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THE HAPPIEST COLLAB ON EARTH.

Behind the Design: Sheron Barber's Mickey Mouse backpack

If you caught part one of our interview with designer and founder of streetwear label DR14 here, you’d know that SHERON BARBER has wildly diverse inspirations when it comes to the art and culture scene.

METCHA - Sheron Barber - Mickey Mouse backpack - Mickey Mouse backpack made with Italian leather by Sheron Barber

One of his most immediately recognizable pieces that we can’t get enough of is the Mickey Mouse backpack: a completely unique piece that combines the luxury Italian leather and iconic monogram of Louis Vuitton with the internationally beloved Disney character, Mickey Mouse. While the bag is a fully functional backpack, the whimsical build and recognizable motifs give it a fine art sculptural feel that makes it look like it belongs behind museum doors.

METCHA - Sheron Barber - Mickey Mouse backpack - Sheron Barber with Mickey Mouse backpacks designed by him and made with Italian leather

We chatted with Sheron to learn about the story behind the process of combining two widely known global brands into a piece that’s what 100% his own ― scroll down to see for yourself.

METCHA - Sheron Barber - Mickey Mouse backpack - Sheron Barber creating Mickey Mouse backpacks made with Italian leather

“I have probably five to ten people whose stories and what they stand for genuinely inspire me. I'm fascinated by Walt Disney and his ability to bring his imagination to life ― we can literally ride through his ideas in reality, his mind spawned the entirety of Disney. It’s incredible to be able to experience someone’s vision firsthand like that, and I feel like he was just a brilliant man.”

“When I think about Mickey, I think about Walt. And with the Louis Vuitton brand, I think about the man himself ― how his attention to detail on leather craftsmanship is something that’s stood the test of time. If you pick up a Louis Vuitton bag, every stitch is consistently on point, it’s not like you’re going to find one that’s flawed. It’s incredible that his approach to craftsmanship is still embedded in the company’s DNA 150 years later. I'm a huge fan of Louis Vuitton, as well as Bernard Arnault, who currently owns the brand. To be able to bring these two things together and put my own spin on 'em is me paying tribute to people who I look up to and who inspire me.”

“I wanted to pay tribute to these people and also show that you can use leather to create sculptures, IT'S ALMOST MORE LIKE A SCULPTURAL PIECE THAN AN ACESSORY. I aspire to accomplish things as amazing as Walt Disney and Bernard Arnault and Louis Vuitton.”

Keep those amazing things coming, Sheron.

Dive deeper into the designer’s mind and press play on his powerful creative playlist here.

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