In a city known for reinvention, Toledo designer Paul Anthony is making headlines by turning ordinary backpacks into extraordinary Bookbag Pants — fashion’s most unexpected upcycle.

Immersed in creative environments, the designer said the notion of using bookbags for something inventive lingered with him, ultimately inspiring the design concept.

“It just stuck in my head that I wanted to make some pants with book bags. Also, I use a lot of different materials just so the vendors can’t replicate my designs,” said Mr. Anthony, 32.

Creating a single pair of the pants is a time-intensive process, requiring hours of careful design, construction, and sewing.

“If I get a whole day to myself, I can do it in like 12 hours. That’s with taking all the bags apart, and starting everything from scra

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