Wearwell's Co-Founder, Emily Kenney, chats with the Founder of PACKPACK, Brooke LaGrand, based in the enchanting city of Pittsburgh with her husband and two kids. Brooke talks about the early days of her brand, what inspires her bag designs, and why PACKPACK sends love letters to customers.
Emily: Hi, Brooke! I’m such a fan of your brand. What motivated you to start PACKPACK?
Brooke: PACKPACK actually started as a kid’s brand! I wanted to give kids agency and independence to "let the kids carry their things," and then the adults fell in love with them so we listened and expanded. Our customers have really led me to our wonderful current offering – the PACKPACK is a simplified pocket with a zipper for safety. PACKPACK is made with delicious designer deadstock textiles sourced from the overproduction of the NYC fashion industry and diverted from the landfill.
Emily: I love how you’ve made diverting waste from landfill look so cute! What inspires your designs?
Brooke: Mixed prints and color. Rich textural fabrics that feel like a story when you feel them. And you know this textile is going to meet another textile in your closet and become fast friends, and that in turn makes your outfit even more slamming.
Emily: So what are your must-have PACKPACK colors?
Brooke: The Sol to brighten up your dark hues, The Amir for refreshment and clarity, and The Cookie (looks like cookies and cream!) for joy.
PACKPACK Belt Bag, Sol Deadstock
Emily: I can’t get enough of The Sol, but I’m also into The Chuckie pattern! I'd love to hear more about PACKPACK's impact. Can you share more about what sets your brand apart from other conscious brands?
Brooke: We produce everything locally for low impact. We celebrate the movement toward a circular economy where all materials are sourced and produced locally. We do this to stop using fossil fuels to ship our samples and finished products back and forth from overseas, and also to bolster our local economy with jobs. We have loved evolving our deadstock offerings since so many of our customers have requested more deadstock. Delicious, rich designer textiles as statement pieces for your look? Yes, please!
Emily: Yes, please, for sure! In three words or less, how would you sum up your brand’s aesthetic?
Brooke: Artisanal, delightful, and sustainable.
Emily: Last but not least, what’s next for PACKPACK?
Brooke: In January and February, we send love letters in all our orders! This year, improv dancer/writer/quilter Marlee Grace is our contributing writer. I love sending these love letters to our customers because it connects us and makes us feel less alone.
