Japan and Italy – Up To You Anthology is targeting eco-conscious luxury consumers with a range of self-assembly handbags.
Created in collaboration with Japanese design studio Nendo, the collection has sustainability at its core. Available in a variety of sizes, the colours of the bags are achieved through dyeing leather with a plant-derived tannins or the use of felt made from recycled PET plastics. The laser-cut 'flatpack' style of each bag is purposeful – they are made from a single piece of leather or felt, and therefore require less packaging during delivery.
In-built poppers on each bag allow customers to assemble them at home into a style that suits them, offering a sense of creative control and a uniqueness to the product they’ve invested in. In this way, Up To You is hinting at the ways luxury brands can achieve more sustainable practises and less waste, while educating and involving customers.
For more, read our interview with Jimmy Herdberg, co-founder of Swedish fashion studio Atacac, on how design and manufacturing process can foster more meaningful relationships with consumers.