A knapsack on my back

Eastpak is known for choosing eclectic collaborators. A young menswear designer is the latest to redesign its classic backpacks, says Gemma Hayward

Not just for skater-boys and German exchange students, the rucksack is a fashion accessory with serious style credentials. Rid yourself of the geeky connotations often associated with them, as in the right hands the backpack can be a modern add-on to your minimalist self. Eastpak is no stranger to a reputable collaboration, with an eclectic mix of past partnerships from the fashion, music and art worlds including Ozzy Osbourne, The Prodigy, Eley Kishimoto and Raf Simons.

In their fourth and second collaboration seasons respectively, Kris Van Assche and Wood Wood are joined by Saint Martins menswear graduate Nicomede Talavera. His second venture for the urban-lifestyle brand (his first micro-collection for Selfridges in 2011 instantly sold out) is available in limited numbers to satisfy the serious fashion crowd and includes a backpack, duffel, hybrid pack and wallet. Inspired by our obsession with customisation, zippers have charms on them and thick black straps allow the volume and shape of each bag to be changed. Each bag has an inverted pocket which is an interpretation of contemporary artist Lucio Fontana’s work of slashed canvases.

Available from 15 March at oki-ni.com, Selfridges and Opening Ceremony, priced at £50 for a wallet and from £150 for a backpack.