Photo courtesy of Blue Claw Co.

Since its 2010 genesis, Blue Claw Co.‘s inspiration has been rooted in two things: travel and design. Today, Blue Claw’s bags and accessories are handcrafted with both aesthetics and functional application in mind. Each piece – like waxed and unwaxed canvas, full grain leather and solid brass – is carefully sourced from around the world and is constructed their Minneapolis workshop.

Learn the Blue Claw Co. story in our exclusive Modern Midwest Q&A.

Modern Midwest: Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background?
Blue Claw Co: Blue Claw Co’s founder comes from a long line of New York City manufacturers dating back to the 1920s. Once he landed on a concept, his dream of a travel-oriented, domestically made bag line was put into motion.

MM: Tell us about your company.
BCC: Blue Claw’s studio is located in Northeast Minneapolis. Products are 100% manufactured in MN and CT. We have searched high and low to find the finest materials available from the best tanneries and mills in the world.

MM: When/why was it born?
BCC: Blue Claw Co was born in MD in 2010 after being inspired by a trip to Argentina. The bags used by the Polo players were a size and construction that didn’t exist in the domestically-made market. With changes and carefully selected materials we are able to make the most accessible, highest quality bags and accessories found anywhere.

MM: What’s your creative process like?
BCC: It is always a mixture of material first and design second, where purpose and durability is always at the forefront of our construction. Our designers and craftsmen pride themselves on bags and accessories that are as functional as they are stylish.

MM: What makes the Midwest, specifically Minnesota, special?
BCC: That there is a vast, but very tight-knit community here that supports creative ideas, products, and ventures.

MM: What’s one thing a non-Minnesota native should know about the city?
BCC: There is a huge music and arts scene here that can easily trump other major U.S. cities.

MM: Where do you get your inspiration?
BCC: Our inspiration is truly based around travel and our materials. Hunting for the best developed materials to apply to our classic designs and silhouettes. Lately it has been strongly inspired by SB Foot leather from Red Wing.

MM: What’s something new – or challenging – that you’re working on?
BCC: The newest venture and challenge has been in our development in our all-leather goods. We had worked predominately with canvas-both waxed and unwaxed- as well as Ballistic Nylon. With the help of SB Foot, we have been developing some classic travel pieces, meant to last a lifetime.

Shop a variety of Blue Claw Co.’s timeless bags and accessories at Modern Midwest’s first-ever “Modern Market” in Minneapolis’ North Loop. In addition to Blue Claw Co., a carefully curated selection of local makers will showcase their goods at Modern Market – all of which embody the Midwest’s distinct take on modern living. Enjoy local food and drink, live music and art while supporting the Minneapolis maker community!