The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Jean Paul Gaultier and Manolo Blahnik create 'artistic' Eastpak backpacks for World’s Aids Day
Sixteen designers have transformed the classic bag into an artistic creation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eastpak has teamed up with some of the world’s top designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, MSGM and Manolo Blahnik to create an "artistic collection" in support of World’s Aids Day.
Eastpak Artist Studio showcases 16 unique customised backpacks, which are to be auctioned on eastpak.com on Monday with all proceeds going to charity Designers Against Aids. The starting price for each backpack is $100 (approx. £64) and the auction closes on 21 December.
Each designer created a one-off piece using the classic Eastpak Padded Pak’r as their blank canvas -and transforming it into an artistic creation.
Legendary footwear designer Blahnik took inspiration from his home country, Spain, for his white and red backpack. He said: “Pompons are a very important part of our culture and often form part of my collections.”
Gaultier recycled an embroidered silk bomber jacket from the forties and fitted the backpack in it. That's right, the backpack incorporates a complete jacket. “This is completely unique… We are doing bags, which is a kind of protection, protection for the protection against Aids,” he said.
This is Eastpak's fourth designer collaboration and the collection is currently exhibited at its new pop-up shop in East London, #MadeforLondon. Once the pieces are auctioned, the store in Shoreditch will continue to showcase them in-store through “revolutionary technology”.
#MadeforLondon pop-up show is open until 29 December.
World’s Aids Day is on Monday 1 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments