We’re Wander-Lusting Over NYC’s Coolest Carryalls From 1 Per Diem

For all the wanderlusters, 1 Per Diem's spring '12 lookbook reminds us of why designers head into the past when searching for present inspiration. In this collection, the bag pros imagine summer forever awashed in a pale, dreamy light. The New York-based designer Vanessa Espinosa hails from the Philippines but her creations bring a sense of savvy urban explorer to the "island sun and uninhabited coves" of a far away land (perfect example: See last year's 1 Per Diem It bag!). Shot by Tommy Chase Lucas, we especially love the cooper rucksack made of canyon cowhide in a rich chocolate brown that will look even better mile after mile. But not everything is rustic. The Essex tote in Acid (love the color name, shout out to our 'hood!) arrives in a stand out, yellow-green calfskin that comes with a detachable interior pouch for stowing smaller essentials. Ironically, while the lookbook enlists the help of NYC's coolest, like Samantha Pleet, Gretchen Mongrain, Alexandra Grecco, and Ambit, the 1 Per Diem images make us want to pack up and get away from the Big Apple as they flaunt a collection that's immediately ready for adventure, in the past or present.