Kyoto brand SANS-SERIF upcycles British bus roll signs into two-way bags

The Kyoto-based upcycling brand SANS-SERIF has launched a two-way bag crafted from vintage British bus roll signs. Operated by FLOTATION, the brand developed the product to mark its 10th anniversary. Both a shoulder bag and a backpack, the bag features authentic destination blinds used on British buses during the 1980s and 1990s.

SANS-SERIF believes in reviving materials that have fulfilled their original roles and transforming them into functional items for modern life. The primary material for this collection consists of vintage bus roll signs, which served as destination indicators for passengers. These scrolls contain specific information such as location names and route numbers, making each section of the material unique. The brand incorporates these retired materials into designs intended for practical, everyday use.

The two-way bag is designed for versatility, catering to both daily commutes and travel. It includes practical features such as an internal pocket compatible with 15-inch laptops and a holder for securing the bag to a suitcase handle. In addition to the vintage British scrolls, the construction utilises high-quality Japanese materials, including Kurashiki canvas and Himeji leather. Each piece is individually sewn by artisans in Japanese workshops, ensuring that no two bags share the same design.

The crowdfunding project aims to secure manufacturing funds and establish a stable production system for the brand. Pre-sales began on the crowdfunding platform Makuake last week.