essays

Primed for adventure

Words By Sheila Lam

Gesso has long served as the foundation from which possibility emerges. This ancient primer, developed during the Italian Renaissance, transforms raw canvas into a receptive surface – a metaphor that captures our approach to travel. Just as gesso creates the essential ground layer that allows pigment to take hold and flourish, our Gesso Collection provides the foundation for life’s daily journeys and grand adventures alike.

Artists rely on gesso to create the perfect base: bright yet neutral, strong yet receptive, practical yet full of potential. It’s this duality that inspired our latest collection – pieces crafted from cotton canvas that are both enduring and versatile, designed to adapt to individual purpose while maintaining unwavering functionality.

Canvas itself carries a legacy of both utility and artistry. Its origins trace back to ancient Egypt, where tightly woven fibres formed a surface both robust and responsive – capable of weathering storms at sea or capturing the most delicate expressions of human creativity. The Gesso Collection honours this heritage, featuring premium canvas construction that meets modern technical standards while preserving the material's timeless connection to artistic tradition.

Offered in three styles – a backpack, tote, and small tote – the collection features clean silhouettes and thoughtful proportions, each engineered with the same meticulous attention to detail that artists bring to their craft. Its technical elements emerge from this artistic foundation: laptop sleeves sized with precision, water bottle compartments that maintain clean lines, and seamless integration with luggage handles for effortless travel. The QuickSnap™ system introduces modular functionality without compromising the minimal aesthetic, allowing for personal adaptation while maintaining visual cohesion.

This collection offers more than function – it provides a foundation for approaching each day with intention. Whether navigating familiar streets or distant horizons, these pieces serve as constant companions, adapting to every journey while maintaining their essential refinement.

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Shop the collection

Gesso Tote

$140 USD

3 colours available

Ecru

Gesso Backpack

$160 USD

3 colours available

Ecru

Gesso Small Tote

$120 USD

3 colours available

Ecru

Gesso Tote

$140 USD

3 colours available

Ecru

Desert Taupe | Luggage Tag in Desert Taupe
Luggage Tag
Desert Taupe
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