Spencer’s middle name should be quality. Look at the craftsmanship of these new bags and accessories he just launched. Incredible. This guy is going to be a legend one day.

Common Projects makes shoes. Really sexy ones. Or do they do more? The black nappa leather duffle bag would look good filled with a weekends worth of clothes for a getaway. Bag available for $600. Via Hypebeast

Great looking goods from my friend Jason at MAKR, the line has come a long way!

Some great new Hlaska bags. Check them out if you’re shopping for a messenger, briefcase, duffle or even wallet.

Genius. It’s Urban Camo Against Crime. The direct translation: Bags and purses that look like newspapers to not get mugged. Pick your newspaper, The Dependent, The Thames, or Le Monte (or a few others depending the bag style).

Shopping bags are, for the most part, pretty dull. Not only are they a hinderance on the environment, but they’re hardly ever hip enough for us to want to recycle them unless it means dropping them in a blue bin. But, there are some designers who are trying to make us dispose of this old way of thinking. And, they’re doing it from the runway to the retail story with thoughtfully-designed bags that convey serious attitude.

To showcase this new trend, Toxel put together a nice collection of images from around the world for you to ooh and ahh at. Check out the breadth of ideas featured from the smart “floating” bag that’s pure fun to other, more controversial options that we wouldn’t dare try out in Los Angeles.

The bag shown here was given when you bought a book by Belgium’s most famous crime writer.

Andrew Harper collaborated with Dunhill for this summer’s release of a luxury luggage collection worthy of his member’s only Hideaway Report. The Traveller collection, designed with and endorsed by Harper, is comprised of three pieces: a holdall, document case and rucksack. Each piece is made in a natural oatmeal canvas with tan leather trim detailing, keeping form and function in mind. Dunhill is also selling a limited edition Andrew Harper membership in an exclusive bespoke Traveller leather folder and accompanied by a Dunhill Sidecar ballpoint pen. Prices range from $1,200 for the exclusive folder to $3,070 for the holdall. Can you put a price on luxury? View the collection here.  Via Freshness Mag

Well, I’m impressed (and a little bit surprised) to see Tumi moving away from their core black and grey look towards a more youthful oriented and hipper design. In their own words: “The digital camouflage print is applied to ballistic nylon creating the ultimate statement in utilitarian style… With the intent to disguise or blend with the natural surroundings, this camouflage print instead will attract some attention and be easily identifiable among the sea of black bags.”

They seemed to have pulled off the digital-camo quite well here– and with the sturdy build quality (and lifetime warranty) of Tumi products to boot. No word on price and availability yet though.

Picture and Info Via Selectism

Spencer Nikosey is talented, period. Not only is he a graduate of Art Center College of Design (that place breeds talent), but just 4 months after he graduated he’s now running a fantastic little business, with some very special products. Despite the name of his new brand, I think we should very much keep him alive.

He designs and makes what he calls “Premium Artifacts” which are, right now, bags made from “used in combat” military truck tarps, preserved coated cotton canvas from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and some new materials he’s been exploring and experimenting with as well.  The brand is called KILLSPENCER.

The bag I received a sample of (shown here for $425), is from the Repurposed Collection and boasts some real history and serious craftsmanship. All the wear and tear is original, which feels a little weird knowing it was used in the Korean War, but also has a great origin story. He uses the highest grade parts, custom waterproof zippers, cobra buckles, and military webbing everywhere. The attention to detail on these bags is insane to say the least.

He has currently designed 15 mens bags, a weekender bag, a messenger bag, and a backpack available in 5 different colors. Each product is individually numbered and made in very limited quantities in Los Angeles. Drooling yet? Check out this film. As if his bags didn’t show his design talent, this film alone will.

More pictures of all the different bags after the jump. Gorgeous work Spencer, congrats!

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Designs by Genevieve Gauckler, Eero Aarnio, Parra, and more make up the bulk of what Publik has to offer. The Japanese venture pulls together the talents of an international crew of artists to bring us tote bags, bandanas, and not to mention a great line of tees. From Gauckler’s ‘(verb) Me’ line to Parra’s word collages, Publik keeps the product line interesting without sticking to one theme in particular. The site’s mainly formatted in Japanese, making for some of that adorably bad translation, the product is good and that’s what counts. We especially dig the Feed Me shirt.

Bike culture really interests me. What started as a utilitarian exercise (cycling), has permeated into every facet of our lives from the apparel we wear, the environment, and even politics. Cyclelogical, a small company formed just last year, focuses on bringing unique travel and commuter gear to the masses. Besides their organic cotton/bamboo tees designed by artists nationwide, their real specialty are their packs. Panniers, commuter messenger and backpacks, and even shopping bags so you can answer “neither” next time they ask you “paper or plastic?” Most of their tees and all of their bags are incorporate reflective panels and threading which means you will be noticed by motorists. From the special gear equipment pocket in the bags (think toolkit, extra tube, instapumps) to the being able to order any bag in recycled sail cloth material, the team at Cyclelogical have clearly set themselves apart. Check out their website and subscribe to their blog; lots of new products are around the corner.

Keen, a company that started with the question, “can a sandal protect the toes?”, has gone on to expanding their product line well beyond just active sandals. Admittedly, I have not checked out their site since I was shopping for my trip to Kauai a few years ago, but a few weeks ago I pointed Firefox their way and was impressed with what I saw. Their Harvest Collection of bags is particularly noteworthy.

One model, the Cornell, is a unisex messenger bag made of 100% reclaimed rice paper. For those of you who have ever bought large sacks of rice from an Asian market, you know exactly what that is. The design and graphics on each bag are completely unique, the bottom is made of 100% recycled rubber (from tires), and there is a lushly padded 17.4″ notebook sleeve built in. I will not say it’s perfect, however. The front zipper on mine gets stuck, and repeated pulls are slowly ripping the pouch from the bag. My only other complaint is a small one – occasionally the strap folds up onto itself within the metal loops. Other than these small quibbles, the Cornell gets my vote if you are looking for a comfortable, unique, and green bag.

You don’t have to be a messenger to be in search of a serious bag. The latest gear from Chrome has arrived. The no nonsense pack producers have introduced their spring ‘09 line: The MiniMetro, Citizen, and Metropolis. All models are available in a limited variety of colors and are the ideal accessories for those consistently on the move. In addition to choice cases they also offer an array of hoodies and jackets in their online store.

DC, everyone’s favorite urban skate brand, is really stepping up their game lately. We’ve given all sorts of attention to their collaboration efforts with the likes of agnes B and Lemar & Dauley. For Spring 2009 they kept things both in-house, as well as continuing the partnership spirit. The DC LIFE collection includes a low “dress sneaker” model as well as hi-tops, a design that is clearly making a return (Terminators, Kanye’s kicks, etc) The colorways are very simple and don’t draw too much attention, but have enough of an edge to turn heads. They also are introducing a couple of tees and v-necks, but what really caught my eye is their skate backpack collaboration with infamous accessory maker Incase. The multifunction “Strapped” bag offers protection for your laptop and, of course, all your gear. It even carries your board on the front.

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