Who needs sensual glamour when there’s sculptural innovation? That’s the thinking behind the French label Côte & Ciel, who, although they’re known primarily for their architectural backpacks, create a wide range of eccentric, unisex bags.

The team takes a science-is-sexy approach, tapping into the harmony of forces at work between the wearer and the weight carried, but without crossing over into high-tech sporting territory. And lately, Côte & Ciel has been focusing on clever sleeves for mobile devices — no great surprise for having formerly worked on Apple accessories — rounding out a progressive vision of the modern schlepper.

Available online at Côte & Ciel, as well as 10 Corso Como, Dover Street Market London, and Selfridges