We have to admit to being a little bit biased about the launch of the new Buckitt Bag, as the designer Rae Jones is a mate of ours – remember her great footwear range – and having recently moved into a studio with Rae, I feel I know the bag a little more intimately than most.
Rae was sick of seeing stylish women carrying all their worldly belongings in grubby canvas totes and wanted to design a bag that was roomy, practical, classically stylish and made in Britain.
She created the Buckitt to be large enough to fit a laptop or gym kit, yet still lightweight and easy to carry, with a detachable long leather strap, that can be worn cross body for cycling or stomping around town in a hurry.
Keen to keep production in the UK she began collaborating with a run-down British factory, just outside Manchester – near where she’s originally from – in an attempt to utilise the best of surviving British craft skills.
The result is a bag for life (designed to be re-conditioned and worn parts easily replaced, if required) that can be used every day – whether you are in carrying your lap top to a meeting, or picking up some veggies after the school run.
The Buckitt has already been well received at international trade shows and Rae has has secured stockists in the UK, Japan and Australia – but she is currently raising funds on the crowd sourcing website Kickstarter, in order to increase production and launch an online shop.
Crowd sourcing is a great way for small companies and individuals to raise funds and for people to invest in potential new projects and products, by pledging money. For every pledge you make, you receive a reward: for £5 you get a limited edition postcard, or for £170 you’ll get a Limited edition classic Buckitt One bag – (RRP £260).
If you are a lover of classic but stylish, useful bags (think Ally Capellino, but cheaper) this is definiately one for you. And by supporting the project on Kickstarter, not only are you helping a small independent designer, you could also get a beautful bag at a discount price – what’s not to love?
But don’t delay, Rae only has until August the 14th to raise the funds.
