The Debruyn Backpack
Occasionally I get the opportunity to work on a completely new projects and the Debruyn Backpack is one of them. As many of you know, backpacks hold a special place in my heart and I’ll take any chance I get to design one. This particular bag was designed for my friend TJ. He wanted something rustic and refined to match his elevated outdoor style. We took inspiration from the classic messenger’s bag, it’s rugged and storied design past and paired it with a modern backpack silhouette. The straps and buckles on the front flap invoke a western explorer feeling but the decided lack of tooling and structured design bring the aesthetic gently back to a modern side of style.
One of my favorite elements on the Debruyn Backpack is how the shoulder straps seem to just appear out of no where, see at 23 sec. in video. This took quite a bit of engineering and assembly planning to accomplish and I think the end result is spectacular. Design that leaves the viewer wondering “But how?” is the best!
Another element specially requested by TJ was a subtle asymmetry from the left and right sides of the bag. The right (facing you) has a tall pocket while left side features two buckles that double as keeper for a picnic blanket or light jacket. This asymmetry is fascinating response to mainstream bags.
The Debruyn Backpack has come to be one of my favorite custom projects and I’m so grateful TJ trusted me to bring his vision to life.
Cheers
