Does anyone have any info on the Filson/Apolis Activism bag?

[Epaulet]

Hey guys,

I'd like to chime in with my personal experience. I've met the Apolis guys several times, and had a chance to visit them a few months back in LA. They're very polite guys, and I feel that they believe in what they're doing.

Regarding the bag reproduction, I agree with everyone's sentiment. It was definitely a mistake. Things like branding & exclusivity are a big part of the actual value of an item. If something is limited edition, then that has to be respected. I completely understand why some original customers would feel cheated. Getting a stamped unit of a limited run was a major selling point. If I bought one, I would be pissed too.

That said, I think that their intentions are good. They're not getting rich off this (at least from what I've seen). Their collection is made in the US. For what it's worth, this particular project brought real business and revenue to Uganda. I'm sure it's on a tiny scale, but it means something. Making their collection here and trying to support sustainable production in developing countries is more than I can say for most brands. Like any young company, they'll **** some things up and fall short of some goals. You only get to be a good retailer by making a ton of mistakes first.

New designers looking to wholesale to boutiques struggle in even the best of times. These days it's a lot harder. Maybe they needed the money to produce the next season's samples. Maybe they were slammed with customer requests to make more. Maybe they wanted to throw more business to their partners in Uganda and help keep the lights on. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

[ennui]

Originally Posted by LA Guy

When we did our collaboration, samples were made and adjusted and then a new sample cut, at lightning fast speed. This went on until I okayed the final sample, so any fit issues with the coated shirt jacket would be my fault.

I think the collab fits wonderfully. It probably could have been an inch less in the waist and hem, but I'm not crying over it, and the end result is still certainly far from horrible as some would claim on here.

 

[dfagdfsh]

I think my biggest issue with Apolis is their philanthropy claim. I don't think they're lying, but they need to do a far better job proving that the money people are paying is helping Ugandans. Same with their tshirt line - back it up.

 

[Oxnard]

Originally Posted by Teger

I think my biggest issue with Apolis is their philanthropy claim. I don't think they're lying, but they need to do a far better job proving that the money people are paying is helping Ugandans. Same with their tshirt line - back it up.
What exactly do you want them to do? They have it listed pretty clearly what organizations they are using, and how these organizations help source in the fabric, where the fabric originates from, etc. The limited edition thing is definitely fucked, but I wouldn't go as far as to doubt the legitimacy of their efforts to support a more fair-trade centered approach to the sourcing of their materials. Really don't know what else they could do to back up the results of their operation.

 

[KitAkira]

Originally Posted by Teger

I think my biggest issue with Apolis is their philanthropy claim. I don't think they're lying, but they need to do a far better job proving that the money people are paying is helping Ugandans. Same with their tshirt line - back it up.
I think people need to realize that Apolis is a company trying to make profit and not in any way like a charity that gives back to its donors. They partner with non-profits so it isn't like they're organizing everything from the farmer through to the store

 

[rexet]

Hi all and Happy new year!

I was looking for a nice everyday messenger bag and I found this one searching the net. That's the reason I finaly ended on this interesting topic.
It is a shame that Apolis and Filson decided to go for a second round of this "limited" bag.

Anyway, I was wondering about the situation today.
I mean, this bag is still available on the Apolis online store. There is no mention of the limited edition but there is still a picture of the metal thingy where the number is written.

Do you think there are still producing this bag but they removed the limited policy?
Do they go for unlimited new round of limited edition?

Despite the fact that I really understand the reaction of the first buyer, I still love this bag design.

Would it be also possible to have new pictures of this bag getting old since few of you have it for some years now?

Thank you.

Cheers!