Forget the Louis Vuittons and MCMs, there’s a new high-end brand looking to make a name for itself among the jet-setters and world travelers out there.
Blvd.86 is an upcoming brand that sells elegant and high quality leather luggage with intricate detail and popping colors. At this time, the label exclusively sells backpacks and overnight travel luggage, including a royal blue overnight bag and backpack, which also comes in a hot red color. All the bags not only use high quality leather and gold zippers, but they are also equipped with compartments on the inside for various gadgets and devices for the frequent traveler.
Boston native and CEO of Blvd.86, Don Jeffes, recognizes that there’s a rising market in young and old travelers alike, and wants to supply them with the quality luggage that will satisfy their on-the-go needs. GlobalGrind got the chance to talk with the entrepreneur about Blvd.86 and its vision.
“Older people and the youth today travel a lot and people walk around with duffel bags and backpacks a lot,” said Jeffes. “I converted it over to where it’s comfortable for them where they can put their iPad, their notepad, their phone inside of it and not get trashed or dismantled. Fashion is not condition, it’s about being different and you have to be so diverse. If you want to compete with the elite, you have to be an innovator.”
This might be Jeffes’ first collection, but fashion has always been part of his DNA. He, like most people, remembers spending thousands of dollars on high-end, name brand bags, but after awhile, he wanted to create something a little different. He wants to get back to those feelings of originality with his brand.
“I came to restore the feeling of quality products and exclusivity. There is no more exclusivity anymore. You know, there’s not like only 14 bags in the world, and they’d never pay $20,000 for it. Or have that feeling of they’re the only ones who have it,” Jeffes mentioned.
That feeling of being the person with a one-of-a-kind bag that’s different from the rest is part of what drives Blvd.86 forward. It may be the new brand on the block, but Jeffes, also a celebrity trainer, has big and ambitious plans for the company. From when he first started working on the graphics that are shown on the bags and sewing them together by himself, to now being able to hire workers, he hopes the business will continue to move in the upward direction.
“I’m here to stick. I want to be here for 168 years. That’s why I’m taking my time with it. I’m not doing it for the money; I’m having fun doing it,” Jeffes said. “I didn’t go to school for fashion. I had to learn how to sew. And the fact that I’m growing as my business is growing, I’m learning at the same time.”
Take a look at some of the details and luxurious pieces from the Blvd.86 collection. Be the first one to grab a very exclusive, original bag on the brand’s release date on July 1. For more info, check out the brand’s Instagram site and pre-order from there. After looking at the photos, you’re probably convinced by now, but if not, just know that the brand has Russell Simmons‘ seal of approval. Happy traveling!
PHOTO CREDIT: Blvd.86
