OUR STORY
The alchemy of fashion is a never-ending quest for enduring design that touches us physically and emotionally. Powerful design can elevate our experience of living vibrantly. May everyone reconnect with the joy of getting dressed and express our essence. Illuminate through divine design.
I craved bags, clothes, and accessories that felt meaningful, resonant, eternal. I designed what I had been envisioning for years. There is depth in the detail and purpose behind every stitch.
I am passionate about how we communicate with our world through what we put on our bodies. Our initial line of bags, belts, talisman, silk wraps, bespoke garments, skiwear and totem tumblers began as a mission. Driven by research, field testing, purpose, and vision we have distilled a lifetime of obsession into statement pieces that evoke the ancients, shield you from the challenges of the day, and inspire you to live passionately. Cloak yourself in wearable art.
A departure from logos and status. A journey into sacred geometry, human scale, hyper functionality, the perfect grip on a hemp rope handle, EMF/RF protective linings, ergonomic pockets, dual hydration vessel compartments, plastic bottles into fabric, nontoxic dyeing, wild alligators and their effect on the environment, ancient totems, bespoke hardware from upcycled brass and bronze, the freedom of a belt bag, the practicality of snap-out, washable bag linings, the cleanliness of elevated beefy bag feet.
No longer fashion for a season, but fashion for a reason. Find your place in nature, the hummingbird, the bee, the bison, the sequoia, the monarch. Take possession of your outward appearance to the world. You are not a corporate billboard. You are a traveler, an adventurer, a seeker of wisdom, a captain of your own voyage. We venerate the natural world as it guides us through our human endeavors. We are inspired by the dedication of artisans, our chefs, our artists, our engineers, our builders, true conductors of form. Celebrate inspiring humans and all the imperfections that go with being human. How do they get dressed for raw, real, productive, and ever evolving life.
I examined and questioned every aspect of the bag as object, as expression, and forged them anew. These bags are very different than what has been offered in the luxury space prior. We have broken down every element of a bag and reimagined each component on a deeper, more dynamic level. The discerning consumer will covet these creations. No longer will you battle your bag.
There is a pocket and place for everything, a square of dark chocolate, a pop of hydration, all of life’s essentials.
Slow, deliberate fashion can help us rethink agriculture and save our pollinators. We have aligned with six change makers to raise awareness for the eco causes we believe in.
Buy one heirloom piece. Cherish it. Live with it. Clad in your creative armor you are powerful, sensual, strong, and vibrant.
I’m very grateful for the time you took to peruse our collection. We are dedicated to creating a following of exuberant fans. I truly hope you are intrigued, and our creations resonate with you.
Here’s to reconnecting with the joy of getting dressed.
2024 CORE COLLECTION LOOKBOOK
WHAT DROVE ME TO DO IT
i move fast. i live full. i could not find a bag that would support me through my long, intense days. my bag is a vessel of essentials that allows me to: grab my phone, reach for a bite of apple, hydrate, switch to shades, spritz a hydrosol, grab a contract, fetch my ipad out of an easy access emf/rf protected pocket, have my favorite pen at the ready, dose an adaptogenic tincture, and always a square, well actually a bar, of very good dark chocolate. seamless navigation without digging. There is a pocket and place for everything. finally.
WHY YOU NEED IT
i have spent roughly 12 minutes a day rummaging through my old bag, which lacked proper compartments. up to 6 months of your life rummaging. oh my. there are so many better ways to exert your life force.
self love and respect your time. don’t rummage. leave your abode prepared. when your ergonomic bag is efficiently streamlined, ergo, your essentials are right where they want them. you are calm, powerful, and truly present in your life.
in ancient egypt you were buried with your bag. such a strong personal statement. clearly not seasonal. bags show our outer personality while shielding our inner private world. what objects add value to your day? your evolution of self in the world.
a tool kit for the future that allows you to be present. nourish the soul. live full. the bag is an extension of self. a container of life. a vessel of necessity. finally you can unsnap the totem collage lining and throw it in the wash. a satisfying bag refresh. clean bag. clean mind.
elevate your every day.
utilitarian in its roots
Part vintage luggage.
With a healthy dose of Mary Poppins.
THE JOY OF GETTING DRESSED
FEEL EXUBERANT
getting dressed is a joy
How do you protect yourself from the elements physically?
Selecting proportions, tone, and textures that compliment your body, all the while projecting your spirit and your story.
Showing how you perceive yourself through outer adornment...
sharing your vision/version of yourself with the world
share your story
What we put on our bodies every day is sacred. The fabric that breathes and melds with your skin...the colors that communicate with our chakras pulsing in your aura...
The talisman and accessories that give us protection and inner strength...
our most intimate story...
strong pieces
Your spirit infused in the way you wear it
Individual expression
no one else will wear it just like you
Your thoughts are part of the collective consciousness
we hold for the planet and all of its inhabitants
the earth walk is a challenge...
The human brain only has so much capacity for decision making every day...
I keep my dressing simple, powerful, and meaningful to me and leave the
rest of my brain power for the big stuff I tackle
Every day you/we are all participating in co-creating OUR world
Please...
dress like you mean it
participate in right thought, right word, right action or deed
align...
engage in right relationship with all things in your life...
and...reconnect with the joy of dressing
and...
reconnect with the joy of dressing
I am personally very into socks...yes socks...
it is for me...no one can see them...part baseball magic superstition on
wearing that lucky pair...
part child like whimsy so I never get too serious...
I take stock in my daily sock choice...it ranges from
stacks of pancakes...
buzzing bees...
hexagons...
hummingbirds...
to skeletons playing guitar...
or my favorite day of the dead socks...
My socks are always fun..the inner playful child always present...
tickling my toes...
And no I haven’t designed socks yet
WHY IT'S DIFFERENT
FUNCTIONAL ART. MADE IN AMERICA. ILLUMINATE THROUGH DIVINE DESIGN
if i can’t take my bag on a trip, and use it as a foot rest, jam it into an overhead, smoosh in a car, and have to worry about it getting scratched or losing it’s sheen--i don’t want it. nothing too precious in life. these bags age, and their patina gets better in time, just like us. savor the marks of a passionate life dedicated to change. we embrace our challenges, for they are moments of acute growth and rebirth. shed the old skin and keep expanding. at a deeper level the desire to logo flaunt exemplifies separation and exclusivity--the antithesis of what this planet needs. strength comes from living on purpose and being passionate about things outside of yourself. you do not care what other people think. being fervently truthful at all times, no gray areas or exceptions. consciously choosing what we bring into our homes, put in, and on our bodies will change the future. simplify. the notion of needing a new bag every season is ludicrous. functional art you can feel good about. Use your buying power for good. environmentally balanced commerce. this is a way of being. who do you want to be? how do you want to contribute? rewrite your story. make it amazing. the planet and its people thank you.
PROPORTIONS
sacred geometry...the golden ratio...there is a reason for every measurement in every bag belt and talisman ...nothing is haphazard or whimsical...or of the season...it is all designed with a reason...every creation is enduring in its measurements...precise...which is why the shapes translate...male...female...petite or robust...the body is complemented by a symphony of well orchestrated math...the wearer knows intuitively...the shapes are right...
WILD AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
wild american alligators with all of their wounds from life on earth intact. we are all flawed. let’s celebrate our imperfections - mine, yours and the gators’. all of our styles honor one gator and one gator hunter per bag. the skins are hand patinaed, by one artisan, with saturated colors that took years to develop to make it just so.
ORGANIC COTTON UPCYCLED PLASTIC TOTEM TWILL WITH SNAP OUT LINING
the fabric is a blend of two types of threads. one is made from recycled plastic bottles found in the ocean and the other is 100% us grown organic cotton. we have created a one-of-a-kind, durable, and sustainable fabric. our custom fabric is emblazoned with enduring collage art through a non-toxic dyeing process.
EMF / RF PROTECTIVE LININGUTILITY PATENT NO. US 11,832,695 B2
emf/rf protective lining sewn strategically in phone and tablet pockets to lessen exposure and protect your organs and energy field. to encourage mindful use of devices and to be present in their lives.
BESPOKE HARDWARE
upcyled, non toxic brass and bronze hardware. functional art in and of itself. revel in the strength and texture. many years in the making. each piece individually crafted and hand finished. glorious and unique. a pleasure to touch. an absolute labor of love.
d-rings: honor sacred geometry.
rivets: contain modern hand-drawn art inspired by ancient symbols.
feet: deliberately designed to have enough height and gusto to physically lift your bag off the ground so it doesn’t touch and collect germs. Finally a foot that protects your bag
rods: lightweight brass, no plastic with super strong magnetic and textured hand-cast ends
HEMP ROPE HANDLES
i analyzed the ideal grip. ergonomic based on the width of kettle ball olympians. no anemic handles here.
grip with gusto.
high vibe honey bee 6
power to the pollinators
- ~ Ancient symbols of death and rebirth
- ~ Honey Bees represent fertility in ancient Egypt
- ~ The ancient Druids saw the bee as a symbol of the sun goddess
- ~ Native American Indians view the Honey Bee as a symbol of honesty and serving the community
- ~ Bees are excellent symbols of teamwork
- ~ Bees work tirelessly for the same goal
- ~ Selfless, no ego
- ~ Symbolize hard work, diligence, and order
- ~ Excellent examples of how to use your life force
- ~ They often accomplish what seems impossible
- ~ High Energy, Bees represent the highest example of collaborative efforts
- ~ Bees mantra is progress and everything is done for the highest and greatest good of the hive.
The Hexagon
power to the pollinators
- ~ The hexagon represents the shape of the sun
- ~ We are all orbs pulsing divine light
- ~ There are 24 rays of the golden sun which represents your guardian angels
- ~ 2 represents balance peace and harmony, trusting where you are in your path
- ~ 4 represents passion, and clear intentions in all your endeavors, facing your obstacles head on, the four elements - water, earth, fire and air
- ~ 4 x 6, the sides of the hexagon = 24
- ~ 24 is closely related to the heavens
- ~ It symbolizes harmony between the earth and the sky
- ~ In China, honey was a symbol of vitality and immortality.
- ~ Honey was always a part of the meals served to the emperor.
- ~ It was regarded as a mystical food because it was gathered by an innocent animal, the bee.
- ~ In China, honey was a symbol of vitality and mortality. It was always a part of the meals served to the emperor.
The number 6
power to the pollinators
- ~ 6 is the number of completeness, high ideals, beauty
- ~ It is considered a perfect number by ancient Greeks
- ~ A symbol of luck
- ~ Our DNA is 6 sided like a honeycomb
- ~ 6 represents stability and protection
- ~ We all have our sixth sense
- ~ 6 is a particularly lucky number for Libra and Taurus
- ~ The 6 tarot card represents the lover and working from your heart chakras
The Tuning Fork
power to the pollinators
- ~ Used from ancient times
- ~ We are electromagnetic beings with a vibration pulsing in our field
- ~ Tune into the Earth’s frequency: the Schumann resonance 7.83 Hz
- ~ A reminder to be conscious of the vibration you’re sending out and the thoughts you think
- ~ The tuning fork is to help remind us to raise the vibration of ourselves and the planet
- ~ Radiating our story/signal all day long
- ~ We are human cell towers
MONARCH BUTTERFLY 8
power to the pollinators
- ~ The universal symbolism for butterflies is transformation
- ~ A sign of hope
- ~ Butterfly Celtic symbol is rebirth
- ~ In Japanese cultures butterflies represent joy
- ~ In Myan and Aztec mythology a butterfly represents Xiutecutli, the God of Fire
- ~ Irish folklore relates the butterfly with the human soul.
- ~ Dealan-Dhe,the Fire of the Gods
- ~ Native American culture consider butterflies to be a sign of transformation and change
- ~ Aristotle called the butterfly the name of Psycho, Greek word for “soul”
- ~ It gives you the courage to look upon challenges with lightness
skull star
power to the pollinators
The number 8
- ~ Number 8 symbolizes balance and inner stability.
- ~ Symbolizes infinity, constant flow of abundance, energy, and and power
The tuning fork
- ~ Used from ancient times
- ~ We are electromagnetic beings with a vibration pulsing in our field
- ~ Tune into the Earth’s frequency: the Schumann resonance 7.83 Hz
- ~ A reminder to be conscious of the vibration you’re sending out and the thoughts you think
- ~ The tuning fork is to help remind us to raise the vibration of ourselves and the planet
- ~ Radiating our story/signal all day long
- ~ We are human cell towers
SKULL STAR
power to the pollinators
sequoia tree
giants of the forest
- ~ Oldest living tree
- ~ Sequoias can live up to 1,000 years
- ~ Fire resistant bark
- ~ Tree rings represent the circle of life
- ~ Our perseverance to grow and expand in spite of our wounds and challenges just like the mighty sequoia
- ~ Wear our age like a badge of honor
- ~ Native Americans called the Sequoia Trees, “the ancient ones”
- ~ Grow with the Sequoias, slow and steady until you touch the sky
- ~ The Algonquian believe thunderbird is an ancestor and the Universal creator
- ~ The roots that connect with Mother Earth and the limbs and cones that reach for father sky
THUNDERBIRD
the almighty thunderbird
- ~ Legends of many indigenous cultures describe a bird with a massive wingspan and huge claws that can control rain thunder wind and lightening
- ~ Ability to communicate with the gods and enter a higher state
- ~ The all seeing all knowing thunderbird
- ~ The Sioux Indians call it Wakyq which translates to...sacred winged being
- ~ The Sioux Sundance is based on the legend of the thunderbird an honored messenger to great spirit
THUNDERBIRD
the almighty thunderbird
- ~ It’s season is north...that of the elders
- ~ Represents purity and integrity
- ~ Shadow of the ego
- ~ The path of self realization...the climb to the heavens ~ Marvel at its slow steady growth...always reaching for the sky
- ~ The green represents growth, hope and transformation
- ~ Myths saw thunderbird with the sun and lightening in his eyes
- ~ Native Americans warriors would smoke pipe looking to thunderbird for assistance from the upper world
- ~ Mystics believe that the Sequoias forest spirt allows them to see the whole of humankind clearly
- ~ Root system is connected...6 serving the greater good of the organism...they work together
- ~ In the Pacific Northwest thunderbird is carved into their totem poles as a sign that it would accompany souls to the afterlife
- ~ A life lived from a higher perspective makes you impervious to negative intentions of others
Upward & Downward Triangles
the almighty thunderbird
- ~ The upward pointing triangle is solar, masculine and symbolize life and the spiritual world
- ~ The downward pointing triangle is lunar and feminine and symbolize the Great Mother and the physical world
THUNDERBIRD
the almighty thunderbird
Roots & Rings
the almighty thunderbird
- ~ The roots that connect with Mother Earth and the limbs and cones that reach for father sky
- ~ It’s strength and stamina revered
- ~ Marvel at its slow steady growth...always reaching for the sky
- ~ Root system is connected...6 serving the greater good of the organism...they work together
- ~ The path of self realization...the climb to the heavens
- ~ The green represents growth, hope and transformation
- ~ Fire resistant bark
- ~ Tree rings represent the circle of life
the BISON
rethink agriculture heal the soil
- ~ The Native American Indians recognized the Bison as a symbol of strength and unity.
- ~ Bison medicine: manifestation, protection, knowledge,courage, challenge, survival.
- ~ Bison’s strong bodies ground them to the Earth. They are the uniting force between all things Earthly and unEarthly.
- ~ Bison is connected to the Root Chakra. It represents stamina and will.
- ~ They are the story of survival and how to prosper in the face of adversity.
- ~ Red is the color. The direction is North.
Inner & Outer Rings
- ~ In the outer circle representing the sacred hoop of the medicine wheel (symbol of all creation) - thee 4 directions and the 4 stages of life are represented.
- ~ The number 4 is sacred unto itself as it represents the 4 seasons, the 4 human needs (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) the 4 kingdoms (animal, mineral, plant, and human) and the stages of life.
- ~ The circular shape of the wheel represents Earth, Sun, Moon and the cycles of life, the seasons and day to night.
The number 10
- ~ Believed to be the perfect number
- ~ Symbolizes the completion of a cycle
- ~ a symbol of contant change and flow of energy
- ~ 1 is the start of everything, 0 is infinity
breast plates
rethink agriculture heal the soil
- ~ Breastplates were worn as armor, physical protection in battle.
- ~ They gave the warrior spiritual protection as well
- ~ The Comanche tribe were the first to wear them in the 1800s and it was adopted by many other tribes of the Great Planes including the Crow, Sioux, and Assiniboine.
- ~ The original breastplates are made of long cylindrical bones
the number 1
- ~ The number 1 is the number of unity and leadership
- ~ The number 1 represents a true pioneer. It is the divine origin of the universe and the root of all opportunity in our lives.
- ~ The number 1 is the most self sufficient number.
The all-seeing Shaman Eye
- ~ eye of a medicine man
- ~ the outer lines represent the four corners of the universe: North, South, East and West of the physical world.
- ~ In the inner lines represent the spirit world
- ~The center circle, the hole of the eye, represents the medicine man and his spiritual vision
Broken Arrow
- ~ The broken arrow symbolizes making peace with oneself, others, and the Earth...always choosing the path of Peace, no more battle.
HOW TO PACK IT
HOW IT'S MADE
OUR WEB OF ARTISANS AND FRIENDS
Jason Ross
Hardware Development
Origin: philadelphia, usa
Now: Missouri, USA
Amal Mondal
Expert Leather Engineer
Origin: Bangladesh
Now: Florida, USA
Ellen McDermott & Bridget Sciales
Photographer
Origin: Connecticut & NYC
Now: NYC, USA
Walid Halabi
Bag Maker
Origin: Lebanon
Now: NYC, USA
Dino Recupero & Daniel Recupero
CAD Designing & Casting
Origin: Italy, raised in Argentina
Now: NYC, USA
HOW IT ARRIVES
SIGNATURE HEXAGON BOX
the hexagon - a powerful shape repeated in sacred geometry. it is found in the very structure of our dna. it is a symbol of harmony and balance.
spread the love in your yard with our non gmo power to the pollinator seed shreds. plant and smile. a box so cool, you could re-gift and share the love.
THE WILD AMERICAN ALLIGATOR STORY
Wild American Alligators with all of their wounds from life on Earth intact. We are all flawed. Let’s celebrate our imperfections - mine, yours and the gators’. All of our styles honor one gator and one gator hunter per bag. The skins are hand patinaed, by one artisan, with saturated colors that took years to develop to make it just so.
Our largest reptile, the American alligator has been in North America for over 8 million years. In 1807 Georges Cuvier created the genus, Alligator. They are part of the super family Alligatoroidea. The American alligator is native to the Southeastern United States, and inhabits freshwater wetlands. Swamps, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes are their home.
It was placed on the endangered species list on 1967 and has made a remarkable recovery.
The American alligator is a conservation success story.
The American alligator was removed from the endangered species status in 1987.
The US fish and wildlife service has pronounced the American alligator fully recovered and closely regulates the hunting and trade.
It is the official state reptile of Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Because of demand for meat and skins...the privately owned wetlands are protected ...and all the other species that thrive in that habitat are protected and able to flourish as a result ...
The gators modify wetlands by creating alligator holes for, when the RE, perspire drops..these holes along waterways become a refuge and feeding oasis for other organisms during the dry season.
In more recent history the Burmese pythons and Nutria have established themselves in the Everglades. The American alligators have played an important role in keeping those populations in check and from spreading north.
They are vital to keeping the small mammal population balanced that delight in overgrazing marsh vegetation. Alligators are dynamic contributors to the health of our wetlands.
The wetlands play a significant role in climate health. There is a balance to be maintained between healthy population and proliferation.
The demand for gator meat and skins that are a secondary byproduct honors the whole animal by using every part. This demand has sustained the dedication of private land owners to protect the wetlands. And aligned conservationists, climate change activists, and hunters to achieve the same goal, a healthy gator population. Which translates to healthy wetlands and a healthier planet. All the while employing and feeding many communities.
The hunting season for wild gator is very short.
Unlike many mammals where size diminishes with age, healthy gators continue to grow and expand into their old age. The older specimens can grow between 13 to 19 feet in length and weigh in the range of 1000-2000 lbs. American alligators have the strongest measured bite of any living animal. Males and females have the same bite force. An alligator has 74-80 at any one time they can go through 3000 teeth in a lifetime. They can live up to 50 years in the wild.
For Native American Indians the gator was held in high regard for its ability to live on land and water...they represent rebirth and purification.
The symbol of the second chakra Swadhistana is an alligator and a sign of balance.
The Mayan alligator god Itzamna is a symbol of leadership
The peaks on the gators back were viewed as pyramids Telegraphing to the cosmos and Pleiades star system. Each peak was believed to hold a frequency to bridge dimensions.
It’s belly is always in contact with mother earth creating a strong foundation
It navigates through water and can release with ease that which does not serve you any longer...it converts chaos to order
It was a vehicle for Hindu gods and goddesses
CONSCIOUS COMMERCE
Our guiding principle
are we in a harmonious exchange with nature
Radically transparent material sourcing and labor
Our lineup is:
Non toxic
As local as possible...how close can we source...for less travel and impact?
Supporting American artisans in their crafts...a thriving creative community
Engaging in creation and commerce that is in balance with the environment
Hardware ~ recycled upcycled non toxic design nuggets of pure joy
Fabric ~ recycled plastic...contributes to cleaner oceans
Fabric ~ non gmo organic cotton...celebrate and support the American farmer
No polluted water in the dyeing process
Wild gators ~ used for their meat first to feed...skins are a secondary by product...demand keeps the privately owned wetlands vital to support climate health and all the habitat that flourishes there...as a result the gator population and the ecosystem are balanced...
Our Carbon footprint
feeling pretty good...
we minimize waste and our footprint at every opportunity...
Psyche of the user
dramatically improved
functionality + art = joy
One supreme heirloom item
lifelong satisfaction
The need for more ceases to exist
eureka
BAG ON A MISSION
Observation. This is where we started. This is where we all start. There is in every endeavor a yearning to find purpose, to find place, a question posed. The challenge of what is and what ought to be. We looked at the natural world, the contours, the textures. We looked to the ancients, the mystics, the totems. We aspired to create functional art.
So we focused. On materials. Elemental and enchanting. D-rings, rivets, and brass feet, burnished and weathered as if by centuries of sea mist. 100% US grown cotton. EMF/RF lining. Wrapped hemp rope handles. Engineered and battle tested. Rugged and resolute.
Construction. Studied and sturdy. These are not seasonal accoutrements. They are built to age, infused with intense character to accompany you for all of your journeys. Every bag is hand-made by skilled artisans that embody a spirit of creative expression and technique.
Animation. The bag brought to life. We do not succumb to the mundane. Style is the alchemy of the adventurous.
We, like you, are undeterred voyagers in need of a vessel for our earthly gatherings.
CONNECT
A SMIDGEN OF BIO
An empowering chapter in the Bering Sea on the Pacific Scout, a 236 ft long fishing boat, as a laborer in the hull and eventually a deckhand. Huge seas ...the cold... the dark... the austere scenery... my already intense work ethic crystallized... fear banished.
Always a marvelous love affair with nature and its glory...much more comfortable outside than in... feeling the elements... revel in an ominous stormy day... fascinated with lightning.
I landed in Telluride, one snowy evening in October about 30 years ago, and immediately knew I was home. I relished living in Ophir in a cabin with no heat and tv and have been coming back ever since. Gob smacking natural beauty...steep hikes, and skiing. The rugged physicality of Telluride balances and soothes my intense nature.
With many adventurous and formative chapters in between, I now reside in Sparks, Maryland on a small farm with our beloved bees and plantings dedicated to pollinators...with my adorable husband Ron and two Maine Coon cats... Red Cloud and Ten Bears.