The WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Story

Having been inspired by the world of fashion their entire lives, twins, Dexter and Byron Peart came to design the WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie collection from a solid point of understanding and ambition. Dexter, having spent 8 years as Vice President of Sixty Canada, and Byron, 5 years as Marketing Director of Diesel Canada and now also president of WANT Agency (the North American distribution agency for brands such as Acne, Filippa K and Nudie), saw the need for something a little different in the world of accessories. A lifelong fascination with the bygone era of luxury travel and a longing to recreate its magnificence and sumptuousness, prompted the twins to found WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie in 2006.

Conceived out of a “want” for premium quality leather goods to house the “essential” professional and personal products that we use in our modern everyday lives, Dexter and Byron wanted to challenge the status quo by offering stylish, functional and affordable alternatives, otherwise absent in the saturated accessories market.

Inspired by Mid-Century architecture and furniture, such as Jean Prouvé’s Cité Armchair, they have achieved a timeless modern classic aesthetic in all their designs. Built with the appeal of longevity and timelessness, they have defied the “it bag” culture to produce luggage that accentuates the ageless romance of travel and craftsmanship that really will last a lifetime.

At the forefront of all their creations, is the desire to achieve unity through contrast, to create a perfect balance between a traditional style and modern capabilities, symbolised on the products by the ubiquitous gold and silver zippers.

The WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie collection is the product of Dexter and Byron’s own experiences and unique outlook on urban contemporary life and their desire to make it as memorable and distinctive as possible.