The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitebags Mark firmly believed it was possible to create beautiful piec- es without compromising material quality or construction. He collaborated with Candy, who shared the same values regarding materials and construction, albeit with different distinct design ideas. The brand effectively bridges the gap between traditional leather craftsmanship and trend-driven fashion brands. “We have a genuine appreciation for fash- ion, but we do not endorse fast fashion,” they told Alfa Vega online earlier this year. “Our goal is to empower individuals to express their crea- tivity through their chosen accessories while causing min- imal harm to people and the planet. A key aspect of this commitment is our lifetime repair service. We intentionally designed our pieces to be easily repairable, although the need for repairs is improbable.” The Navvies’ ideas and val- ues remain at the forefront of their minds during the entire design and manufacturing process. Navvy London uses low-impact vegetable-tanned leather with superior quality, strength, suppleness and longevity at their Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tannery. “Its organic texture accentuates its natural origins,” they added. “To complement this remarkable material, we chose solid brass fittings as a timeless hardware choice, paying homage to our historical inspiration. Over time, the brass ages beau- tifully in harmony with the leather.” The brand creatively designed and handcrafted high-quality leather bags and accessories at their Navvy-built Victorian London workshop. Influenced by its historic surroundings, Navvy London focuses on long-lasting, quality, natural materials, form and function synergy, and pairing practi- cal pieces with intelligent, elegant design. Their collection launched this year after the Covid-19 pandemic severely delayed the initial offering. The primary palette consists of soot, silt and smog with in- jects of brick, indigo, nettle, saveloy, thistle and violet hues introduced in the new collection. Balcombe’s robust con- struction is tempered by the soft silhouette, making it suit- ed for work, play and travel. The understated elegance of the brass fittings and the natural grain of the Tuscan leath- er make it your quietly confident daily companion. It also features a detachable internal organiser with a zip pocket, three card slots and a pen holder. Chirk distils the architecture of the Navvy aesthetic into a concentrated form. The discord between the diminutive proportions and full-size catch is captivating. It’s perfect for carrying your essentials and travelling light thanks to its in- ternal organiser with a zip pocket and three card slots. Old- bury is a versatile and spacious day pack that allows you to switch fromwork to play on the move. This practical hands- free carry also features a detachable internal organiser. You can rely on the Pensford companion bag in all sea- sons thanks to its roomy and well-organised space with the standard detachable internal organiser. The generous Cullo- den backpack is suited for work, weekends, and overnight stays. Inspired by the Navvies who travelled site to site with their tools, this modern equivalent will stand up to the rig- ours with aplomb. The functional Saltburn messenger fills the gap between the Pensford and Balcombe and is perfect for keeping your essentials close to hand while travelling. The brand also carries other accessories, such as the Lune key ring in the brand's geometric logo shape in extensive colours, including grey, purple, salmon, yellow, green, blue and black and Meldon bag belt hangers in similar colours. Your bag can be treated with a water-repellent leather balm made from a blend of natural waxes, oils and lanolin, which cleans and replenishes the original softness and handle of the leather whilst providing a degree of water resistance. Navvy London accessories are available online. https://navvylondon.com Images courtesy of Black PR