Sandqvist
As a university student, knowledge is not enough: it requires strength, pure physical strength- Sometimes all those books, notebooks, a laptop, food, water, pens and lip glosses escalate to a whopping 10 kg! And where do we pack it all in? The one shoulder bag, of course: the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, the Longchamp Le Pliage, the Micheal Kors Saffiano (because evenly distributing the weight would be just too easy…) Well, for the sake of my partially asymmetrical shoulders (and broken strap of Mr. Vuitton :( )I have called it quits and am going back to the backpack- an absolute pleasure when that backpack’s name is Sandqvist!
While exploring Stockholm last week, I was immediately struck by the effortless sophistication of it’s people and how creativity seemed to thrive all across the city. I stumbled into Södermalm, the (even more) hip, bohemian part of Stockholm, and came across a window display, which had the most exquisite backpacks I have ever seen. They were each a different bold color, canvas with leather trim, a synched nautical sailing knot, and reflected an uncomplicated and fun vibe. Sandqvist’s “everyday bags and items”, seemed to be longing to be taken for an adventure. I had to explore more.
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Sandqvist was founded in 2004 by Anton Sandqvist (later joined by his brother Daniel and friend Sebastian) who was inspired by the Swiss bag company Freitag, and created his first bag (only as a hobby) in his basement, which immediately caught the eyes of all who saw, as it was not only functional- but unique and well designed. The design is inspired by the Nordic landscapes filled with mountains and tranquility, and by Stockholm’s bustling, innovative city melody, which in turn composes an attractive, almost minimalistic bag- now in all types of shapes, sizes, forms, colors and materials of highest quality.
Production takes place in various locations in India, who specialize in traditional leather tanning and sewing. Sandqvist emphasizes the importance of fair working conditions- where child labor is banned, workers receive health care insurance, and working hours do not exceed 48 hours per week. It is touching to hear that Sandqvist mentions the bag factory owner by name, Mr. Shakil, his wife and their three sons, really demonstrating that this is a familiar and treasured relationship- not just a business. Another partner factory of Sandqvist is located in Chennai, India, which was started by a Swedish government aid project whose aim is to create jobs and increase the quality of life of it’s workers and community. It is important to remember the product you are buying has a history of it’s own, and if it was made out of mastering a craft and creating opportunities for others- that is something to be proud of and to support.
But now looking at the bags in front of me, my mind begins to wander about “All the places you will go!”. Forget university, but you can wear a backpack like this on a sailing trip, hiking in the forest, a weekend getaway on the mountainside for two- or if you are feeling more creative like me- mix elegant printed trousers and a blazer (the SS15 Saint Laurent, perhaps) and balance the look with a laid back canvas Sandqvist bag. It can be worn for any day time occasion, if you want to add a touch of nonchalance and a reminder of the Swedish lifestyle (and who wouldn't want that?)
The backpack I held in my arms was elegant, simple, stylish (without trying to hard) and most importantly- practical. Slipping the bag across my shoulders, I was handsfree and felt like a trekker ready for the day’s exploration, even if it was just to locate the nearest cafe… Today, my shoulders are finally balanced, just like Sandqvist’s equilibrium of being functional, simple, and beautiful.
find them at http://www.sandqvist.net
