Travel holds a special place in many people’s hearts as they connect with new experiences, people and places. Most say it changes them, or they ‘have the bug’ or start planning their next trip before they have finished their last, but ultimately travel has a spiritual impact that leaves people wanting more. This motive was what led the folks at Carry On Watson to re-think luggage, believing they could do more with current lackluster luggage by injecting some art and inspiration that could help reflect their love of travel.
They came across Sarah York, the artist of their first collaboration online and instantly fell in love with her designs and style. There was an instant connection and serendipity to the collaboration with both just returning from trips to Hawaii. Catherine Bell, the Founder of Carry On Watson said “It was an easy partnership – both lovers of travel and keen to see this project come to life”. Together, they set out to come up with gorgeous country inspired designs that would bring the ‘Watson’ bag to life. Sarah created five artworks, that come on both black and white bags, each with their own story.
Gumnut
A wink to the Australian children’s classic story books by May Gibbs, SungglePot and CuddlePie, this design captures the famed Australian eucalyptus tree that can be found in most parts of Australia. This hardy tree, of which there are over 700 types, has become synonymous with Australian heritage and identity featuring in much of the countries art, music and literature.
Chinoiserie
Chinoiserie, a French word loosely meaning ‘China style or taste’ is inspired by Chinese or rather Oriental art and design from the 17th- 18th century. At the time, extremely exotic to those from the West it was often copied and adopted by the wealthy and used in interiors across Europe. Still popular today, the whimsical, sometimes fanciful prints have been used to adorn walls, clothes, furniture, tableware, fabrics and porcelain to name a few.
Aloha
A classic design that just shouts holiday, paradise and beach, this design is inspired by the vintage Hawaii style that you see on old posters / postcards. We believe it gives you a nostalgic feeling of times past, simple life, waves lapping, palm trees swaying, sun shining and sand between your toes. Enough said, right?
Sakura
Japan. It’s so unique that it’s hard not to be fascinated and intrigued by its people and culture. Sakura, the Japanese word for cherry blossom has been part of Japanese traditional culture for centuries. Hanging out under the tree’s, eating and drinking sake is just one of the enjoyments this tree brings the Japanese. The blossom has come to symbolize a number of meanings surrounding Buddhism, mortality, life, art, music and even military.
Otomi
Inspired by the indigenous Otomi group from Mexico, craftswomen would use embroidery to portray mythical animals and people using bright colours to capture the cosmovision. The depiction of life, believed by some to be inspired by ancient wall paintings has morphed over time to include new subject matter to narrate time, history and today’s artisan impressions.
To get your own limited edition custom print carry on ‘Watson’ bag, head to Carry On Watson’s site to peruse through the various artworks and colour combinations.
