In designing his ruggedly handsome bags and accessories, Defy Bags founder Chris Tag derives inspiration from his memories of Dayton, Ohio, the auto-manufacturing town where he grew up. Tag spent his childhood watching men return home from their shift at the local General Motors plant, learning woodworking from his grandfather, and fixing up cars with his father. When he grew up and started toying around with an industrial leather-sewing machine, it reminded him of his boyhood — and of the quality craftsmanship of American-made products. In 2008, Tag — now based in Chicago — founded Defy Bags to continue that tradition. Defy’s handcrafted, distinctly modern luggage, wallets, and bags include designs like the Recon messenger (constructed from military vinyl truck tarp and seatbelt material) and the First Class: a square-shaped military canvas bag embellished with Swiss imported solid steel. Tag personally inspects each Defy Bags iPad sleeve, wallet and other product — a testament to his old-school regard for durability and quality.