Kipling (brand)
Kipling was founded in 1987 in Antwerp, Belgium. The brand has been a part of VF Corporation since 2004 and has been a leader in selling handbags, backpacks, totes, luggage and accessories.
 | |
| Industry | Retail, Fashion |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1987 in Antwerp, Belgium |
| Headquarters | Antwerp |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Bags, Luggage, Accessories, Totes |
| Parent | VF Corporation (2004–present) |
| Website | Kipling.com |
Today, Kipling has 250 employees across its corporate offices in Antwerp (BE), New Jersey (USA), São Paulo (BR) and Hong-Kong (HK). Kipling bags are sold in more than 80 countries internationally and can be found in more than 7,500 stores.
Detailed history
Founding
Kipling was founded in 1987 in Antwerp, Belgium by Vincent Haverbeke, Xavier Kegels and Paul Van De Velde.
The founders of Kipling were inspired by the children’s story The Jungle Book.
Timeline
- 1986: The original founders of Kipling decided to create a new bags company in Antwerp, Belgium.
- 1989: Kipling goes to North America and Japan.
- 1993: Kipling goes to Central America.
- 2004: Kipling joins the portfolio of VF.
Brand
Kipling is well known for their signature, furry monkey keychain.
In 2004, VF Corporation acquired Kipling. VF Corporation is an American worldwide apparel and footwear company founded in 1899 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
Product
Kipling is famous for its casual-styled accessories, bags, backpacks and luggage. Besides its iconic crinkle nylon fabric, the brand produces bags in many other classic and innovative materials. Its offering ranges from pouches, wallets and small key hangers to handbags, cross-bodies, totes, backpacks, weekenders and luggage. The brand is also popular for its bright, heavy-duty travel pieces, as well as for its schoolbags among kids.
Collaborations - Timeline
- 1991 - Perrier
- 1995 - Ford
- 2007 - Fergie
- 2008 - Gloria Coelho
- 2009 - Cathy Pill
- 2009 - Girls from Omsk
- 2010 - El Degado Buil
- 2010 - Peter Pilotto
- 2011 - JCDC
- 2013 - Helena Christensen
- 2014 - Natalie Joos
- 2015 - Eva Mouton
- 2017 - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- 2018 - Alice in Wonderland
- 2018 - Star Wars
- 2018 - Helen Lee
- 2019 - Angel Chen
- 2019 - Cristine Lau
- 2019 - Mickey Mouse
- 2019 - Frozen II
- 2020 - Pac-Man
- 2020 - Mickey & Friends
- 2020 - Keith Haring
VF Corporation
Kipling is part of the "sportswear" group of VF Corporation.