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Australian Schoolbag

Introduced in the Summer 1986 catalogue

Running from Summer 1986 to Spring 1987, this wonderful twill and leather bag was also made in pigskin leather in 1988.

Photos below from a September 2020 eBay sale.

From the 1986 catalogue: “We took a full-sized suitcase to Australia, but needed a smaller bag from which to conduct daily business. So we ducked into a Melbourne surplus store and came out with what we were told was a schoolbag. It was ideal for our purposes-perfectly proportioned for sketchpads and letter-sized files, as well as for everyday use at home; thoughtfully equipped with both hand grip and shoulder strap. We’ve duplicated the original in 100% cotton khaki twill and added a few amenities-antiqued brass fittings, tanned cowhide trim, a large exterior pocket for papers and magazines, and a zippered pocket inside for pens, change, Vegemite sandwiches, what have you. Clever tots, those Aussie schoolkids.”

From the 1988 catalogue: “when we found a cotton canvas schoolbag in a Melbourne surplus store, a quick study convinced us that matriculation was in order. We reiterated the bag in sueded pigskin; the final product proves how easily an elective can become an absolute requirement.”

The Leather Australian Schoolbag from Fall 1988.

About The Author

Robyn Adams
Robyn's fascination with Banana Republic began in 1984 when her Alaskan adventurer father began buying the clothing and giving her the catalogs. She loved the clothes and as an artist she was drawn to the illustrations. She went on to study illustration at art college in BR's hometown of San Francisco and worked for years as a background artist for animation. She is now based in Oakland, CA as a graphic designer and illustrator with Secret Fan Base . She's been collecting and archiving at Abandoned Republic since 2011.

2 Comments

  • ronnie on January 1, 2021

    Hi I’m looking for an australian school bag, I had an original from 1986 that I used until I wore it out, do you know where I might find one, I have looked everywhere I sure would like to have another, that was the coolest store I bought many things from them. thank you Ronnie

    • Robyn Adams on January 13, 2021

      It’s pretty rare! Keep an eye out for vintage banana republic bags on eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark.

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