by Brooke Varney
16 designers create one-of-a-kind backpacks to benefit research and awareness of HIV/AIDS.
We’re always intrigued when our favorite designers create one-of-a-kind pieces. We absolutely love when they’re sold for a good cause. For the fourth consecutive year in a row, Eastpak has teamed up with 16 designers to create some pretty amazing backpacks to be auctioned for World AIDS Day. All proceeds will be going to Designer Against AIDS, a non-profit organization that sets up projects to raise awareness and stop the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout the world.
The designers, including Jean-Paul Gaultier and Manolo Blahnik, were given a blank backpack and told to go all-out transforming it into a practically unrecognizable work of art. They certainly did not disappoint, with Gaultier’s amazing design incorporating a complete bomber jacket with built-in backpack. Of the unique idea, Gaultier said, “This is completely unique… We are doing bags, which is a kind of protection, protection for the protection against AIDS.” As for Blahnik’s red and white pompom-adorned backpack, his inspiration came from his home country of Spain. “Pompons are a very important part of our culture and often form part of my collections.”
Manolo Blahnik’s Spain-inspired backpack.
The complete collection of backpacks is currently being showcased at Eastpak’s pop-up shop in Shoreditch called #MadeForLondon, and will remain displayed in the store through “revolutionary technology” once the pieces are auctioned and sent away to their new owners. Starting today through December 21, backpacks will be up for auction starting at $100, (approximately £64) so be sure to get bidding!