FROM TÖRBEL WITH LOVE
The Swiss Army Recycling Collection brings
After discovering that the Swiss army had
together Swiss design, traditional craftsmanship and
stockpiles of unused blankets left over from
the sturdiness of Swiss Army blankets - resulting
their switch to sleeping bags in the sixties, they
in a range of bags and accessories which have a
quickly started incorporating the material into
look and feel so unique, they could not originate
their work. ‘They have tons of them in big holes
from anywhere but here - the Swiss alps.
in the mountains’ Hansjörg explains. ‘They were produced in case of war and we never had a war,
In the tiny village of Törbel in canton Valais, a
so now they’re old but actually never used.’
booming cottage industry is producing this range of fashionable products against a backdrop of
The wool is fairly coarse, which makes it ideal for
snowy peaks. In a tucked-away workshop, twelve
heavy duty bags - and the unique look soon became
local women buzz away at sewing machines,
a firm favourite with design afficionados in Zurich,
producing the distinctive brown-grey designs
before it spread to Berlin, New York and Tokyo.
with a red stripe and a white Swiss cross. Karlen’s philosophy is to use recycled materials The collection is the brainchild of the local cobbler
throughout, apart from the zips and fasteners,
Titus Karlen and his innovative son Hansjörg.
everything that goes into the items is ex-army
Titus, who has lived in the alpine village all his
standard issue. The straps are disused gun leashes
life, used to make rucksacks for the Swiss army,
and soldier’s belts act as seam strengtheners.
but as a result of army cutbacks, his orders have dramatically decreased. ‘I had to look for
These handmade products contrast humbly
new ways to get business to make sure my
with a consumer world which is dominated by
workshop survived,’ he says. ‘In the mountain
transience and wastefulness – offering something
villages it’s hard to get work. I still make things
genuine and lasting, which suits today’s urban
for the Swiss Army but not as many as before.’
environment just as much as the Swiss alps.
LADIES BOWLING BAG - WD58 Large padded bowling type handbag with zip and two leather handles. Inner life: Large compartment, canvas lined and reinforced floor. One inner pocket. 34cm x 20cm x 14cm Item WD58
DAY BAG - WD201 Large shoulder bag with magnetic closure and twin leather handle. Suitable for size A4 documents and 15� laptop. Inner life: Large compartment, fabric lined, two inner pockets for mobile phone. 40cm x 31cm x 13cm Item WD201
BIG TRAVEL BAG - WD32 The ultimate travel companion - an extremely robust travel bag with padding, reinforced bottom, solid zippers and leather straps. Inner life: Large fabric lined compartment, one inner pocket. 63cm x 35cm x 24cm Item WD32
LARGE MESSENGER BAG - WD74 Large lined messenger bag with a long adjustable leather shoulder strap, buckle and large flap with velcro closures. Suitable for size A4 documents, folders and 15� laptops. Perfect for guys and girls. Inner life: Large compartment, fabric lined, one inner pocket. 35cm x 35cm x 6cm Item WD74
SMARTPHONE POUCH - WD246 Keep your favourite gadget safe and scratch free in this stylish and functional sleeve. Fits most smartphones including iPhone 3GS and G4. Just pull the strap and your multimedia companion slides out with ease. 12cm x 8cm x 0.7cm Item WD246
UNISEX SHOULDER BAG - WD43 Very practical shoulder bag with lots of detail - for girls and guys alike. Features long adjustable shoulder strap and leather protected rims. Inner life: Large compartment with velcro lid, fabric lined. Two inner pockets 27cm x 27cm x 9cm Item WD43
SLIPPERS - WD76 The ultimate footwear for long winter evenings at home - super comfy slippers with leather sole. Sizes S, M, L Item WD76
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