There are only 99 of this bag in the world. ONE of them could be yours. Win this $495 A. Toy duffle! Find out how here.  Alex Toy made a toy of the coolest type for a kid of our kind: a chic bag that can fit the world. A. Toy creates bags that make sense and are made well with the softest leather and strongest canvas. We caught up with him about the Andy Duffle which we are giving away here NOW. Alex tells us what makes his bags unique and unisex, and what it is about some other bags in the world that really grinds his gears.

TO WIN: In the comments below, tell us your biggest bag pet peeve. Are the handles too short? Is it a cell phone black hole? Too lazy to buckle the buckle? The most fed up wins a the A. Toy Andy Duffle pictured here.

Like or Follow A.Toy to qualify. Get kvetching.

 

FashionIndie: What was the moment when you decided to make the leap from working for other designers [Botkier, Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson...] to going indie? 

Alex Toy: A. Toy started out with a desire to create something unique, special and, selfishly, for myself. I was always on the lookout for a cool everyday bag for myself. I hate it when you're out and 3 other people are wearing that same thing. For A. Toy it's not about having this huge global brand, it's about designing a coveted product that people appreciate.

FI: Your philosophy on no-pretension bags is spot on. What is your biggest pet peeve about certain other bags in the world?

A. Toy: My biggest pet peeve about other bags is loading them up with too many [non-functioning] details. Bags are meant to be functional and, to me, that is the most important feature.

On the interior of all my bags there is a removable pouch that snaps in place. This pouch also snaps into other A. Toy bags which is perfect for cell phone chargers or any other necessary things when switching from one bag to another. Also I designed my dust bag so that it can also be used as a large tote bag. It's all in the details!

FI: The unisex aspect is also on point - what are some elements you included/omitted to make it work for both guys and ladies?

A. Toy: In terms of design, I always focus more on the masculine side first. Men will rarely carry a feminine bag but a woman carrying amasculine bag is super sexy.

FI: Who have you been most excited to see wear A. Toy?

A. Toy: Everyday people in the city - those are the people I design for. It's the best feeling to see people rocking A. Toy. It makes me feel like I am doing something right.

FI: What thoughts and sights are sparking the ideas for your next collection of bags?

A. Toy: As the collection evolves I am making the product even more special and unique. Un-expected combinations of trim leathers that make the bags stand out in a good way. You will see!

FI: Where did YOTA come from and why is he so freaking cute??

A. Toy: YOTA came out of the need to create something fun and special. I love Kidrobot toys and the surprise of not knowing which toy you would get was the best part. Not all A. Toy bags come with a YOTA so when you do get one it just makes it that much more special.

[caption id="attachment_211919" align="aligncenter" width="359" caption="Yota is created from scrap leather - nothing is wasted."][/caption]