Kipling
Kipling is a bag brand from Antwerp, Belgium, founded in 1987. Its products include handbags, backpacks, totes, suitcases, and small accessories such as wallets and pouches. The style is casual. The fabric it is best known for is crinkle nylon, although the brand also uses other materials. Kipling became popular through brightly colored travel bags that hold up well to regular use, as well as children's school bags. Another feature people often remember is the furry monkey keychain. The brand name comes from Rudyard Kipling, author of the children's book The Jungle Book. Since 2004 Kipling has been under VF Corporation, and its bags are now sold in more than 80 countries. The brand also collaborates often, from designers to cartoon characters.
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Kipling was founded in 1987 in Antwerp by designer Xavier Kegels, who also founded Hedgren, together with Paul Van De Velde. Vincent Haverbeke later joined as a third partner. The founders had actually decided to start a new bag company as early as 1986. The name Kipling comes from Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book.
After it was founded, the brand expanded beyond Belgium. In 1989 Kipling entered North America and Japan, then Central America in 1993. In June 2004, VF Corporation of the United States acquired it, and Kipling was placed in VF's sportswear line. Today the company has offices in Antwerp, New Jersey, São Paulo, and Hong Kong. Its bags are sold in more than 7,500 stores.
Over the years, Kipling has released many collaboration editions. The earliest on record are Perrier in 1991 and Ford in 1995. After that came collaborations with designers such as Peter Pilotto and Anna Sui, as well as with big names in popular culture such as Star Wars, Pac-Man, Keith Haring, Hello Kitty, and Barbie. For secondhand buyers, this means one brand can have many patterns and looks that differ from the regular line. If the bag you are after has an unusual pattern, it may be a collaboration edition.
- Crinkle nylon: the fabric most closely linked with Kipling, with its distinctive crinkled texture, although the brand also makes bags from other materials.
- Furry monkey keychain: an accessory described as a signature of the brand, often seen attached to the bags.
- Travel bags: suitcases, weekenders, and brightly colored carry-on bags that the brand is well known for.
- Children's school bags: backpacks and school gear that are popular with children.
- Collaboration editions: bags with special patterns, for example with Hello Kitty since 2022 and Barbie in 2023.
Kipling is currently empty. Preloved pieces arrive one at a time, check again after the next drop.
What we check before listing
We look at the condition of the fabric first: faded or fuzzy nylon surfaces, small tears, or stains in the folds. We check the stitching at the strap joins, handles, and bottom corners, because that is where the load is greatest. We open and close the zippers several times to make sure they run smoothly and do not stick. We smell and inspect the inside of the bag for a musty odor, ink stains, or peeling lining. We compare the logo and labels with other Kipling bags we have seen. If there is a monkey keychain, we note its condition, but its absence does not automatically mean there is a problem.
Caring for it
For nylon bags, clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then wipe with a dry cloth. Follow the label instructions if there are any, and avoid machine dryers because the heat can damage the material and the inner lining. Dry in a shaded place, not under direct sunlight. Empty the bag before storing it, and do not constantly pack it with heavy items so the strap stitching does not wear out quickly.
FAQ
Where does Kipling come from?
Kipling was founded in 1987 in Antwerp, Belgium. Since 2004 the brand has been part of VF Corporation.
Are Kipling bags always made of crinkle nylon?
Not always. Crinkle nylon is the best known, but Kipling also makes bags from many other materials.
Does an authentic Kipling bag always have a monkey keychain?
The furry monkey keychain is a signature of the brand. However, the keychain can come off or be replaced by a previous owner, so we do not use it as the only benchmark.
Are collaboration edition bags different from the regular ones?
Usually the pattern and look are special, for example the Hello Kitty or Barbie editions. If you are unsure, ask for detailed photos of the label and stitching before buying.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).