This bag is what became the skeleton for a few more future messenger bags (By Be) & it was born out of a kinda funny situation!
My buddy/ol'flatmate, Jack had sold me a BigTop messenger bag a few years back.. after hearing about it being handmade by this one guy I was super intrigued to compare the quality to the other bags I'd had 'til that point. I instantly fell for it as a bag, loved the rugged simplicity of it; the sharp, clean form.
Then a while later, he asked if he could buy it back & at first I wanted to say no absolutely not -but then I realised I could probably make my own version now. I already had a few changes in mind, did some drawings & got working. Soon enough I had my own messenger bag (by me) to take the BigTop's place & Jack could get it back (he still uses that bag often, I don't blame him!)
The main thing i took from the BT was the rolltop/strap close- I changed the form, different fabrics & used this project as another & further exploration into using webbing as a mounting-point/modular feature of the bag - in this case offering options for moving the straps/adding extra fittings/accessories!