The history of the Kipling brand or how the monkey became king of leather goods

When the crumpled nylon meets the Belgian heritage and the literary legacy of Rudyard Kipling, we get a Iconic License that revolutionized the leather goods : Kipling. Rooted in the artistic effervescence of Antwerp, this Belgian Legend was born out of a Innovative vision, embodied by a Stuffed Monkeyone Signature Material and a Unwavering Passion. Discover The history of the Kipling brand, an epic of creativity and audacity, which combines Tradition and modernity, and which continues to seduce the world with its Timeless, lightweight and robust bags. Immerse yourself in this fascinating universe, where every detail has its own story, Each accessory has its own identity, and every customer finds their joy.

The humble beginnings of a Belgian legend

Kipling's Belgian heritage is deeply rooted in its foundations. In the heart of Antwerp, a city known for its diamond dealers and fashion designers, the leather goods company has forged its own path, merging tradition and innovation.

Antwerp, the cradle of creation

Kipling's story begins in the vibrant Antwerp of the 80s. This period, marked by cultural and artistic effervescence, saw the emergence of visionaries ready to revolutionize the world of fashion and luggage. Three Belgian friends, Xavier Kegels, Vincent Haverbeke and Paul Van De Velde, gave birth to this emblematic brand.

A signature material, crumpled nylon

Kipling's innovation stems from a small accident: overheating during a coloring process. That's when crumpled nylon canvas was born. This lightweight, yet robust, durable and above all distinctive material would become Kipling's signature.

A tribute to Rudyard Kipling

Where does the name "Kipling" come from? From the famous British author Rudyard Kipling! But yes, you know him! It is to him that we owe The Jungle Book. By choosing the writer's name, the brand established a literary connection, but also adopted the monkey as its emblem, reinforcing its unique identity.

An iconic little monkey

One of the most charming aspects of the early days of the famous leather goods license is undoubtedly the adoption of its emblem: the stuffed monkey. More than just a keychain, each primate is named after an employee of the company. This is a testament to the closeness and camaraderie within the company.

It is this attention to detail that has helped forge a lasting bond between customers and the brand.

The founders' ambition is clear: to create products that are both functional and trendy. Today, Kipling is recognized on a global scale: its humble origins and rich history continue to fascinate and inspire.

The brand's meteoric rise to conquer the world

The world of luggage is a battleground where competition is fierce. Licenses are all jostling for a place in the sun. Still, the Kipling company has managed to rise to the top of the list. How? Thanks to its uniqueness, its audacity, and of course its little stuffed monkey!

Kipling, a brand that started as a soft whisper in Antwerp, is now a powerful cry that resonates all over the world.

Stand out in the competitive world of luggage

In 1987, our three visionary entrepreneurs who created the brand took a gamble. To offer bags that are practical, chic, colorful, but above all... different! And it is above all the material created: the famous crumpled nylon, light, robust and waterproof, that will make the company famous. By combining it with a sleek design and trendy colours, Kipling offers an answer to the monotony in the world of luggage.

Customer reviews testify to the enthusiasm for the Belgian licence:

- "A wide selection of very good quality items. They are comfortable, lightweight, resistant and practical for everyday use in all weather conditions. I love using my bag, it never leaves me. I've become a fan of the brand." Fanny

- "I'm a fan of this brand! They often have very cool prints. Very robust and above all ultra-light bags. It feels like they don't get old!" Carori

➡️ Did you say innovations? Yes The school bag has undergone many evolutions in recent decades. Discover our dedicated article!

Maintain a strong relationship with customers

All Kipling accessories come with a special companion: a monkey keyring. Much more than just an accessory, the animal mascot embodies the spirit of the brand — playful, adventurous and unique.

True little ambassadors, many monkeys are born each season. And as mentioned earlier, each of them is assigned the name of an employee of the company. It's a great way to pay tribute to Kipling employees around the world.  

These primates, beyond their charm, have become collector's items, sought after by the brand's die-hard fans.

Think big, but always as close as possible to people

From its small town in Belgium, to Europe and then internationally, the luggage company Kipling has conquered the world. Its lightweight crumpled nylon luggage has found its way into the hearts of millions of people around the world. Present in more than 65 countries, the Flemish company has been able to adapt its strategy according to the regions, understanding the importance of "thinking globally, acting locally".

"I travel a lot as part of my work at Kipling and I always try to take the best of different worlds with me and incorporate it into our designs. We have local teams on site who are always listening. This way, we know exactly how we can work in addition per region. This usually has to do with the colors and practical features we add to the bags. Designer Tina Debo's Words

With local teams attentive to trends, the brand has managed to customize its products according to the regions, while maintaining its DNA.

"There are striking trends by region. For example, the share of backpacks in Korea is much higher than in the rest of the world. Isabel Van den Broeck, Marketing & Communications Director at Kipling

From Korea to China to Brazil, Kipling has become a reference.

Believe in your dreams

However, the rise of the license has not been without its challenges. After a series of bad decisions under UBS Capital, the company plunged into a financial crisis. But, like a phoenix, it came back stronger under the leadership of Tony Gram, the Antwerp businessman. Since 2004, the brand has found a new home with VF Corporation, a powerful multinational, ensuring bright days ahead.

From his humble beginnings in Antwerp to his internationally renowned status, Kipling is a shining example of passion, determination and innovation. And through it all, the little monkey continues to leap for joy, symbolizing an adventure that is far from over.

Kipling's iconic products

Every major brand has its flagship products. Iconic pieces that reflect not only its identity, but also its know-how and vision. Kipling is no exception to the rule. Its products reflect a constant search for innovation, practicality and aesthetics.

The school bag: a classic reinvented

When we talk about the License to the Little Monkey, one almost immediately thinks of the school bag. Simple, solid, with its many pockets and its functional design, it has been able to stand out from other school luggage on the market.

The school bag

Among the models of this kind: the classic rectangular satchel, the Wheeled satchel with 2 or 4 wheels, the must-have backpack and, for a few years now, the modern wheeled bag. Thanks to colorful and cheerful patterns, these school accessories have become the allies of schoolchildren and students from kindergarten to university.

Deeply rooted in today's world, many Kipling backpacks now have specific compartments for laptops or tablets. This is a real asset for students who have to carry these learning tools from school to home every day.

Indeed, the leather goods company has been able to capture the changing needs of its customers, by offering innovative solutions while remaining faithful to its aesthetic and functional signature.

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Other School Accessories

The school collection is enriched with Gym Bags (also known as pool bags or drawstring bags) and Snack bags. Moreover, the rise of the latter coincides with the covid 19 epidemic. Today, the Lunch Bag is one of the must-have pieces of luggage for every family.

By continually reinventing these essentials, Kipling demonstrates day after day that there are a thousand ways to combine functionality and aesthetics. And each new school year in the company of one of his bags marks the beginning of a great adventure for many young people.

Leather goods: modernity, elegance and functionality

While the backpack has largely contributed to Kipling's fame, the brand didn't stop there. Staying true to its promise of quality and practicality, it has expanded its product line to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

The women's bag

Elegant, chic, trendy, timeless... the Women's bags created by the Belgian leather goods manufacturer are all of these things at once! And there are many models to appeal to all women, all ages and all styles. From totes to clutches and fanny packs, the collections of the Belgian leather goods manufacturer are a pleasure to wear in all circumstances.

In addition, these Kipling accessories reflect current trends, but remain rooted in the brand's authenticity. This combination of modernity and fidelity to its origins ensures the company's sustainability in the market.

The travel bag and suitcase 

Merging the elegance of the design, the robustness of the equipment and the practicality of the storage space, the Kipling travel bag becomes a true companion for adventures. Its signature crumpled nylon, both lightweight and strong, guarantees durability that stands the test of time, train stations and airports.

The suitcase, on the other hand, ensures exceptional ease of movement. Equipped with 2 or 4 wheels and a strong telescopic handle, it remains light, robust and functional. And then, thanks to its unique style and its little monkey securely attached, it can be spotted in the blink of an eye on the luggage carousel.  

Thus equipped, every outing (or trip) becomes an experience combining comfort, style and joie de vivre.

The history of the Kipling brand, in a nutshell

The story of the Kipling brand is much more than just the narration of a model of bags. It is the vibrant testimony of an entrepreneurial adventure that, over several decades, has managed to conquer the hearts of leather goods lovers around the world.

Combining tradition and innovation, each product tells a chapter of this exceptional evolution, while meeting the changing needs of its loyal customers.

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to experience the magic of Kipling, we invite you to dive into the timeless universe of this great Belgian brand. But be careful, it is likely that after trying, you will not be able to do without these magnificent light, functional and stylish leather goods... Ready to take the risk?

See our Kipling collections