You’ve never seen a bag like this before.
You’ll be happy to know that creative collaborations continue to exist with abandon in “the city”. Stunned by their handmade display at the tradeshow, my interest was piqued. When I learned that their product information was presented purely by word of mouth – no catalogs – I had a fonder appreciation for their interpretation of value. I decided to infiltrate their domain and learn more about what makes them tick, and finding their location proved to be the second part of the test in their incognito operation. It only fed my curiosity.
Once I learned how to get to the Historic Dogpatch district, I learned that Rickshaw Bags was founded by former Timbuk2 CEO, Mark Dwight, in May 2007. He was later joined by Timbuk2 founder Rob Honeycutt, and Macy Allatt McGinness, former marketing manager from Timbuk2. While responding to the dotcom blowup economy in San Francisco, the massive production cycles of the world’s most popular messenger bag changed their perception of value. It seemed that their inspiration to begin anew met somewhere between doing something meaningful for the creative community and participating in the sustainability movement.
Inside the warehouse, the space had been fittingly decorated with Bohemian furnishings: a tiger print carpet, screen printed display backdrops, brick walls peeking through raw canvas paintings, and half a dozen industrial sewing machines. They keep a plentiful stock of fabric on hand, with lots of variety to choose from. Many stylish fabrics are sourced within the United States, and the “Bottles To Bags” collection features designer fabrics woven from 100-percent post consumer recycled beverage bottles. After falling in love with one of the prototype designs, I asked to order one as soon as materials would be available. They started a bag for me, immediately. I selected a “Mini” version of the bag which uses a prefabricated functional “chassis” body. Rickshaw invites customers to supply their own fabric for a one-of-kind creation, as well. Observing the process of manufacturing the bag once I narrowed down my fabric choices, was quite exhilarating. The Zero model is specially designed to optimize fabric cutting and eliminate material waste in the factory. Inside each bag, you can find a token of nostalgia from the maker: a heart pierced by a sewing needle, carrying a 5-star banner honoring each of the stakeholders of the business. Their tattoo.
Rickshaw’s niche market consists of both the environmentally and fashionably conscious, while they have stepped up with cost-effective solutions for non-profits on short notice, as well. They hope to inspire others to do the same.
- words and most photos by yours truly (Eryn Hughes), photos4, 5 and 9 by Ryan Hetzel
velomuse
This is totally inspirational ~~ Good job Rickshaw Bagworks! Thank you Eryn for sharing your comments with us.
Keep up the good work.
Very well written, and it only solidifies my opinion of your many talents. I am thrilled to have you has a business partner and friend!