Giving Polar Denim a second life as a Gousi handbag
Giving Polar Denim a second life as a Gousi handbag
GOUSI is a sustainable upcycling brand based in Cologne, specialising in handcrafted bags and accessories that support a circular system. For this collaboration, they transformed deadstock Polar denim pants into a limited selection of unique handbags, giving existing materials a new purpose and extending their lifecycle. Featuring different washes, textures, and colour variations, each handcrafted piece reflects individuality and reimagines fashion through meticulous attention to detail, making every bag entirely one of a kind.
We met Stella, who is running the brand by herself , for a little chat about her business, the production and even what your Polar X Gousi bag should see this summer.
Tell us the quick story of founding Gousi and the sustainable idea behind your brand.
I founded GOUSI in Bordeaux in 2023. I’ve always been drawn to handcrafted objects, thoughtful details, art, and simple design. When I moved to France, it felt like the perfect opportunity to start something new and turn those interests into a brand of my own. Sustainability was a natural starting point as I love being outdoors and spending time in nature, so working with existing materials simply made sense. GOUSI transforms deadstock fabrics into handcrafted bags and accessories, giving materials that would otherwise go unused a second life. And one of my favourite things about working this way is that the fabrics are always changing. New colours, new textures, new possibilities!
What’s your average routine from finding fabric to finishing a handbag?
It usually starts with colour. I’m constantly inspired by colours I see in everyday life and in nature, so the process is quite intuitive. I normally work with resellers of leftover fabrics from textile productions. There are more unused fabrics out there than most people realize. The exciting part is that I never know exactly what materials I’ll get next, which keeps every collection fresh and makes the whole process a lot of fun.
What was your goal working on this collab?
I wanted to create three simple bag silhouettes in different sizes using colourful denim pants. I wanted each bag to have its own character through the different washes and colours rather than through complicated design details. It was also my first time working with denim pants, which made the project especially exciting. I love seeing how things can be transformed into something completely new.
“All the jeans were Big Boys, so there was way more fabric in a single pair than I expected! I swear, you can’t imagine the amount of fabric in a pair of XL Big Boys, haha!“
What makes a good handbag for you?
A good handbag is one you’re excited to wear. It should be practical enough for everyday life while still looking great. The best bags are the ones that combine function and style effortlessly.
Can you give us a little tour through the 3 models?
Sure! The Mini Bag is a compact shoulder bag for everyday essentials like your phone, camera, water bottle, and a light layer.
The Medium Bag offers a bit more space and comes with a longer strap, so it can be worn crossbody-perfect for cycling, skating, or just keeping your hands free.
The Big Bag is made for carrying everything from books and laptops to sports gear. Like the Medium Bag, it can be worn crossbody for extra comfort.
All three bags feature eyelets, so you can personalize them with charms, keychains, or whatever you like,
How did Polar denim behave getting reworked into a handbag?
Actually the denim is incredibly strong and durable, which makes it perfect for bags and a test for my machines, haha! Surprised by that many different washes, every pair of jeans brought something different, so any single bag became a unique piece. All the jeans were Big Boys, so there was way more fabric in a single pair than I expected! I swear, you can’t imagine the size of cut XL Big Boy pair, haha!
What’s your personal favorite of the collection?
Every time I finished a bag from a new pair of pants, I thought, “Okay, this one’s staying with me.”
The different washes really make the collection special. I’m especially a fan of the more unusual and acid-washed denims because they’re full of character and make every bag feel unique. In the end, I kept a green prototype for myself - otherwise I probably would’ve taken half the collection home. It’s hard, because you also know there’s not many of each color.
What should a Polar x Gousi bag see this summer?
Definitely picnics in the park and trips to as many lakes as possible. Long summer evenings with friends, sitting outside bars, staying out too late, and making the most of those warm nights. Basically, it should have a busy summer.
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