Skip to main content

Langly Focuses on Picture-Perfect Bags & Apparel

Langly
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Los Angeles-based brand Langly launched on Kickstarter four years ago when photographer Evan Lane saw a need for protective and camera bags that didn’t cry out “I’m a camera bag (steal me!)” when traveling. The line quickly took off there and with fellow shutterbugs on Instagram who appreciate its assortment of rugged yet subtle and stylish bags and gear. Langly is now expanding to include outdoor apparel and accessories that are perfect for both pro and amateur lifestyle adventurers/lensmen and which are sold directly on the brand’s website.

Lane recently shared a verbal snapshot of his ever-growing brand with me….

langly-2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How many different bags does Langly offer?

There are five different bag styles and those come in two to three colorways each. Then we have a range of accessories: a card holder, a battery pouch, a variety of camera straps and patches and pins with branding on them.

What is the most popular bag style?

The original bag which is the Alpha Pro. It’s the staple so to speak and the silhouette that everyone recognizes as our brand.

langly alpha pro
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What makes the Alpha special?

I just think that the silhouette is very classic and it was the premise that started it all. That style became extremely recognizable and popular as it saturated the market and was the first bag that we made.

What materials do you use in the bags?

That bag has changed over time but all of them have a TPU coating over some type of natural fiber. Right now it’s a twill on most of the bags. TPU is a thermal polyurethane that’s a recyclable plastic but it has the texture and feel of leather or something kind of similar to that effect.

langly-5
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Where are bags made?

Overseas in China.

Who is the Langly customer?

The customer is an avid adventurer. They are more like the aspirational photographer. We have a few different bag types but I think that Alpha kind of caters to that part-time photographer/hobbyist. Then our Multi and the Simple carry a lot more gear so those are more aimed towards your everyday professional freelancer. All the bags are padded with EVA foam compartments.

What’s next for the brand?

We’re now doing clothing and outdoor apparel and other accessories like beanies and hats. We’re doing a limited capsule thing right now where we’re just testing the market but over the next year we are going to start going into retail and creating an entire clothing line that’s pretty much non-seasonal and year-round.

langly-camera
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is your favorite apparel piece from the collection?

Probably the All-Weather Zip. It’s got a mesh-lined hood and it’s really awesome. It stops the wind really well and it’s definitely warm but it’s packable and you can put it in your bag pretty easily.

Tell me about the camera straps you offer.

We have a few different types of straps. One type is made from a paracord weave that’s called the cobra braid. Basically people use it in the military and stuff like that so it’s a survival rope. It’s 50 to 60 feet of rope but it’s one single strand so it you were to undo it, it would be one giant piece of rope. Then we have a couple of leather ones that are made here in L.A. One of them is untanned leather so it ages as you use it. And the other is black nubuck which is this high quality leather. Then we also have wrist straps that are made out of climbing rope.

langly-3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is your design background?

I went to film school so I don’t really have a design background. I was a photographer and that is design to me because composition and having an eye all came from photography. And then figuring out the need for the gear obviously came from being a photographer.

What has been the best thing about having the brand so far?

The best thing has been watching people use the stuff, go out into the world and all over the world, seeing it in photos and watching it just spark itself. And having something that you made being put to use. It’s amazing and it’s helping people. It’s inspiration, basically.

Christopher Blomquist
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Christopher is a native New Yorker who lives and works (mostly) in Manhattan. A longtime fashion journalist, he served as…
Overland is the king of ski towns: Celebrating 50 years of American mountain west outerwear
How did Overland win over the mountain town
Taos Storefront 2023

Every industry has its mainstay brands that only get stronger with more competition. There will always be some new and fresh idea that challenges all those before it and tries to change the industry. Then there are those brands they face, who have been around for decades, weaving in and out of competition and outlasting every challenge thrown their way. For every new and exciting watch brand, there is a Rolex standing strong. While there are plenty of explanations for why a brand outshines every other around it, Overland Sheepskin Co. has an explanation all its own. On this, their 50th year, we look back and try to understand how this family-owned business became the King of the Mountain towns and what keeps them on top.

Back in 1973, the flagship store in Taos, New Mexico, took a bale of sheepskin and a sewing machine and began creating coats, hats, and mittens for the surrounding area. As word began to spread about their quality, the whole family had to pitch in to help out to meet the growing demand. Five decades later, with 17 stores throughout the Rocky Mountains and across the country, they have become a mainstay in the mountain and ski towns for their quality and dependability. We got a chance to sit down with Monty Goodson, manager of the Santa Fe store and a buyer for the company, to find out how they did it and how they maintain the culture that has made them who they are today.

Read more
Bell & Ross BR-03, its flagship watch, updated for first time in almost 2 decades
A classic design gets a much-deserved update
BR 03 Military Ceramic watch Bell & Ross

In the realm of luxury watches, Bell & Ross holds a unique place. The brand is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs, which have consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking. One of their most iconic watches, the Bell & Ross BR-03, recently underwent a significant update, marking a milestone in its nearly two-decade history.

Founded in 1992 by Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo, Bell & Ross quickly gained recognition for its dedication to producing professional timepieces tailored to specific needs. Their watches are often inspired by aviation and military aesthetics, characterized by a perfect blend of form and function. Over the years, the Bell & Ross BR-03 has become a symbol of precision and reliability, earning its place among the finest luxury watches.
The timeless design of the BR 03
The Bell & Ross BR 03 has always been celebrated for its distinctive square case design, paying homage to cockpit instruments. Its robust and bold appearance sets it apart from traditional round watches, and the BR 03 has been a favorite among those who appreciate a timepiece that makes a statement. The signature square case, clear numerals, and luminescent hands make it not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly legible.

Read more
Apple doesn’t sell the Hermes Apple Watch leather band anymore – and we think we know why
Leather is not exactly "sustainable"
apple watch hermes leather band

 

In the realm of luxury, Hermes is a distinguished name known for (amongst other things) its collaboration with Apple in creating exquisite Apple Watch bands. In recent days, Hermes appeared to remove all leather Apple Watch 8 bands from its site, sparking intrigue and raising questions about the underlying reasons; many even wondered if Hermes and Apple were ending their partnership. All Apple Watch Series 9 bands are listed on the Hermes website – including leather bands. Still, Apple isn't selling the leather bands on its website, and there's an excellent reason why.

Read more