Vy & Elle Bags
by on 03. 2.05
Although billboards are a great way of advertising, these temporary vinyl signs aren’t so great for the landfill. Robin Janson and Nicola Freegard have been designing recycled products for use in the home and everyday lives for the past seven years and recently started salvaging old billboards and restyling the colorful vinyl into urban handbags and accessories. Last year they recycled about 20 tons of billboard (about 10,000 bags) and hope to double that number this year. Because vinyl is strong it makes it ideal for reuse. Each bag and accessory has a “one of a kind” look with random colors and graphic designs, which turns the fabric into a piece of urban art. Their most popular bag is the Large DJ Bag (shown above) and retails for $60.00. Vy & Elle sells nationwide to about 500 retail stores. Betcha next time you see a billboard you’ll think of these. ::Vy & Elle [by KD]
See more pics in the extended
Cache Bag
Cooler Holder
I have a friend that has been making messenger bags out of these signs for a while. It is a great, cheap fabric for the low budget designer. It is sturdy and nearly waterproof, and certainly comes in some interesting colors.
I will have to document his project sometime and get it posted to all the DIYers.
can someone give me some tips on finding used/recycled banners in la? i am an architect student working with an artist coalition to design a pavilion for their monthly art market and I would like to reclaim some billboard signs.