Brooklyn Industries Goes Back to It's Roots with Locally Manufactured Billboard Messenger Bags

Brooklyn, NY, December 05, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Last year, Brooklyn Industries began re-establishing production in Brooklyn with one craftsman and one sewing machine making one bag at a time. One year later, the company has set up a small production facility at its headquarters in Brooklyn called Factory, and is celebrating it with the re-release of the Crypto Billboard Bag, the original product that Brooklyn Industries grew out of.

In 1996, Brooklyn Industries’ Creative Director, Vahap Avsar looked across the street from his Chelsea apartment at an old Marlboro billboard, and wanted to create bike messenger bags by recycling the billboard advertisements. Avsar drew inspiration from his large body of work that mostly concentrated on the semiotics of visual language, 3rd world bricolage, and upcycling art from common objects. What started as an art project became an instant hit locally and internationally, and it was through sales of the bags that Avsar and his partner, Lexy Funk were able to found Brooklyn Industries. Prior to the re-release of the Crypto Billboard Bag, Brooklyn Industries has released a number of new designs made in house this past year, including the Sunnyside Bag, the Java Tote, and the Corlear Bag.

Each custom-made, waterproof messenger bag is completely unique with its own different cuts and decontextualized designs. With digital advertisements dominating the visual landscape, Avsar sought to bring back a sense of nostalgia towards tactile messaging. The Crypto bag line is the latest in the company’s new releases that is helping the company establish a greater local manufacturing presence.

About Brooklyn Industries

Brooklyn Industries is a design company that sells innovative clothes exclusively through its 16 retail stores and online website. Founded by visionary artists Lexy Funk and Vahap Avsar in 1998, Brooklyn Industries’ stores engage the local community in art, clothing, design and style.

Brooklyn Industries was honored as a “Green Power Pioneer” by ConEdison Solutions and Community Energy, Inc. in recognition of its commitment to using Wind Power in its stores and office headquarters. In 2006, Brooklyn Industries was recognized as a top entrepreneur with Crain’s New York Business’ coated “Small Business Award.” The company also ranked in Inc. Magazine’s 500 list, which highlights the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

Brooklyn Industries continues to grow every year as an innovative and creative vertical retailer, staying true to its Brooklyn roots.