From a leather billfold made from Mercedes interiors to a weekend holdall crafted from reused tyre tubes, create your own luxurious yet eco-friendly style with these upcycled accessories.
Before you hit the shops to add to your summer look, think about all the material that goes to waste every year. From fire department hoses and car tyres to all the leather trimmings that don’t make the cut with the luxury brands, there’s a ton of material going to waste around the world. You can do your part with these savvy up-cycled accessories, which not only look great but help reduce waste in the process.
TRMTAB Otto Dopp Kit
Made from waxed canvas and discarded leather trims or ‘lower selection’ rawhides, the TRMTAB Otto Dopp Kit is a stylish and durable travel essentials bag. Available in olive or navy blue, this chevron-stitched kit also has an interior zip pocket for smaller items. US$59
New Globe Traveller Weekend Holdall
Handmade from upcycled leather and tyre tubes, the first-of-its-kind cabin-sized New Globe Traveller Weekend Holdall provides a 22-litre capacity for your daily commute or weekend escapes, while a gunmetal-coloured clasp makes sure your belongings are secure. The cotton-lined interior has dedicated slots for your wallet and phone, as well as zipped sleeves for smaller items.
Sword and Plough Sunglasses Case
Next time you take off your shades you don’t have to worry about cracking them. The Sword and Plough Sunglasses Case, made with repurposed military surplus materials, including wool, ensures scratch-free storage, while a simple design, with only a sewn logo on the front, allows you to stay minimalist and in style.
Mariclaro ZW Billfold 1994 Mercedes W140-S500
Transformed from 23-year-old luxury vintage car interiors into a leather wallet for today’s gentlemen, the Mariclaro ZW Billfold 1994 Mercedes W140-S500 from the Drive Collection provides sleeves that can hold up to 20 cards and a full-length money note slot. With a minimalist design complete with fine stitching and a debossed logo, this all-black handmade billfold is also soft and lightweight. US$55
Plain Maroon Vegan Strap
An eco-friendly alternative to your leather or nylon guitar strap, the Plain Maroon Vegan Strap, made from 100 percent recycled seatbelt materials, combines functionality and eco-concepts. Available in eight different colours, this durable handmade strap is simple, chic, and durable.
Looptworks Carry-On Laptop Sleeve
The Looptworks Carry-On Laptop Sleeve is made with upcycled leather seat covers from Horizon Airlines, Alaska Airlines’ sister carrier. Water-resistant and durable, this handcrafted messenger bag has room for a 13-inch laptop, complemented by nylon lining and a magnetic closure.
Elvis & Kresse Overnight Bag
Robust and stylish, the Elvis & Kresse Overnight Bag is made from two-decade-old genuine decommissioned fire-hose from the UK, graced with reclaimed military-grade parachute silk lining. With a wide opening, an internal zip pocket, and a quick access external pocket, this water-resistant bag has room for a change of clothes, a pair of trainers, a book, and other daily essentials.
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