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.

Yota is created from scrap leather - nothing is wasted.

The 8 artists designed 8 different watch along with matching dunnys. To celebrate them launch they through a huge event at the 5th ave Swatch store where EIC Samantha Lim was in attendance.

The eight models in the collection are available in Swatch stores either separately with a  complementary Dunny, or as part of a special Kidrobot limited and numbered edition of 300 sets.

What do you think of the collab?

145 West 18th Street

New York, NY 10011

(6th – 7th Aves)

WHEN

Tuesday, June 2nd 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday, June 3rd 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday, June 4th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Examples of the hundreds of extraordinary sale items:

L.A.M.B.

* Signature Collection, Cambridge Satchel in pebble grain coated canvas. Originally $495, at sale $150
* Signature Collection, Moneague Tote in pebble grain coated canvas. Originally $525, at sale $195
* Darjeeling Leather Collection, Orissa Clutch Wallet in shiny smooth cowhide leather. Originally $275, at sale $75
* Darjeeling Henna Collection, Jaipur Tote in printed cotton canvas with smooth cowhide trim. Originally $ 395, at sale $125

HARAJUKU LOVERS

* Poppin school bag in printed nylon twill with jacquard web.
* Originally $128, at sale $40

KIDROBOT

* Slinger crossbody made in cotton canvas printed with the iconic Kidrobot head, with nylon jacquard webbing and metal logo hardware. Comes with a collectible Kidrobot toy. Originally $98, at sale $30.

Tarina Tarantino has decided to collaborate with Kidrobot in order to create a jewelery line. The collaboration is also complete with wallet chains and charms in addition to the extensive line of necklaces, bracelets and earings. Not sure if this was the best idea; the results are awfully disappointing. We hear that the collection will be shown in Tarina Tarantino shops and Kidrobot stores in SoHo. Prices range from $65 to $975. Now let’s rethink that. $975 for what exactly? It looks like cheap plastic. Who would want miniature cupcakes hanging from their ears as they walk down the street? The jewelery is completely ridiculous and the odd nature of the wallet chains far surpass the outlandish style of the jewelery collection. I think it’s safe to say we wish these two never collaborated; ever

Special thanks to NYMag for the pics!

Soho’s Kidrobot is launching a line of bags, which includes totes, pouches and backpacks featuring their usual brand of anime design. The bags will range in price from $38-$148 for the canvas, $78-$328 for reflective nylon, are are due to hit their store on June 25.

This kinda goes back to the post about the cartoon tees, cuz if this is the same exact thing. Wearing cartoon characters on your bag after the age of 16 is just as bad as on a t-shirt.