The stitches of Eastpak

Beloved indie haunt Vinyl on Vinyl corroborated its cultural consortium streak last April 27, shortly after the launch of artist Tokwa Peñaflorida’s “Hypnagogia” exhibit, as it hosted the launch of this year’s Eastpak Artist Studio, a yearly initiative that converts the brand’s iconic backpack prototype into scintillating works of art.

A heritage brand heralded by the alternative community for its dynamic range, Eastpak brought together style mavericks, members of the media, and culture vultures from various disciplines a few Saturdays ago to toast its five chosen designers who will represent the brand and join Eastpak’s prestigious artist portfolio for the benefit of Designers Against AIDS.

Over bangin’ performances from The Butchercons, Moonstar 88 and a live DJ set by spinmaster Gandhi Tuazon, Eastpak, together with Bratpack’s creative platform Bratpack Remix, unveiled five tastemakers from the fields of fashion, graphic design, tattoo art, and visual arts, among others, who were tasked to put their own unique spin and artistic pedigree to the beloved backpack brand.

Among them were Happy Andrada, internationally acclaimed fashion designer and co-owner of F*Art Fashion; Resty Tica, award-winning painter and print graphic artist known for his abstract expressionist imagery driven by pop art sensibilities; Apol Sta. Maria, notable visual creator who breathes surrealist life into his comic book characters and art works, JP Cuison, two-time representative to the Cannes Young Lions International Advertising Festival with a knack for infusing the old with the new; and Paolo Bernaldo, bassist of Moonstar 88 and The Butchercons who is also an award-winning music video director for local and foreign artists like Parokya ni Edgar and David Archuleta.

Sounding board

“My inspiration for my creations are the local materials that I use,” shares Andrada who has been awarded by the Miami International Fashion Week as the International Emerging Designer of 2012. Among the materials she used for her creations were piña, abaca, cotton and denim — a creative choice, she says, that is her way of “giving back to our local weavers.”

Meanwhile, Sta. Maria’s creation hits closer to home as he pays homage to his grandparents with quirk and humor, keeping in mind the Eastpak Artist Studio’s advocacy to promote AIDS awareness. “Naisip ko kasi na magandang tumanda nang kasama mo yung partner mo — happily ever after kayong dalawa.”

Bernaldo shares in Sta. Maria’s choice of family as muse; this time, turning to his children, Ash and Ada, for inspiration. “Gusto ko kasi yung work ko, magustuhan nila. Actually, katulong ko gumawa ng bag si Ash, and yung inspiration namin yung Monsters Inc.” This is reflected in his cute, monster-like doodles on Eastpak’s white canvas surface.

Tica, who has been awarded with the grand prize for PLDT-DPC Telephone Directory cover art competition and Artist of the Year by the TUP Fine Arts Gawad Pagkilala sa Sining, decided to exact from the Philippines’ rich, cultural heritage in creating his collection. “Tingin ko din yung best na makakapag-describe sa history ng Pilipinas, yung mode of transportation natin,” he shares about his chosen thematic elements — the kalesa and the jeepney. “Yung una, kalesa kasi ‘di ba ngayon nakakalimutan na natin na noon, yun lang ang ginagamit natin tapos nag-evolve sa jeep. Yung jeep kasi tatak Pinoy talaga.”

Finally, Cuison set his sights on pop culture as he made his own take on the likes of Astro Boy and Darth Vader for his Gigzilla x Eastpak series, merging comic design and humor for the colorful patches that varnished his work. “Yung inspiration ko sa mga bags, yung mga GIG posters ko. Ito yung mga characters na ginagamit ko sa exhibits ko,” he shares.

When asked if he feels honored by his inclusion in the Eastpak Artist Studio, Cuison shares the same sentiment as his fellow artists and designers: “Siyempre honored — biruin mo, sa dami ng magagaling na artists dito sa atin, kasama ako sa international project ng Eastpak. Minsan kasi, ‘di napapansin yung galing ng local artists sa atin so magandang opportunity ‘to para sa amin na ma-represent yung Philippines.” True that!

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Eastpak is the authentic gloval lifestyle brand offering innovative mobility solutions for the urban insider. From street-smart backpacks to convenient shoulder bags and ingenious luggage and travel items, every Eastpak bag or accessory is designed to let you cram more life and excitement into your day, whether moving across town or across the globe. Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastpak.philippines