Australian Schoolbag

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.”