A must for all lovers of unpretentious, real-deal paraphernalia, Scandinavian classic bag brand Sandqvist are producing some of the best ‘holders of things’ we’ve seen in a while. And thank you! Sandqvist style is catching on. So much so that they have chosen to open their first flagship store outside Sweden in Soho’s Berwick Street.
Anton Sandqvist founded Sandqvist in Stockholm, Sweden in 2004. Together, with his brother Daniel and their friend Sebastian, they have created a brand inspired by the Nordic landscape with its forests, rivers and vast unpopulated areas as well as an urban city lifestyle. Their range of uncomplicated, functional and beautifully designed bags and backpacks are perfect for those looking for function + high on style + low on fuss. So of course bringing the bags to London is the next step in their ambitions for the brand.
Anton told us, “We’ve been looking for the right location for around 18 months and when we finally found the unit on Berwick Street it felt perfect. There’s a special vibe in Soho and especially on Berwick Street with all the nice neighbours such as Universal Works, Oliver Spencer and Nudie Jeans to mention a few.”
The architectural design of the new store, created by Fredrik Nilsby from Dawn of Ideas, reflects the brand taking its cue from Scandinavian nature and functionality. It’s all there. Think fir ply, milled and painted panelling, galvanized steel framework, concrete floors and marble table surfaces.
To celebrate the new store, the standout army-and-navy-luxe ‘Alva’ and ‘Hege’ backpacks (highly recommended by the way – I have one and love it) have been released in navy with black leather (versus the classic black on black). Alongside these, the full 130 strong Sandqvist product range and the brand’s first vegan ‘Lightweight’ collection of youthful, simplistic bags in light, strong and water repellent ripstop polyester will all be available in store.
And if that’s not enough, we’re looking forward to the launch of the first complete Sandqvist women’s collection in August which will bring a feminist edge to the range. Not to be missed.
