This military duffel bag by Whipping Post takes inspiration from bags that soldiers used to use in war. Specifically, Whipping Post's founder Ryan Barr borrowed inspiration from the design of the duffel bag used by his father when he was serving in Vietnam. The duffel bag design is handmade from vegetable-tanned leather, and is surprisingly constructed without any zippers. Instead, the bag has a closure that folds over and clips for security, so that there's no need to struggle with zippers sticking or breaking.
Keeping in line with Whipping Post's minimal approach to design, the bag is free of overbearing logos, lining and unnecessary features. Because of this, Barr estimates that "This bag's lifespan will be measured in decades."
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Minimalist Military-inspired Designs
- Opportunities may arise for companies to create simple and functional designs that are inspired by military gear.
- Vegetable-tanned Leather Products
- Companies can explore the potential of using vegetable-tanned leather, an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional methods of tanning leather.
- Closure Alternatives
- Disruptive innovations include exploring alternative options for bag closures that are durable and efficient.
Where This Applies
- Luggage and Travel Accessories
- Companies can consider creating luggage and travel accessories inspired by military design.
- Fashion/accessories
- This trend can also be adapted in the fashion industry with accessories inspired by military aesthetics.
- Sustainability and Eco-friendly Products
- Companies can explore the use of vegetable-tanned leather in other product lines, catering to the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.
