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How does Balkantango differ from other bag and wallet manufacturers?
Balkantango differentiates itself from typical bag and wallet manufacturers through its commitment to fair and local production, as well as its emphasis on activism and diversity. Unlike conventional manufacturers, Balkantango’s accessories are crafted with a deep-rooted adherence to fair-made principles, ensuring that all products are individually cut and sewn either in IPek’s workshop in Basel or by seamstresses from a Hungarian association dedicated to integrating people with special needs.
Since its establishment, Balkantango's production follows the zero-waste principle, continually refining its processes to achieve the most efficient material usage. Year after year, the brand gets closer to its goal through the most effective cutting techniques of a carefully working craftworkers’ crew.
This localized production minimizes environmental impact by avoiding long-distance shipping, with materials and products confined to European borders. Neither the materials nor the ready-made products of Balkantango travel more than 1,000km, which is considered a very short distance compared to global fashion standards.
Here you can read Balkantango’s story and how these values have become its establishment pillars.
Balkantango differentiates itself from typical bag and wallet manufacturers through its commitment to fair and local production, as well as its emphasis on activism and diversity. Unlike conventional manufacturers, Balkantango’s accessories are crafted with a deep-rooted adherence to fair-made principles, ensuring that all products are individually cut and sewn either in IPek’s workshop in Basel or by seamstresses from a Hungarian association dedicated to integrating people with special needs.
Since its establishment, Balkantango's production follows the zero-waste principle, continually refining its processes to achieve the most efficient material usage. Year after year, the brand gets closer to its goal through the most effective cutting techniques of a carefully working craftworkers’ crew.
This localized production minimizes environmental impact by avoiding long-distance shipping, with materials and products confined to European borders. Neither the materials nor the ready-made products of Balkantango travel more than 1,000km, which is considered a very short distance compared to global fashion standards.
Here you can read Balkantango’s story and how these values have become its establishment pillars.
How long is the warranty of Balkantango products?
Balkantango products are guaranteed for two years. Reflecting our philosophy centered on longevity and durability, all our products are meticulously designed and crafted from upcycled materials and high quality accessories to last as long as possible. To ensure the longest possible lifetime, we buy our zippers from @YKK and our backside material is from @cordura. When stored appropriately and used as intended, our products should perform flawlessly throughout many years. However, should any issues arise, we are ready to repair or replace your Balkantango as soon as possible.
You can read more about our commitment to longevity and slow fashion and can also see some photos of well-worn products of ours here.
Balkantango products are guaranteed for two years. Reflecting our philosophy centered on longevity and durability, all our products are meticulously designed and crafted from upcycled materials and high quality accessories to last as long as possible. To ensure the longest possible lifetime, we buy our zippers from @YKK and our backside material is from @cordura. When stored appropriately and used as intended, our products should perform flawlessly throughout many years. However, should any issues arise, we are ready to repair or replace your Balkantango as soon as possible.
You can read more about our commitment to longevity and slow fashion and can also see some photos of well-worn products of ours here.
How do you post Balkantango goodies I bought in your webshop?
We ensure that your Balkantango goodies are posted with care. All items purchased from our webshop are shipped in an eco-friendly packaging to minimize environmental impact. We use local postal services to keep our carbon footprint low and deliver your orders as sustainably as possible. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email. However, tracking information does not come automatically, so if you have any specific shipping requests or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We post once a week, usually on Friday, so it might take time until you get your parcel. Slow fashion starts with a sustainable delivery system so we are thankful for your understanding.
You can see some examples of package-design co-operation from the last twenty years here.
We ensure that your Balkantango goodies are posted with care. All items purchased from our webshop are shipped in an eco-friendly packaging to minimize environmental impact. We use local postal services to keep our carbon footprint low and deliver your orders as sustainably as possible. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email. However, tracking information does not come automatically, so if you have any specific shipping requests or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We post once a week, usually on Friday, so it might take time until you get your parcel. Slow fashion starts with a sustainable delivery system so we are thankful for your understanding.
You can see some examples of package-design co-operation from the last twenty years here.
Does Balkantango manufacture custom-made?
Balkantango does produce custom-made objects, but with certain conditions. If you are a brand, a designer, or an institute searching for eco-friendly collaboration, we are open to co-design objects using upcycled bicycle inner tubes. A beloved example is the ball dress created in collaboration with Aquanauta, which became a statement design object showcased across Europe. It effectively communicated our eco-friendly ethos at various fairs and exhibitions through its innovative design and material combination.
However, if you are an individual looking for a personalized wallet or bag, we regret to inform you that we only produce the ready-to-wear products designed by IPek, the founder and designer of Balkantango.
You can have a look at all goodies of the present collection in our shop here.
Balkantango does produce custom-made objects, but with certain conditions. If you are a brand, a designer, or an institute searching for eco-friendly collaboration, we are open to co-design objects using upcycled bicycle inner tubes. A beloved example is the ball dress created in collaboration with Aquanauta, which became a statement design object showcased across Europe. It effectively communicated our eco-friendly ethos at various fairs and exhibitions through its innovative design and material combination.
However, if you are an individual looking for a personalized wallet or bag, we regret to inform you that we only produce the ready-to-wear products designed by IPek, the founder and designer of Balkantango.
You can have a look at all goodies of the present collection in our shop here.
What do you mean by activism beyond demonstrations?
Balkantango redefines activism beyond traditional demonstrations by inspiring individuals to provoke change through their everyday actions, empowering those who cannot attend protests or engage in online debates to view their progressive daily activities as activism. As a fashion brand, Balkantango demonstrates that activism can manifest in numerous meaningful ways, whether through supporting ethical production practices, promoting diversity in all aspects of its operations, or empowering local initiatives. Balkantango's commitment to fair and environmentally conscious fashion production provides an ecological background for its inclusive approach, which has advocated for environmental justice for marginalized individuals for almost 20 years.
You can read more about our activist philosophy here.
Balkantango redefines activism beyond traditional demonstrations by inspiring individuals to provoke change through their everyday actions, empowering those who cannot attend protests or engage in online debates to view their progressive daily activities as activism. As a fashion brand, Balkantango demonstrates that activism can manifest in numerous meaningful ways, whether through supporting ethical production practices, promoting diversity in all aspects of its operations, or empowering local initiatives. Balkantango's commitment to fair and environmentally conscious fashion production provides an ecological background for its inclusive approach, which has advocated for environmental justice for marginalized individuals for almost 20 years.
You can read more about our activist philosophy here.
Do you work with materials other than upcycled bicycle inner tubes?
Black is the new black with us. At Balkantango upcycled bicycle inner tube, used almost for 20 years, is our signature style and we create everything with it. This material we built our brand onto, is central to our commitment to sustainability and it gives our products a distinctive look. Occasionally, like with the Wien gymsac, we happily team up with others. If you have a material that you think would pair well with upcycled inner tubes, we'd love to hear from you!
Here you can see some of our favorite co-designed objects from the last twenty years of Balkantango.
Black is the new black with us. At Balkantango upcycled bicycle inner tube, used almost for 20 years, is our signature style and we create everything with it. This material we built our brand onto, is central to our commitment to sustainability and it gives our products a distinctive look. Occasionally, like with the Wien gymsac, we happily team up with others. If you have a material that you think would pair well with upcycled inner tubes, we'd love to hear from you!
Here you can see some of our favorite co-designed objects from the last twenty years of Balkantango.
Does Balkantango work with retailers?
Balkantango does collaborate with retailers, but as a small brand, our production capabilities are very limited. We have intentionally scaled down our business after previously operating at a larger scale, aiming to avoid returning to mass production. Since then, Balkantango's focus has been on raising awareness through a few partnerships in special venues frequented by open-minded visitors, such as pop-up design stores or museum shops. Additionally, our founder and designer, IPek, supports this advocation through lectures and workshops held at exhibitions, universities and conferences.
If you're interested in discussing a potential retail collaboration or you would like to invite IPek as a lecturer, please share your idea here.
Balkantango does collaborate with retailers, but as a small brand, our production capabilities are very limited. We have intentionally scaled down our business after previously operating at a larger scale, aiming to avoid returning to mass production. Since then, Balkantango's focus has been on raising awareness through a few partnerships in special venues frequented by open-minded visitors, such as pop-up design stores or museum shops. Additionally, our founder and designer, IPek, supports this advocation through lectures and workshops held at exhibitions, universities and conferences.
If you're interested in discussing a potential retail collaboration or you would like to invite IPek as a lecturer, please share your idea here.