Introducing the sustainable designer bag with the fashion editor seal of approval
If you're not aware of East London accessories brand Max V Koenig already, you will be soon. Only launched a year ago, the bags have been spotted on the arm of many a fashion editor at Fashion Week, a sure sign that it's on the way to becoming the new it bag.
Behind the brand is Maximilian Koenig, of French origin but raised in Vienna, who ensures the bags are made as ethically as possible (all the leathers are byproducts of the food industry).
Maximilian explains, 'Made to last, Max V. Koenig bags are designed as true companions for life. The leathers used for the collections are tanned and dyed in some of the most renowned tanneries. Throughout the process the brand is resorting to cutting-edge technology and minimal use of chemicals, in order to value the leather’s unique grain and butter soft texture. Each timeless, elegant and versatile piece is hand-sculpted by artisans who share an ancestral knowledge of more than 160 years.'
And while the bags have been a hit on the streets of London, they've been proving quite popular in the States too, with different trends emerging from each coast.
The designer says, 'generally the West Coast likes light colours, such as the light grey, the tan and blues - the fringe bags and large Orion totes are very popular. The East Coast prefers more muted colours, they were very keen on the Fall/Winter colour palette: the forrest green, fuchsia but also black and sand - the medium and small Orion were by far our best sellers there.'
If you're looking to invest (smart move), the Orion bag, which was the brand's first prototype, is the way to go.
Why? Well,'with the this bag, I wanted to achieve the nearly-impossible: digging into new shapes, it should be functional and of generous volume, without appearing bulky, made to last without interfering with the softness of the leather. The colours should be bold, without compromising the possibility to be worn on any occasion. That was the task motivating the beginnings of my brand Max V. Koenig, Maximilian explains.
Shop now: ARA Pouch for £620 from Max V. Koenig
Shop now: ORION - Stripe Small for £750 from Max V. Koenig
Shop now: ARIES bag for £770 from Max V. Koenig
The brand’s aesthetic is defined by refined silhouettes and minimalistic details, which means that although it's a high price point, you're buying into something that is not only timeless, it's sustainable too. You can't argue with that.
