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Private company

Kipling

Logo: Self made., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons3

Retail brand

Kipling is a brand selling handbags, backpacks, totes, luggage and other accessories. It was founded in 1987 in Antwerp, Belgium. Kipling has been a part of VF Corporation since 2004.2 It is headquartered in Bornem.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1987Founded1

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Sacs Kipling
Photo: Thierry Caro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons5

Kipling is a brand selling handbags, backpacks, totes, luggage and other accessories. It was founded in 1987 in Antwerp, Belgium. Kipling has been a part of VF Corporation since 2004. Kipling has 250 employees across its corporate offices in Antwerp, New Jersey, São Paulo, and Hong Kong. Kipling bags are sold in more than 80 countries internationally and can be found in more than 7,500 stores.2

The story

Kipling was founded in 1987 in Antwerp by designer Xavier Kegels (who also founded Hedgren) and Paul Van De Velde, who were joined by a third partner, Vincent Haverbeke. The name was inspired by Rudyard Kipling who wrote the children’s story The Jungle Book.

In June 2004, VF Corporation, an American worldwide apparel and footwear company, acquired Kipling. Kipling became part of VF's "sportswear" range.

Timeline

1986: The original founders of Kipling decide to create a new bags company in Antwerp, Belgium

1989: Kipling goes to North America and Japan

1993: Kipling goes to Central America

2004: Kipling joins the portfolio of VF

In 2023, in light of the release of the Barbie Movie, Kipling and Barbie introduce a collaboration for handbags. Other collaborations include Minju Kim, and Hello Kitty (since 2022).

From Wikipedia’s article on Kipling (brand), shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Products and brands

  • bag

Listed on Wikidata.1

Kipling is known for its casual-styled accessories, bags, backpacks and luggage. Besides its crinkle nylon fabric, the brand produces bags in many other materials. Its offering ranges from pouches, wallets and small key hangers to handbags, cross-bodies, totes, backpacks, weekenders and luggage. The brand is also popular for its bright, heavy-duty travel pieces, as well as for its schoolbags among kids.

Kipling is known for their signature furry monkey keychain.

From Wikipedia’s article on Kipling (brand), shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Timeline

  1. 1987Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

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