OVERVIEW

The Crosstown Messenger was the first factory-made (in Finland) product by Central Park Skiers — and the bag that launched the webshop.

As the name suggests, it’s roomy, versatile, and made for everyday use in and around the city.

Key features:

• Handsome, urban design with outdoor influences

• Large main compartment with padded laptop sleeve

• Pleated front pocket and external stretch cord for extra gear

• Multiple carry options: tote, shoulder, or crossbody messenger

• Built with a three-layer waterproof fabric that develops a rich patina over time

DESIGN APPROACH

The Crosstown Messenger is the result of years of iteration. The very first prototype dates back to 2017 — a smaller, lighter version that gradually evolved in size and toughness. Each new prototype refined the dimensions and construction until the bag felt right.

When it came time to finalize the look, I chose a muted color palette and a three-layer composite fabric with a cotton-canvas outer shell — a material that ages beautifully and brings a subtle retro-outdoor vibe.

LAUNCH

The Crosstown Messenger collection debuted in 2019 alongside the launch of the Central Park Skiers webshop. It set the tone for what CPS would become: a brand with one foot on the streets and the other in the mountains.