Spend any time at an airport baggage carousel lately?
Black bag. Black bag. Try-hard pink suitcase. Black bag … with a rainbow tag.
Nevermind that you risk someone else mistakenly waltzing off with your duffel — they’re also bland, uninspired choices befitting a guy in a grey suit who drives a Camry.
Don’t be a guy in a gray suit who drives a Camry.
Do opt for something recognizable for the right reason: like artist Aaron de la Cruz’s new line of accessories for SF bag shop HEX.
CCA alum Aaron de la Cruz is a local boy done good whose distinctive, geometric work for clients like the Ace Hotel is equal parts graffiti and site-specific art installation. With the help of HEX, he’s channeled that hyperkinetic aesthetic into a capsule collection of two duffels (one quilted, one in a reflective print), two backpacks (ditto), and an assortment of iPhone covers.
Our pick? The quilted Drifter Duffel.
Carry it on or check it, the 31-liter capacity means you’ll be able to fit enough gear for a long-haul trip — even if you’re headed to destinations necessitating sweaters and snowpants.
A front pocket is padded to safely transport your iPad mini or any other gear you need handy, and the quilted canvas exterior is water resistant, meaning it’s safe in all sorts of weather. And best of all, it’s eye-catching but cool. Rugged, textured and still — somehow — sleek.
As airport looks go, it’s a winner.
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