ISABELL AND KYLE SOLÁ, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS, SOLÁ SOLÁ STUDIOS

One QWSTION bag the duo keep on high rotation is the BioLight Medium Bucket in Woodpecker, which has become a trusted companion whether they’re skating through the city or embarking on a long-haul business trip.

Love the A-frame construction of the straps. It gives the bag a streamlined and clean look whether lightly or heavily packed. With the new strap length management construction, the straps do not always sit flat over the shoulder. It has no effect on comfort, but I do prefer the strap system on the Bananatex® packs.

WHAT LED YOU TO WHAT YOU DO TODAY?

We are fortunate to share a similar story, in that we were each inspired by the craftsmen in our family, and have had access to the education and tools to follow our creative passions. Isabell studied Industrial Design at ZHdK in Zurich, and Kyle at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT?

Raising our son, and maintaining meaningful relationships with those close to our hearts, even when they are far away. Coming from different cultures and backgrounds, it has been very important to have strong communication, an open mindset, and the ability to see things from various perspectives.

HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THIS IN YOUR WORK?

With communication as a basic tenet, we work at the intersection of users, clients and manufacturers. It is important for us to be inquisitive and keen listeners, in order to translate these dialogues and observations into products with intuitive and engaging characteristics that resonate.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN THE THINGS YOU BUY?

We both value the basic quality of longevity, and primarily look for objects which will endure our visual and haptic scrutiny, even when used for many years. Additionally, a durable quality for a life of hard wear, and a repairable construction when it reaches a point of extreme wear or breakage. Particularly when we purchase an object new, it is important to us that it would retain a certain value for others if/when we would let it go.