Travel Gear from Queer-Owned Businesses
At Vacationer Magazine, we aim to travel in style, and what better way to do that than with travel gear that serves a look while providing functionality? Well…. I’ll tell you! You can choose to utilize luggage that is fashionable, functional, and also supports our community!
The following is a list of queer-owned brands and businesses that provide luxury travel gear at attainable price points.
Brandon Blackwood
Brandon Blackwood is based in Brooklyn, NY and has been making luxury leather bags since 2015. The designer strives to maintain peak functionality while staying true to classic style. The line is inclusive, luxurious yet affordable, and on the cutting edge of what is sleek and trendy. The current Spring/ Summer 2022 collection is the absolute height of glamour and sophistication with gorgeous bright colors, beaded patterns and metallics present throughout. Travelers can make good use of his backpacks and totes as carry-on luggage.
Eclectic
This French label blends traditional men’s tailoring with activewear in both design and function. Many of their styles are made with cutting edge technical fabrics that provide exceptional breathability, stretch and wind resistance. The same is true for their travel collection “voyage”. The bags in this collection combine classic style, elegance, and durability. Although a bit on the pricey side, you can be assured that you are paying for true fabric engineering and quality. See the collection here.
Roverlund
“Born out of a passion for exploring endless cityscapes and the awe-inspiring great outdoors, Roverlund is a collection of durable, design-forward gear for pets and their people. Our products are made for adventure-seekers and city-slickers alike—those who value pet companionship, design and utility as much as we do. With clever design cues and built-to-last materials, our products are designed to enrich your adventures time and time again.”
As the quote from their website alludes to, Roverlund was created out of a perceived need for airline friendly pet carriers. It is the brainchild of Vogue alum Jamie Knowles who launched the brand in 2019. This unique brand enables you to match your weekend bag to your pet carrier!
Telfar
Created by Telfar Clemens in New York in 2005, this brand strives for inclusivity first by operating under the motto “not for you, for everyone.” Famous for the “shopping bag” design based off the three dimensions of the Bloomingdale’s brown bags, Telfar provides a minimalist assortment of handbags, duffel bags, tote bags, hats, shoes and activewear to the masses. Designed with elegant simplicity and run in a multitude of colors, you’ll be hard pressed to catch many of the designs in stock on the website due to soaring demand. Take a look at the assortment here.
Nicole Zizi Studio
“We are focused on sustainability, materials science, and innovations in contemporary gender-free streetwear, accessories, and home essentials. We’re about progressive design focusing on developing new products through materials science. We focus on developing products with recycled, alternative, and natural materials. We aim to develop products that uplift our communities and minimize the negative environmental impact”
This is the mission statement of the Nicole Zizi Studio. Their sheik, casual designs look right at home in any urban landscape. We absolutely love the vegan leather crossbody bag. It’s the perfect and most stylish way to hold your ID, cash, and credit cards while navigating airport security.
