Chester Wallace: How Beer Led To Bags

Posted On June 2, 2010

by Cator Sparks

We love it when someone makes something out of necessity and it ends up becoming a real fashion find. Illustrator Patrick Long (whose credits include Nike, New Yorker, New York Times, Nina Ricci prints and more) has always enjoyed making things.  But as you can read below, his Chester Wallace bags – that can be seen on cool kids all around the States – started with the simple idea of carrying a six-pack of beer. We pulled Patrick aside from a busy day at the studio for a quick rundown on the line.

How  did you get started with bags?
The good people at Project no.8 asked me to make something – they’re old friends, so of course I obliged! I’ve always liked bags. Bags were it. The name – Chester Wallace – is the combined names of my two Grandfathers.

Will we see any of your graphic prints on future bags?
Definitely. I really like prints: it’s the next riddle to solve.

What inspired the unique shape?
I made the first bag years ago.  I’d just moved to Portland and was riding my bike everyday and I needed something to bring things to and fro. I thought that carrying a six-pack of beer would be the test, and later, a watermelon on top proved the bag could do anything. It soon went to airports, so then came the boarding pass pocket: turn the top fold toward you and voila, no more pickpockets. Handles up, go to the flea market.

What we should expect to see in the future from the line?
I’m working on an overnight bag. Absolutely carry-on.

What do you carry in your bag?
Always a New Yorker, a gym lock, gym clothes, raincoat, pens and pencils, breakfast, lunch and/or dinner.