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Fun & Basics is one of Spain’s most successful accessories labels. Its innovative use of fabrics such as nylon and microfibre have upended a traditional bag market where leather has always held sway. The company’s designs are original for their style as well as the philosophy behind them.

The label’s creative potential knows no bounds. In addition to bags, Fun & Basics now offers a full range of briefcases, scarves, shawls, footwear and jackets. In the autumn it will be launching its first men’s and children’s collections.

Already available from 360 points of sale, Fun & Basics is a quality alternative to more classic accessory options. The company’s story is closely linked to that of entrepreneur Javier Goyeneche who runs the business and steers each collection. Max, his huge but placid dog, is part of the office décor and a silent witness to a successful phenomenon which started by chance. Fashionfromspain.com went to find out more:

How did Fun & Basics come about?

J.G: It wasn’t really planned at all. I’d actually set up a pins business, but decided to go into bags instead a few months later when we designed our first collection.

You started out as Fun & Bags. Why the change?

The name Fun & Bags was already registered in Germany. That’s why we changed to Fun & Basics in the mid-90s. Everyone mucked in, my sister and friends … we all designed the first briefcase and bag collection together. I took them to different shops and people liked them.

“We shy away from big logos and extravagance”

Why do you think the first collection was such a hit?

Fun & Basics started out as a much younger label than it is now in a market dominated by the classic leather handbag. Our collection was something of a revolution both in terms of fabric and form. We use nylon, microfibre and polyurethane to make tougher, lighter bags with a fragmented, colourful look. The press warmed to the first collection because it was something different.

How has Fun & Basics changed since then?

We started out as a bag label but then moved into accessories. Today, bags account for 45% of our sales. That has broadened our target. We now have more than 100 employees based at our head office in Madrid.

Describe the Fun & Basics style

It’s part of a corporate philosophy. We’ve always sought to create up-to-date basics with a surprise element, which is what people like about them. We shy away from big logos and extravagance because that’s not our style. We don’t attach so much importance to adornment. We prefer an impeccable, basic product of the right size and with a good lining. In short, it’s got to be something practical which doesn’t go out of fashion. Fun & Basics is not about being all the rage. We keep an eye on fashion and watch trends develop, but we’re not interested in extremes. Our product is made to last and it’s part of our customer’s personality.