As well as adding new items to the online shop at http://www.clientlondon.com Client London is also joining up with the successful online fashion store the http://independentboutique.com . The launch of the new boutique is hoped to bring in more 'clients' to the brand and increase sales as it appeals to a wider area, offering Client clothes alongside many other independent designers. One of the latest fashion additions to both online stores is the A/W 2012 Client London messenger bag.
On her adventures and in search of vintage finds, Client director, Kate Holmes discovered an eastern block true vintage gas mask bag circa 1970 and decided this would be the bag to launch this autumn/winter. Under the direction of Kate the vintage military durable gas mask bag was remade in to the Client London Messenger Bag complete with the Client Crossed Hands Logo seen throughout the collection.
With a simple design opening like an envelope, this traditional military khaki green bag features the old serial code and name tag on the inside. All the old interior pockets that once housed the gas mask essentials are still included and the bag has been adapted with a Client engraved button to seal the external lid with the Client Crossed Hands logo embroidered in the corner and a long adjustable thick strap. The external pocket now beautifully repurposed for a mobile phone, originally would have been used for a radio or something different.
The origins of the messenger back date back to New York in the 1950s, where it is rumoured that the heavy duty shoulder bags were being manufactured for telephone lines men by Frank Demartini of Globe Canvas. The bag was designed to be easy to access and hold equipment while the men were working on the telephone poles. Later in the 1970s, bicycle messengers started using the canvas bags for deliveries. By the 1980s due to congestion, bicycles and delivery men became more common in Manhattan and a subculture was formed, shops began to spring up creating small messenger- delivery bags for the growing need as well as for fans of the subculture.
The messenger bag appeals to so many because of its durability, longevity and its reminiscence of the Manhattan bicycle subculture. The appeal of the working class heritage and the ability to carry anything are also reasons why this bag has been so popular all over the globe through our recent history.