INCASE INTRODUCES HUF AND DQM SKATE MESSENGER BAGS

Incase for HUF and DQM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INCASE INTRODUCES HUF AND DQM SKATE MESSENGER BAGS

LOS ANGELES - April 1, 2009 - The bi-coastal collaboration between Incase, HUF and DQM has gone from concept to creation. Available today are the HUF and DQM Skate Messenger Bags, customized in two variations that feature defining visuals of each of the retailers' respective cities. Designed with bike and skate enthusiasts in mind, the bags pair the best aspects of conventional bike messenger bags and the ability to secure a skateboard with Incase's refined industrial design aesthetic and device-driven functional features.

Born out of longstanding friendships that span across time and space, the Incase for HUF and DQM project began when Damon Way (Incase Chief Brand Officer), Keith Hufnagel, aka HUF (HUF owner/professional skateboarder), and Dave Ortiz (DQM owner) decided to partner together with the vision of creating a product that authentically represented their collective interests, backgrounds and geographies.

"When we first explored the concept as a group, we knew that the end result had to be something that was authentic and true to all of usÑas individuals and within our respective brands," stated Way. "What began as conversation eventually evolved into a truly innovative messenger bag that is uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the bike and skate communities."

The HUF and DQM Skate Messenger Bags are designed for full functionality and performance. From the heavy denier Cordura Nylon construction, waterproof lining and padded inset notebook compartment to the custom skateboard attachment with injection-molded skate bumpers and integrated, removable hip pack, the bags are travel-ready protective solutions for essential gear.

Both retailers worked closely with the Incase design team in conceptualizing and making suggestions for the bag's design and construction.

"The original idea was to make a bag for skate/bike trips that could be used to hold a board and some clothes while biking to a skate spot," said Ortiz. "As we started brainstorming and putting ideas to paper, it really evolved and went further than our original concept," added HUF.

Although the HUF and DQM Skate Messenger Bags maintain the same construction and functional features, an important aspect of the project was to outwardly represent the cities of each retailer by customizing the bags' front panels.

"We wanted to capture the attitudes of our cities in the individual patches that were created for the bag exterior. We didn't want to take ourselves too seriously either, so we just had fun with it," said HUF.

San Francisco is represented on the front panel of the HUF Skate Messenger Bag through custom patches with DBC references and HUF's signature H. DQM pays homage to New York City with a graffiti-laden waterproof interior panel and an exterior panel featuring a sewer rat and a version of the Statue of Liberty. Both bags feature the Incase for HUF and DQM logo wheel patch.

"The patches are what tie both bags together, but also make each version distinct," added Ortiz.

The HUF and DQM Skate Messenger Bags have been produced in limited quantities and are available for purchase through the Incase webstore (goincase.com), HUF retail locations, DQM and better boutiques. For more information about Incase for HUF and DQM, visit goincase.com/hufdqm.

About Incase
Founded in 1997, Incase is a California-based bag and case brand that creates and delivers innovative, performance-based products with clean, contemporary design for the technology, music and street culture communities. Incase is committed to designing carrying solutions that merge seamlessly with the lifestyle and needs of today's consumer. Incase: A better experience through good design.

goincase.com

About HUF
HUF first opened its doors in August 2002 on an offbeat block of Sutter Street just above the Tenderloin District. Founded by professional skateboarder Keith Hufnagel with the aim to bring the best of what footwear, streetwear and skateboarding brands had to offer under one roof, HUF quickly grew to be known as San Francisco's premiere purveyor of hard-to-come-by goods. Since its Bay Area debut, HUF has grown into three shops and a clothing brand. Each expansion has given Hufnagel the opportunity to bring more of what the NYC native loves to his permanent home of San Francisco.

hufsf.com

About DQM
Dave's Quality Meat opened its doors November 1, 2003 in NYC with the intention of making its mark as a sneaker/clothing shop, while staying true to its skateboarding, BMX and cycling roots. The shop organically grew into a full lifestyle brand known as DQM.

davesqualitymeat.com

HUF and DQM Skate Messenger Bags Feature Details

Custom weather resistant 1680D Cordura Nylon construction
Custom logo patch applications and embroidery
HUF version features exterior suede bottom panel
Abrasion resistant and waterproof lining
DQM version features custom interior graffiti print waterproof lining
Custom quick-release buckles and Velcro closure
Custom skateboard attachment with injection-molded skate bumpers and durable Velcro straps
Exterior waterproof stash pocket
Padded, inset notebook storage compartment with plush faux-fur lining and zipper closure
Integrated and removable hip pack featuring custom logo patch applications
Custom Topo print lining
Large interior zipper, padded and slip pockets
Ergonomic, padded across-the-body shoulder strap with one-handed adjustment slack pull and large side-release buckle
Removable iPhone carrying case with strap attachment
Removable stabilizer strap
Reinforced nylon safety light attachment
Interior bike pump tie-down
Reflective exterior panel
Custom anodized aluminum hardware

Media Contacts:
Rachel Quizon
626.214.9203
rachel@goincase.com

Press Contacts:
Dawn De La Fuente
626.214.9207
dawn@goincase.com