With a quote from Sepp Herberger, which actually refers to the customs of a soccer match, the Swiss bag manufacturer FREITAG announces a new edition for self-design. The reuse of this saying in a new context is also wonderfully metaphorical: the production of the label, which only uses recycled truck tarpaulins for its unique pieces, is similarly innovative.
You have to finish this FREITAG bag yourself: Since the beginning of December, the Swiss bag label has been inviting designers to put the finishing touches to their Tote Bag F719 MEL GRÜNGASSE. For the final touches, you can visit the store in Zurich's Grüngasse virtually via video call. According to the label, the 719 MEL GRÜNGASSE is a "recycled tote bag for bike-riding over-individualists, hobby creative directors and other do-it-yourself makers". It was therefore fitting that our editor Sonja Pham, a DIY bike enthusiast, was able to take a closer look at the edition and design her own bag with colleague Celia.
The semi-finished products from F719 MEL GRÜNGASSE feature a large circle in the middle, which can be backed by the respective designer with one of the countless, multi-colored tarpaulin remnants from production. All materials already have a certain patina, charmingly described by the label as "probably white, i.e. somehow grayish, beige or not-quite-snow-white". There's also a colorful tarpaulin strap to choose from so that you can hang the bag around your neck (keyword: bike-friendly). The round porthole not only has the effect that the bag can be individualized with a great signal color or a coherent typo detail, but that it also functions as a hidden outside pocket.
As the designer, you have half an hour to select the tarpaulin parts, then the professionals behind the sales counter - in our case the competent Celia - take over and get straight to their sewing machines. Within just a few days, you can have your own unique item delivered to your doorstep, complete with a small pouch in business card format. Incidentally, passers-by were still able to watch this process at the beginning of December: For the FREITAG Sweat Yourself store, the tarpaulin bag makers extended the production chain to the sales front in Zurich city center.
Maximum transparency and sustainability therefore remain the label's distinguishing features. Since 1993, the two graphic designers Markus and Daniel Freitag have been on a mission to create a water-repellent, multifunctional bag inspired by the colorful residues of heavy traffic. Our editor, on the other hand - not quite so altruistic, but still down-to-earth - was inspired by her favorite breakfast: a fried egg.
