Words: Naomi Attwood, photography and styling: Britta Burger.

“Riddle me this one reader. When you’re looking at a garment or accessory, in this case stylish man-bags, what makes the connection in your mind back to its creator? Some designers have clearer visual signatures than others. There’s no mistaking a Westwood number for example. Despite the slick functional appearance of the Chris & Tibor collections, there’s an unmistakable thread running through the pieces created by Chris Liu and Tibor Matyas, two London based designers producing the kind of bags that they themselves need to facilitate their rapid fire lifestyles.
This year the design duo have worked on not one but four distinct collections. One with Belgian designer Veronique Branquinho – five pieces envisioned for stylish travelling; and another with Korean designer Juun J – shiny bags to complement his menswear pieces. Third, they have collaborated with the French designer/ dancer Romain Kremer on the miniature neck bag and wallet bag which are ideal for promenading avec ipod and packing your party essentials. And then of course, their own very personal collection.
Chris and Tibor name all the products in their own range after locations in London. Their SS09 range is called Angel, after the Angel, Islington. Asked to sum up the collection in three words the boys came up with “Angel, rubber and backpack” and revealed their recommendations for some free time in the capital. “We love to walk around East London and City area, especially a quiet weekend day in the City, it is mixing old and new, and wicked.” Finally, when asked to comment on their urban client base Chris said that, “We love to see someone wearing our bags, we say ‘hello’ to the person as well as the bag like an old friend. Many of Chris & Tibor’s followers are girls who are fed up with girly bags. They are up for something cool, creative, challenging but still luxurious.” Advice then, for those who believe Londoners to be unfriendly? Try wearing a piece of Chris & Tibor and perhaps you’ll get a more positive response in future. For more information see www.christibor.com.”