We are launching for the first time an all exclusive bag line featuring bold fresh prints commissioned by textile surface designer, Erin Flett, with her sophisticated signature style of innovative, organic hip designs and colors. AU and flett quickly
determined that they were a great fit and collaborated to incorporate flett’s designs into AU’s universal and fun bag shapes.

The launch of the new AU prints by flett will be in AU’s Spring and Summer catalog which will hit the market this month. The AU-flett collaboration is the next step in proclaiming AU’s stance among the best looks and designs in the market, and revealing erin flett as an up and coming textile designer and artist.

These exclusive prints are simply not available anywhere else in the world and will be a must have for your next trip around town or for that special getaway.

The Vision

Seaside Maine is a constantly changing landscape of shapes and colors and is the inspiration for the new AU-flett launch. Maine waters are very tidal, and the flow they create is a visible, tangible, energy. “Worn Current”, the first of the two graphic prints captures the rhythmic energy of the swirling tide and wind which causes waves to crash onto the rocky shores and sandy beaches. It is a fluid graphic; it has no visible beginning or end.

“Island Edge” is a bolder, more geometric print mimicking the islands and the broken shards of colorful sea glass found in and around the granite outcroppings. Think deep watery blues and citrus greens, and urban chic grays.

New patterns are not the only fresh detail… AU is introducing a subtle, gray leather inspired by driftwood and bleached clapboard siding that is often found on the cottages of coastal Maine that are tucked in-between rocks and pine trees facing out on an endless sea.

Read the full press release here.

Dopp Kits, Toiletry Bags – longstanding tradition but with a facelift!

Dopp bags or toiletry bags are so useful. Traditionally made of cloth, leather or vinyl and used for storing mens grooming tools for travel. The Dopp kit has become a staple to men and woman alike to keep their toiletries organized.

The History of the Dopp bag

The Dopp bag was designed by Jerome Harris for his uncle Charles Doppelt, a German immigrant to the United States in the early 1900’s. Dopp kits used to be traditional gifts given to young men as they ascended into manhood. The popularity of Dopp kits spiked during WWII when Dopp kits were issued to GI’s and recruits. For everything you need to know about Dopp kits we found this fun little site, The Art of Manliness, who also tells you all the traditional supplies for a Dopp bag and more.

AU’s Dopp Kit

A safe place to store your travel items or just to keep your toiletries organized, the Dopp kit was another perfect match for our Raincoat Cotton and Sailwax collections! We kept the traditional shape and added our favorite colors and prints. Raincoat cotton is water and stain resistant for life’s little mishaps and each Dopp kit is lined with nylon for easy cleaning. Our Sailwax collection is durable and handsome. We hope you like them. I use mine every day!

By popular demand we have created AU Diaper bags! Our trademark laminated cotton is durable, water and stain resistant – perfect for busy moms! We took a few of our most popular playful prints and designed the new diaper bags. We added lots of pockets for binkies, bottles and whatever active moms may need. The diaper bag can be ordered with or without a changing pad to meet any need and heck, this bag is perfect even without the baby. We could all use more pockets!

To order please contact us or come to our Freeport or Westbrook Maine locations!

AU’s Sailwax Collection is the original oil cloth developed in Scotland for mariners as their foul weather gear. In the early 1800’s a Scottish mill that wove sails for the British clipper fleet used the material to make gear for the fisherman, especially their capes. They used the oil from flax plants. At its origin the material was heavy, stiff in the rain and faded to yellow over time – which is where the traditional yellow of the fisherman’s slicker came from.

Over time the Sailwax concept has been improved and refined. This wax infused cotton is great for those who want classic sophistication, durability and water resistance. Perfect for the sophisticated traveler. Unlike its ancestors, the color of the Sailwax collection doesn’t fade to yellow, but it does look better and better over time.

Check it out today.