Iconic accessories and luggage brand Kipling launch their ‘Monkey Mash-Up’ project, inviting one and all to indulge in their own creativity and customise their notorious monkey mascot. To kick off the project, Kipling had teamed up with Dazed & Confused, challenging three talented Londoners to try their hands at giving the cheeky monkey a design makeover. Susie Bubble of Stylebubble, Alex Brownsell of eccentric colour salon Bleach and comic book artist/illustrator Jessica Penfold were all sent their own (rather life-sized) monkeys to take care of as they saw fit. The designs will soon be displayed in Selfridge's stores, where they will be going on a nationwide tour across London, Manchester and Birmingham.

From the 12^th of May, visitors to their micro-site will also be able to create their own design for the brand's iconic primate to win an exclusive prize. All a creative type needs to do is download their 'monkey template' from their site, and get some creative juices flowing via any form of media from paint, illustration, design, cut & paste, to photography… The final designs will be showcased in their online gallery where visitors can then vote by 'liking' their favourite design, and the winner will be picked from the top five most ‘liked’ designs in their gallery, so get clicking.

The lucky winner will have their design brought to life on one of Kipling’s 85cm exclusive monkeys, showcased on Dazed Digital as well as being displayed in Kipling’s Regent Street store window and receive £500 worth of Kipling goodies. The four runners up will also receive a Kipling bag of their choice and their own mini Kipling monkey. Kipling will also be auctioning the three unique creations from Bubble, Brownsell and Penfold alongside creations by illustrator Margot Bowman, Silver Spoon Attire designers, and Paula Goldstein and Valentine Filol-Cordier of Purple Magazine online from 14^th June with all proceeds going to The Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity devoted to improving the lives of young people with cancer.

Photography by Rasha Kahil