Based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Hein van Dam and Caroline Vlieger first began working together under the name Studiostraks. From 2000 until 2003 they jointly created designs for their online shop Supermarket-one. In 2004 the duo abandoned both Studiostraks and Supermarket-one to form a new label, Vlieger and Vandam. Focusing exclusively on handbags and accessories, V&V's most recent series is Guardian Angel. Anxiously awaited for after their successful Hairwear, Fellow Citizens, Polka Dots and Notalaptop designs, Hein and Caroline have once again created genuinely unique interpretations of the common-day accessory.

Available in a variety of colors, The Guardian Angel series exists within the symbolism of the knife, the gun and the crucifix. On each bag one of three symbols is outlined within it's shell. The result of which, creates an eerie three-dimensional silhouette that gives the illusion of one of these three things actually being carried in the bag. Designed as either a clutch or over-the-shoulder bag, having an angel by your side will cost you about $85.00 US dollars. However, if you like the look but don't have the budget, V&V's special one year anniversary edition might be a little easier to swallow. Available at 30% off, Hein and Caroline have released an all black version of the Guardian Angel series that is accompanied with a very limited and unique anniversary key-ring!

Vlieger & Vandam's concept: "to design objects that make a statement about today's social issues", is running full steam ahead. After just celebrating their first anniversary, Hein and Carolien are preparing to premiere their newest collection, "Peep Show", at the Ambiente in Frankfurt this February. All they can suggest is that, " 'Peep Show' is a series of bags filled with goodies". As if V&V doesn't already have enough "goodies" for their fashion savvy followers, this graphic and three-dimensional design team are a promising new talent in today's ever evolving fashion market.

Vlieger & Vandam [website]