We profiled LA-based designers (and artist collective) Poketo in Issue 2 of Corduroy and we’ve been fans of theirs ever since. Ted and Angie have — dare we say — launched the careers of many local and international artists, by inviting them to collaborate on exclusive tees and accessories under the Poketo banner. Now they’re extending their collaborative spirit in a big way, with a limited-edition line of wallets, tote bags, and umbrellas set to launch exclusively for Target stores this month.
We spoke to Angie to get the scoop on the new project and to find out how a tiny company built by friends and artists got to design a coveted collection with one of the nation’s largest and most desirable retailers.
How did this collaboration come about?
We actually started talking to Target a couple of years ago. There was a lull and once we finally got the go ahead, it happened so quickly. There are 21 different artists that are involved with 40 different artworks in a 52-piece collection. Between gathering the artwork, designs, silhouettes and talking to all 21 artists involved, we’ve worked very hard in the past year to get this all together!
Read the full interview and get a sneak peek of some of the products featured in the collection, after the jump.
How did you decide what products to feature?
We’ve always wanted to make bags and accessories. I’m kind of obsessed with containers, bags, bags within bags, etc. Remember, our whole company started with wallets… You see the pattern? The product line consists of weekender bags, totes, shopping totes, laptop cases, messenger bags, camera and iphone cases, wallets, water bottles, key chains, umbrellas and more.
Is there a running theme through the products you chose for the line?
It’s “Art for your Everyday” as our tag line states. The art is as bold, colorful, fun and sophisticated as the silhouettes and designs of the products are. I was inspired by old-school Japanese bag silhouettes. What sets this Poketo collection from the other collections is the attention to details. There are very subtle embroideries on the printed artwork, chains and hooks so that you can easily hook a pouch in a bag, for example. The pieces can also totally mix and match with each other.
When you guys first started POKETO, was this type of collaboration something you had envisioned? How does it feel to reach a whole new audience?
Definitely not! What started out as a hobby to get friends and artists together for a fun collaboration and art parties, turned into a business, not to mention a collaboration with one of the biggest brands in a nationwide campaign. No, never in a million years did we envision this! As we always tell people, we didn’t start the business, the business started us and we’re having a great time doing it!
The Poketo for Target collection launches in stores August 10th, though some stores around the country have already started selling the products. Head over to poketo.com for more information.
