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As a Fine Art graduate, as well as a Nordic design lover, you can understand how thrilled I was to be invited to the Swedish Ambassador’s Residence in London recently for Fjällräven’s Kånken Art Launch.
One of my go-to brands, Swedish outdoor clothing and equipment company Fjällräven, have this season collaborated with two graphic artists, Cecilia Heikkilä and Erik Olovsson on a range of special addition Kånken backpacks.
Both creatives have been commissioned to design unique prints combining their own personal connections to nature with a touch of Kånken playfulness.
An iconic fashion item, as well as a much-loved practical product, the Fjällräven Kånken celebrated its fortieth birthday last year.
An exciting update
Part of the everyday lives of millions of people, the Kånken remains as popular as ever and is the world’s best-selling backpack, with over 200,000 sold every twelve months.
Over the decades Kånken has become more personal and individual thanks to the 50 colour combinations as well as the variety of sizes and materials now available (including Re-Kånken, made from recycled plastic bottles); but throughout its history the signature shape and reliable durability has never changed.
It even underwent a distinctive high fashion makeover when the brand teamed up with fellow Swedes Acne Studios in September.
This latest and exciting update now includes Erik’s abstract flowing Summer and Spring Landscape designs, which represent the layered family memories of special times spent in the mountains. While Cecilia’s beautiful Blue and Green Fable designs tell a story on the fabric, reflecting her love for nature and exploring.
The Arctic Fox Initiative
Furthermore, one per cent of the proceeds from every sale of these special edition Kånkens will go to Fjällräven’s new Arctic Fox Initiative.
Aiming to further expand the longstanding environmental commitment the organisation has made since 1960, the fund is named after the company’s namesake (Fjällräven means arctic fox in Swedish) and will support projects that protect and preserve flora, fauna and outdoor life around the world.
Anyone can apply for funding, with supported projects short-listed by a jury and then voted for by the public via Fjällräven’s website and social media platforms.
To find out more about the Kånken Art collection or The Arctic Fox Initiative please visit the Fjällräven website.
Fjällräven kindly gifted my Kånken Art backpack, but all words and opinions are my own.
All images by Nicola Capper.
Stacey Sheppard says
These are so cute. I bought my daughter one of these bags (the plain ones) for school and I’ve been so impressed with the quality and all the design details. I need to get one for myself now.
Nicola says
Couldn’t agree more, I used their messenger bag as a baby bag when my son was born and it never let me down!
Catherine Cornelissen says
The designs are not quite my taste but that’s what makes them all the more interesting! The colourful camouflage design is particularly punchy!
Nicola says
I do love it when Fashion and Art meet whatever the result!
Mary Middleton | Hello Peagreen says
Yup, I’m definitely up for one of these to replace my brick read one I bought when I had my son. I’m a big fan of their rucksacks as they are so easy to get into. I think that camo-ish inspired one has my name written on it!
Nicola says
I can see your son wanting it Mary!
Sarah | SQUATBOT says
Love those cool blue tones in the main shot!
Nicola says
Thanks Sarah, the blue accent is something both my husband and I agree on x
Hollie Brooks | Audenza says
I’d never heard of this brand before – they sound like really good quality bags and The Artic Fox Initiative is a great idea.
Nicola says
So pleased to introduce them to you Hollie x
Anna Sjostrom Walton says
Being Swedish and a massive outdoor enthusiasts, Fjällräven feels part of my DNA. I love everything this brand stands for, and each of their initiatives is admirable. The inspiration behind these new Art designs is fabulous, as are the designs.
Anna x (sitting in her new Fjällräven trousers… :))
Nicola says
Glad I’m not the only Fjallraven super fan!
Fiona says
Love the new designs. Especially those bright camouflages but its also great that they are using the designs as a way to raise awareness of environmental issues.
Nicola says
Its so hard to choose a favourite from this new collection x
Nicolette Lafonseca says
Oh my the badger is to die for. The bags are so well made too they really last
Nicola says
Its super cute isn’t it! I’m sure I’ll be using this rucksack for many years to come x
Lin Warwick says
Love the colourful designs and that dog is just gorgeous – is it yours Nichola ?
Nicola says
Thanks Lin, yes, Betty had to make an appearance at some point!