Putting truth to the saying that “old cars never die” is a Canadian designer, who turns them into bags and wallets
Car interiors are made to be long-lasting and hard-wearing. The combined use of fabrics and leathers has to balance both form and function, delivering a comfortable and usable environment that speaks to the style of the time.
So what happens when that car has met the end of its lifespan?
Canadian designer, Mariclaro, has been creating bags, wallets and other fashion accessories from upcycled materials since 2008. Founder Sven Schlegel created his first bag from discarded Mexican electoral banners, and has since expanded into discarded aviation and automotive materials as a source.
Want to feel the hand-stitched leather of a Lamborghini Diablo on a daily basis, you can grab a Mariclaro Zeit Works laptop bag, as one of only two pieces made from the car.
Things can stay as exotic or become as pedestrian as you like, with one item made from a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant, better known to the Australian market as the Mitsubishi 380.
Each item has its source clearly identified, with some even noting a VIN of the donor vehicle.
Buckles and straps are made from seatbelts and either period automotive or aviation clasps. Mariclaro even uses old aircraft components to create other accessories.
All pieces are handmade, and by way of being sourced from real car interiors, are all unique, showing wear and fading imparted by the donor vehicle’s historical owners.
While the online store offers plenty of choices, the designer’s blog notes a number of one-offs, including a tan overnight bag crafted from the innards of a 1969 Lamborghini Espada.
We’re pretty sure you won’t see another one of those on the airport carousel!
You can visit the Mariclaro website here.
The post Carry your favourite car with you – literally. Bags and wallets made from upcycled car interiors appeared first on Drive.