These bags by Brooklyn-based designer duo of Proper Assembly manage to be sophisticated without being stuffy. And they truly are unisex but keep their character. Practical and chic, these weekenders and backpacks are simply toο good to keep for the gym or your weekend getaway.

“We conceptualized Proper Assembly in September of 2013 because we wanted to create a brand for our friends. Our focus is on functional designs made with the highest quality materials available at an affordable cost through our factory partnership. Becky has served in various roles in the fashion industry including product design, production and PR. Nate’s focus has been in brand development, brand strategy and art direction. We’ve been friends in NYC since 2008”.

Rather than simply contracting out to a manufacturer, Proper Assembly (Βecky Shim Paguia and Nate Poekert) has partnered with their manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic. For more than 30 years, Michael Korchmar, owner and CEO of the factory, has been creating bags and accessories for some of the most well-known luxury brands in the market. By partnering with Michael and the factory, Proper Assembly can now offer the highest quality fabrics and leathers made with the highest quality, detailed, construction at direct-to-consumer pricing that bypasses standard manufacturing markup costs. And do note this: In partnership with The Adventure Project, for every bag or product sold, Proper Assembly will make a contribution covering the approximate production costs of a tote bag used by entrepreneurs in developing countries. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Thumbs up, mates.