Kipling Secures Gina Rodriguez

Founded in 1987 in Belgium, Kipling crafts lightweight handbags, luggage and accessories with a playful, Make Happy approach. Through innovative and contemporary designs, Kipling combines quality, function and style, creating the ideal accessory for an active lifestyle. Kipling established itself as a global accessories brand by embodying a carefree spirit and pioneering the use of its trademark crinkle nylon in expressive colors and patterns. Kipling has headquarters in New York, N.Y. and Antwerp, Belgium, is distributed in more than 80 countries and is available in more than 5,000 stores globally.

Kipling North America, a division of VF Sportswear, Inc, is proud to announce Gina Rodriguez, 2015 Golden Globes Awards winner and star of the CW’s hit television show «Jane the Virgin,» as the brand ambassador and face of its Summer 2015 Campaign launching nationwide on May 4. Ms. Rodriguez, named «the next big thing» by The Hollywood Reporter, will lend her happy spirit, girl-next-door sensibility and contagious smile to the ‘Make Happy’ brand.

Ms. Rodriguez comments, «To me, Kipling has always embodied the perfect blend of comfort and femininity. When I was a teen, I saw my first Kipling bag with the cute monkey and wanted one so bad but couldn’t afford it. I saved my allowances and eventually bought my first one all by myself. I kept that bag for over 10 years. Now I get to be a part of this beautiful movement. I love the way life works itself out – it’s full circle.»

As ‘Make Happy’ ambassador and face of Kipling Summer 2015, Ms. Rodriguez will continue efforts for Kipling’s recently launched Make Happy movement visiting a university campus in California and bringing happiness to students and faculty alike through special surprise and delight moments with the intention of inspiring others to continue the Make Happy, and giving back, experience.

Julie Dimperio, President of Kipling North America, comments, «Welcoming Gina as brand ambassador for our Make Happy movement is an absolute delight. Gina’s approachable personality and carefree style align perfectly with the Kipling brand, and we’re honored to have her join the Kipling family.»

Consisting of lightweight and versatile handbags, luggage and accessories, the Kipling Summer 2015 Collection is ideal for a weekend jaunt, evening soiree and everything in between. Included in the Summer 2015 Collection is Kipling’s highly anticipated Back-to-Campus 2015 Line available in June.  For the upcoming back-to-campus season, this capsule collection is perfect for students seeking a bright assortment of backpacks and accessories in bold hues and playful prints.

Styled by influencer and stylist Natalie Joos, the Kipling Summer 2015 campaign images featuring Ms. Rodriguez will be revealed on Kipling-USA.com, and in Kipling full-price stores and Macy’s department stores nationwide.