From our friends at thefind.com:
Thinking back to my high school years, Eastpak backpacks were hardly glamorous, unless of course you were one of those statement-making students who rocked one of the neon-hued or vibrant-printed offerings. Overall, they got the job done… until the weight of hauling textbooks back and forth finally caused the nylon shoulder straps to rip and effectively bite the dust (or locker room floor). In short, they were hardly a style staple, but at least they weren’t the social suicide that wheely backpacks were. My school days may have come and gone, but Eastpak certainly still thrives, and the brand’s surprising new art initiative is not only benefitting charity, but it’s also doing some fabulously creative things for their classic backpack. Eastpak has recruited over 130 artists to revamp and redesign their tried-and-true pack, and they’re all up for auction with the proceeds benefitting Designers Against AIDS. Bells, dye, patterns, embellishments galore – would you pay top dollar for these fancified backpacks-turned-works-of-art?
– Alexandra Gambardella
Thanks for the story, Alexandra! We’re very happy with the support of Eastpak as it’s a cool way to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and funds for our education center. The ‘paying top dollar’ bit is relative- although there are some expensive bags (great for collectors) many cost 75 euros (a regular Padded Pak’r costs around 60 euros) and this includes a book from Designers against AIDS (worth 30 euros) and free shipping worldwide. Not thàt bad a deal for a unique bag;-)
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ninette