“Carry-on men
London label Chris&Tibor gives guys baggage they’ll want to carry

When it comes to fashion accessories, women seem to get all the fun. They could be wearing the most dowdy of outfits but as long as they have a statement bag dangling from the crook of their arm, they are effortlessly regarded to be fashion forward. With a multitude of totes, purses and clutches from various labels out there, women are trained to never rely on just one bag. They are so spoilt for choice with regards to day-to-day carriers that the situation is downright ridiculous. Actually, it’s downright unfair.

Guys quite fancy the occasional spiffy-looking bag too. Especially since these days, a mere wallet is not going to cut it, not when one has to haul the laptop along with one’s gym clothes and toiletries because, you know, you’re never going to know when you’ll be needing to brush your teeth or to mould your hair into a faux-hawk. It’s not that we too want to have a bag dangling from our elbows. Guys just want a cool carry-on that could work as an extension of their personal style much like a necktie or a sharp pair of shoes could. A mere briefcase is just not going to work. We’re not asking for anything outlandish. As with all things that men appreciate, a bag has to function well. We just want that bag to also look good so that we can look great.

Like a Chris&Tibor bag for example. Regardless of the design, it’s always smart and distinctive with much-needed street edge thrown into it. Be it messenger or holdall, backpack or shopper, the up-and-coming London-based fashion label gives dudes bags to suit every function in designs that find inspiration from London’s exciting mix of history, style and the futuristic modernity of the adjoining City. In fact, all their bags are named after streets, areas or iconic figures in East London and the City.

Each bag is the creation of Chris Liu and Tibor Matyas, both of whom are former design consultants for Burberry Prorsum. Chris holds an MA and is a graduate of fashion design from the London College of Fashion while business partner Tibor studied art management and marketing. Having launched their debut collection in 2006, the lads have since established themselves as a label to be reckoned with. In 2008, Chris&Tibor became the first up and comer honoured with the opportunity to create an installation at the Tranoi show in Paris, along with fashion heavyweight Dries Van Noten. It was an honour previously bestowed upon the likes of designers Rick Owen, Acne Jeans and one Martin Margiela. Later that year, the talented twosome enjoyed much exposure at Paris Fashion Week when they collaborated with designers Veronique Branquinho, Juun.J and Romain Kremer who used Chris&Tibor bags in their respective ready-to-wear runway show. But that was then. Now, Chris&Tibor is in the midst of launching their new Autumn-Winter 2009 collection, one titled “The Krays Meet Teddy Boys.” Twins Reggie and Ronnie Krays were amateur boxers turned notorious organised crime leaders in the late 1950s. In the decade after, the brothers drew fame for activities that were less criminal, seen by many as prosperous and charming nightclub owners that influenced the razzle dazzle celebrity circuit in the ’swinging’ London Scene; a scene that saw them chummying with the likes of George Raft, Barbara Windsor, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.

Thus, the Krays’ bold yet charming qualities are embodied in an accessories collection that combines excellent quality finishing with cutting edge looks. Made from materials the likes of Praire, dot and patent leathers, oiled bird feather fabrics, rave hi-fi techno film materials, riri zips and excellent rubber finished belts celebrated in a courageous palette of black, blue, red and grey, the Chris&Tibor Autumn-Winter 2009 collection breathes an air that is every bit sophisticated and luxurious. Dare we say it? Now it’s the women’s turned to be envious of the guys.”