The following photographs are from the Spring 09 lookbook of Japan-based accessories label, Hobo. Personally speaking, the classic leather and suede offerings simply scream perfection.
I shall admit that I have always had quite the romantic vision of the hobo lifestyle in my mind's eye. It is in its very essence the ideal of freedom - travelling to wherever chance or opportunity takes one. However, in stark contrast is the reality that behind this ideal is the unequivocal driving force of necessity. Indeed thousands of workers took to the rails and the road during the Great Depression, relentlessly seeking out work or at least the rudimentary ingredients for survival. Even so, the image of travelling with only the items and garments one can carry on one's back has always been of great appeal to me.
I suppose that one dream of mine has always been to take some time out and travel - journeying to whichever place I wished for in the moment. It would be a journey of planning nothing and allowing chance to be my directional compass. This inspiration is in no doubt inspired by my father.
My father left home at the age of eighteen. He would spend the next few years simply travelling to wherever his fancy took him, working just long enough in each city and country to save up money to leave again. He often narrates his colourful tales, which always surprise those who hear. His demeanour and look is probably misleading of one who backpacked across the world during his wild younger years.
Indeed his many experiences have always bee a source of inspiration - from working on an oil tanker in the Gulf, to sipping coffee on the streets of Rome, to training to be a pilot, to fishing off the shores of Greece, to working as a newspaper journalist, to throwing snowballs in the winter of Montreal, to working in a theatre in the West End of London. I have written many short stories inspired by his travels, yet none do justice to his beautiful and unique experiences.
Currently playing: The Lights And Buzz - Jack's Mannequin
xxxx
What a great collection of bags!I especially like the last one.Even though suede usually scares me, this one looks really nice. About the traveling, that's definitely on my to-to-before-i-die-list! What a great experience, imagine all the people you'll meet and the cultures you get to know. IMAGINE ALL THE SHOPPING YOU COULD DO:P
ReplyDeleteGreat post, as always!
xx
Amazing intrgue by your Dad! Wow, great tales to explore.
ReplyDeleteYes, those bags are rather inspiring of travel. I liked the rich history you described too. So much to ready yourself for the road. Even for a walk around in our little burg, I like to ready a messanger's bag with all sorts of treats, from a journal and pen and pencils, to snacks, the camera and of course a bottle of water, but that lip balm is a must have, too.
Such a wonderful read as well as the pics, too. I like the scarves as well and hats, too. All for a long travel. I suppose.
ReplyDeleteMaybe all this walking will make us slimmer. I read these true diaries from centuries ago and find all this "walking" to see friends. Spending the day with them. A long walk home that might mean a good six hours or so. Which sadly, makes me think of the homeless man just this week was killed in a hit and run. The local TV station had footage of him serving other homeless people at the open door mission.
Great post! & thank you for your notes, too.
Great bags!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get the opportunity to live out ALL your dreams, Dapper Kid.
ReplyDeleteAnd to do it with style, with the entire collection bags.
I love, love, LOVE the bags!!
ReplyDeleteI want one!!!!
:)
l,
Hannah
Wow, my mind never would've gone to "hobo," but I totally see it now in these images!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures (and bags) ! you’re always finding such goodies
ReplyDeleteI also really love that idea. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with the amount of ”stuff” that I is tying me down and preventing me from doing the things that I truly want to do. I’ve been trying really hard to get away from this(it’s also hard when you like clothes a lot haha).. this is definitely a nice little inspiration:)
You have to do things like this, we only have one chance to do it, for me it’s almost scary to think about but I’ve learned that things usually have a way of working out and that helps a lot. There’s nothing like the feeling of having no obligations and the freedom to go wherever things might take you.
beautiful bags... :]
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely tribute, DK! And the man-bags are tres chic!
ReplyDeletexoxox,
CC
Your father's story is very inspirational. Your family sounds awesome.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I completely agree with you, Lomo can be overpriced. The toy cameras other companies make are exact replicas, too! :P
gosh! those pics are amazing! totally love your new header!
ReplyDeleteAw, lovely pics. Makes me want to get out and see everything.
ReplyDeleteLoved your story of your dad along with the post, too.
The heart the leather version much more than the blue canvas. Strangely though more than either of the bags the look book is shot beautifully. I always think a really stunning look book is such a pleasurable experience, like editorial but 3 times as long...
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are always so sharp and artsy. I love them, nice to see one doesn't need to spend loads of cash to snap something great!! =]
ReplyDeleteThat scent sounds divine; shall have to try some, thank you. :]
I hope all is well with you over the sea!! xx
Thanks for the note. It made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteLoved the post and wishing you the best on all your creativity.
I'm absolutely in love with these shots. I love the fact that they focus more on the accessories and the surrounding environment than the actual model. They're just gorgeous. Plus, the changing colors of the leaves in the background make me think of fall - which I'm already longing for!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, hun and a so nice to read writing. You're good!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Mmmm, I love the first duffel. Is it in leather? Leather duffels....mmm... I wish the second bag wasn't in velvet (or is that suede - I can't tell. My work monitor is older than Cheryl Cole) but an aged soft brown leather instead.
ReplyDeleteAs a female who is constantly inspired by mens fashion, I can't help but adore your blog. If you have time check out my new blog.
ReplyDeleteBe kind, I am just getting started.
-Rachel
staticelectri-city.blogspot.com
I'm loving these lookbooks that doesn't need a model standing with a white wall behind them to tell a story. These, actually say something that goes beyond the clothes and enter into a territory that gathers life and style together.
ReplyDeleteI know i wouldn't be able to live without an structured plan, well.. i guess it could loose a bit of toughness, but the freedom that implies a hobo lifestyle.. i could never do. It's great for those who can though, millions of stories to tell, millions of people to meet, millions of jobs/cultures/places to know.
i really love the last bag
ReplyDeletethe brownies sound sublime! And that last bag is just ideal.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that the focus of this look book is the bag itself...and the nature in the background is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDarling, your father sounds absolutely fantastic. I've always wanted to do the Jack Kerouac kind of thing and just stake out on my own without a real plan or final destination in mind :) Your father's stories must be amazing to hear!
The hobo bags are cute.
ReplyDeleteI think I might just have to break some out.
I've always wanted to travel with no path or no plans, but I always end up coordinating every move.
This is one of those things to do before I turn 20.
i agree that those bags are quite handsome. i hope that when you pack up and leave, you'll still communicate through your posts!
ReplyDeleteoh i love these. the brown bags are especially romantic looking. makes me feel like camping out!
ReplyDeleteyour father sounds like he would be a fascinating person to talk to. filled with so many things to share. aaw i wish i could just run away and document my travels!
these are so so beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures and story.
ReplyDeleteI would love to just travel around India like that...
the last caramel hobo sac, is love
ReplyDeleteThose are really great bags! I love Japanese style. Your dad seems to be a great traveler- I always wanted to take a gap year and travel at some point!
ReplyDeleteWow he has great style! I really love the leather bag. Also, would you like to exchange links my dear?
ReplyDeletei'm loving this campaign.. the photos are great.. and the bags look great too :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't commented in a while, but I must say, those bags are just wonderful. I could imagine myself carrying around the suede messenger bag for YEARS. It would've been quite the perfect school bag.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should back to school, just so I can use it?
great pictures ;-)
ReplyDeleteI like these bags
ReplyDeleteI really really really want all those bags. They're beautiful. Your dad sounds super cool, backpacking round the world would be so much fun. x
ReplyDeleteWould love to sit down and talk to your dad,what an amazing man! these bags are just great. I always romanticised the hobo life but this is another reflective way to look at it.
ReplyDeletethank you for a wonderful piece. I stay become a writer!;o)
muah x
Marian.
Definitely, these bags are perfection. Your Dad sounds like an amazing person.
ReplyDeletepeace&love, nicole.
lovely bags, i heart the brown one in the second/third picture!! have a lovely weekend!xx
ReplyDeleteThese images are beautiful. And I prefer "restless spirit" to "hobo"--it just denotes more elegance and positivity to me, which is what these photos radiate. :-)
ReplyDeleteIs that really what your father did? That's incredible. And i love the photos.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love, hun.
Wow your dad's travels sound wonderfull :) :) Can't blame you for wanting to travel too haha! I'm loving the bags too, especially the last one... Wow!
ReplyDeletei would love to just travel, too. and i loved the story about your dad. he sounds like an amazing man. thank you so much for sharing w/us. :)
ReplyDeletegreat great great photos! i'd love to take time off and travel too.. experience and absorb cultures and landscapes!
ReplyDeleteThey do indeed scream perfection... I love the smoothness and calming effect of these pictures. The first ones make me want to take a long stroll on the beach :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like ur dad has had an amazing life! How exciting =)
ReplyDeleteWOWZER i thought you took these! so amazing! xxx love LM
ReplyDeleteYour father's traveling tales sound amazing. To roam the streets with nothing but a backpack - it must feel so exciting and free!
ReplyDelete