wax cotton bags and is very successful in the UK market.
i'm really feelin' these bags, not to mention the name! haha what a deal.
I own 'The Weekender'. It feels so good packing what I need in this great, functional, designer bag with a terrific story. I'm proud to tell all about it's repurposed historical significance! That's big kudos to the designer alright....
LOVE the bags!!! They are hip, classic and functional with the use of recycled aged and weathered material making an incredible artist statement!!! I love that they are manufactured here in LOS ANGELES!!!
good job, spence. you've gone sooo far with this in just a year!
Great article! I particularly like that the material has History built-in. I bet this will be in stores soon!
love the bags. great concept and execution. cheers
very very cool! another potentially useful source for bagmaking by way of tarpaulins--freitag. best wishes...
Great stuff!! Think about it... The Government designed the material to withstand the most extreme conditions and to remain in service to support our troops during many life threatening combat action and severe weather conditions that most of us would never dream of being in. One might think that Government Engineering and Design is OverKill, But that material will last generations under normal usage. Can't believe this is the first time for a great idea, and beautiful stuff, looks impressive. Does he make work boots also? george
Love the clean design and detail in each and every bag! This is a quality brand that has "legs" and room for expansion for years to come...no need to rush it but I can't wait to see what is next from you Spencer such vision and talent. Deby
I thought Filson and Red Oxx were expensive but now I know better.
Again, great stuff. Wonderful colors and designs. Love the material. But why do these great items have to cost so much? Is it greed? If these things were more reasonable, would you still like and want them so much? Are these things the Louis Vuitton's of the 21st Century?
We love these bags at Green By Design. Just did a post on them--we used your article as a reference! http://greenbydesign.com/2009/09/23/some-green-things-worth-splurging-on/
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