Our story

Where product development meets creative rebellion

North & Knox was born from 20 years of building other people's products and a simple realization: the best luxury isn't about perfection. It's about character.

I'm Nichole, and I've spent two decades in apparel product development. Technical design, private label strategy, fit corrections, the whole process. I know what goes into making something well, and I know what it costs to cut corners.

But I got tired of the sameness. Luxury shouldn't feel mass-produced. It shouldn't look like everyone else's bag.

The L.L.Bean Connection

I've always loved the Boat & Tote. It's honest, functional, nearly indestructible. But what if you could take that heritage and transform it into something singular?

That's North & Knox.

Every bag starts with an authentic, pre-loved L.L.Bean tote. I hand-wash and scrub each one, rework the structure, add elevated hardware, and rebuild it into a one-of-a-kind piece. The worn canvas, the faded stitching, the little imperfections? That's not damage. That's soul.

Made in Columbus, Ohio

North & Knox is made in my studio, by my hands, one bag at a time. No outsourcing. No production line.

I'm not interested in building a brand that scales into oblivion. I'm interested in making bags that matter. Bags you'll carry for years, that feel like yours from day one, that hold up to real life.

North & Knox is for people who appreciate craftsmanship and understand that true luxury is about quality and individuality, not hype.

Let's make something that lasts.

Nichole Konkolewski
 Founder, North & Knox
 Columbus, Ohio