Sandqvist was conceived in 2004 with a noble goal: to make utilitarian products at a reasonable cost. Needless to stay, the idea stuck. Since then, the line has grown to encompass not only bags, but wallets, belts, even aprons — for both men and women. For years Sandqvist was only available at boutiques like Voo in Berlin, Tenue de Nimes in Amsterdam, Odin in New York and FAT in Melbourne, so the introduction of a store, Sandqvist Studio & Shop, in Stockholm is long overdue.
Without a watchful eye, you might easily pass it by. There’s no storefront, as the space is actually underground (perhaps in homage to the origins of the brand — creator Anton Sandqvist first began making bags in his basement). The only marker is a wooden door with glass panes and discreet Sandqvist signage. But once you’ve descended the concrete stairs, your reward is handsome: a display of backpacks in perfectly faded shades of blue, green and red, plus totes, laptop cases, and the aforementioned aprons, against a backdrop of lots of blonde wood and the occasional smattering of retro ephemera. For some shoppers, choosing among so many winners will be difficult. For others, like the stylish young man spotted at the store (rolled-up chinos, Nordic sweater, beanie), it’s a matter of walking towards your fated bag, carrying it to the shopgirl, swiping a card and carrying it home, all with swift precision.
Sandqvist, Swedenborgsgatan 3, Stockholm
Reporting by Pauline Egge, a writer from the Netherlands and the voice of the blog Petite Passport.
