It all began with a single bag : Jean Paul Gaultier’s design for the fourth edition of Eastpak Artist Studio to support Non-Profit-Organisation Designers Against AIDS (DAA). The cooperation grew from this original one off, blossoming under Jean-Paul Gaultier’s style and Eastpak’s functionality know-how. The Eastpak x Jean Paul Gaultier Collection comprises seven backpacks in total, three of which are available as numbered limited editions. And Jean-Paul Gaultier’s signature nautical stripe look inspired by sailors in Brittany couldn’t go amiss. These tops originally presented 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon’s victories.
The press release tells us: "Bomber Backpack – The bomber jacket is reworked as a backpack with all its codes intact – the nylon fabric, orange lining and rib trimming. Leather Backpack (Limited to 250 pieces) – The leather biker/pilot jacket is reinterpreted as a backpack with lacing. Pilot Backpack (Limited to 125 pieces) – The supersonic jet pilot uniform is inspired by a play on technical lacing and corsetry. The nude version clearly evokes the Gaultier corsetry. Denim Backpack -The jeans jacket in a recto/verso version – dark and light with overstitched pockets and button fastening. The Limited Edition Collection will go on sale via selected stockists on February 1st, 2015. The Main Collection is scheduled for release on April 1st, 2015. Part proceeds from all sales will go to DAA."
About - DESIGNERS AGAINST AIDS. Non-profit organization ‘Beauty Without Irony’ has launched the international project ‘Designers Against AIDS’ (DAA) in 2004 in order to raise AIDS awareness in the international media and towards the general public, more specifically towards young people in the industrialised countries using elements from pop culture (music, fashion, design, arts, sports, film, celebrities, etc). designersagainstaids.com