julie thissen weaves retro-reflective patterns into cyclist bags

julie thissen weaves retro-reflective patterns into cyclist bags
photo © julie thissen

‘the cyclist‘ is a series of bags developed by young french-dutch product designer julie thissen. the collection has been developed specially for urban cyclists and perfectly combine practicality, elegance, and safety.

the unisex back-pack is decorate with a woven-in retro-reflective pattern
photo © emile kirsch

on the lower front parts of all three leather versions, ribbons of retro-reflective material are woven into the surface. afterwards, textile lining and metal buckles accent the construction, which is reinforced with a tarpaulin bottom panel. this pattern gives them a unique appearance, but it also has a functional advantage: the components illuminate at night under the front lights of passing cars, making the user more visible to surrounding traffic.

the shoulder bag features an extra back strap for wearing the bag safely
photo © emile kirsch

‘the starting point of the project was the wish for the pouches to fulfill three requests, which at first, seem almost contradictory,’ says thissen. first, the backpacks should be very sensible, also while riding a bike. second, they should at the same time be dignified enough to be taken to work. and last but not least, they should help to improve the safety of the cyclists while on the road.

the pouch is designed specially to be comfortable and practical while riding a bicycle
photo © emile kirsch 

each bag is made of leather with a tarpaulin bottom
photo © emile kirsch

thissen wanted to create an elegant aesthetic
photo © emile kirsch

photo © emile kirsch 

collage featuring the bag
photo © emile kirsch 

graphic overlaying the pattern
photo © emile kirsch 

photo © emile kirsch 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.