When Portland-based artist Zach Matheson attended the Interior Design Show in Vancouver it wasn't just his design credentials that caught the attention of the editors of GRAY Magazine. They fell in love with the custom-made plastic black mesh tote on his arm and, over a series of months, a collaboration was born. 

Inspired by an exhibit of traditional French fisherman net bags at the Louisiana Museum in Humblebaek, Denmark, Matheson translated a simple design into a functional basket using industrial materials with leather. But instead of holding fish, this modern catch-all is made to contain and partially conceal daily essentials for work, travel, or personal pursuits. 

The fact that the MZDID x Gray Studio Bag is the first extensive design collaboration for the media company speaks volumes about this limited-edition structured silhouette in a special new size (three wine bottles wide to be exact). Throughout the design refinement process, editors received a constant stream of inquiries and Matheson has been known to sell baskets off his arm to people who stop him on the street. 

As product design and movements continue to favor customization, we can’t help but love how the design by MZDID Studio reveals a glimpse of each carriers unique lifestyle.