Carolien and Hein studied graphic design and 3D design respectively, but that didn’t stop them diving headlong into the fashion world at the earliest opportunity. Rather than wasting time researching the complications of bagology, “we used second-hand handbags, cutting the tops off and attaching our felt design onto the clasp or zipper of the second-hand bag. We didn’t know how to make bags, so we just cut the complicated part off the second-hand pieces and attached our own gun and knife designs!” explains Hein. And thus was born the first Vlieger & Vandam classic.

After showing the early Guardian Angel designs in an Amsterdam exhibition, they ventured to the States with a range of samples. Receiving warm, positive reactions from a bevvie of boutique-owners in the world’s most critical city, New York, gave them the confidence to go into production proper.

GMT Charms (black), Autumn / Winter 2008-2009

They followed their hugely successful debut with an adorable line of smaller bags or travel “charms”, the GMT series. Combining the relevance of Greenwich Mean Time for globe-trotters, with the three essentials for any sassy traveller: Glasses, Music and Tickets. Explains Hein, “GMT Charms is a collection of small bags: a glasses case, a name card holder and a mini pochette for your iPod or camera. All parts are detachable and can be connected to each other in different ways using the shoulder and wrist straps.” They have since added full-size travel cases GMT Large and GMT Tote to the collection, with straps to connect the smaller charm pieces.

“Guardian Angel Collection”, Vlieger & Vandam’s original collection from 2002 made with the second-hand bags.

It wasn’t long before their unique, witty inventions have led them all the way to the MoMA, who exhibited the Guardian Angel bag as part of the new wing’s inaugural Safe, Design Takes on Risks exhibition in 2005. And following the show, the museum added the bag to its permanent collection. On the subject of career highlights, the beaming duo adds, “we’re very proud of the fact that the Droog Design flagship store in Amsterdam will carry our GMT Charms this season.”