Sometimes, the best fashion stories aren’t written in big factories, but in small workshops. And their visibility becomes even greater when large companies choose to support local visions. Such a collaboration was born between Levi9 IT and the Berkesel family-run bag workshop, whose unique backpacks became part of the company’s 20th-anniversary celebration.
In an era of fast fashion and mass production, Levi9 chose a different path — to invest in a story shaped by the faces, hands, and hearts of two sisters from Serbia.
The Berkesel Story – From Hobby to Recognizable Brand
Berkesel began as a hobby, but also as a dream of independence. Sisters Ildiko and Gabriela Berkesel took their first entrepreneurial steps in 2016, when their small workshop turned into a serious business. Today, they create bags and backpacks that are instantly recognizable in the streets — not just by the logo, but by their attitude.
“When people wear our backpacks, we want them to know they are wearing something authentic, made in a small workshop, not in a faceless, mass industry. Our products don’t belong to fast fashion; they carry the imprint of care, knowledge, and time invested in every detail,” says Ildiko Berkesel.
When Creativity Meets Technology
In search of a gift that would embody value, durability, and character, Levi9 didn’t want to order a generic, mass-produced product. Instead, they decided to mark the anniversary with handcrafted backpacks — tailored for the people who make up the company. The backpacks were created by the sisters in the heart of Banat, for colleagues in both Serbia and Amsterdam.
“Our choice wasn’t just about aesthetics or functionality — it was about values. We wanted our people to receive something meaningful. We’re especially proud that it comes from Zrenjanin, where we also have an office. And working with the Berkesel team was a true partnership — professional, flexible, and full of personal touch,” says Jovana Ibrajter, Employer Branding Expert at Levi9.
Adding another special touch to the story were the levi niners who had previously purchased Berkesel’s handmade products and recommended them as partners for this project.

More Than an Order: Trust and the Growth of a Local Story
For the Berkesel sisters, this was their most demanding project to date — producing more than 600 backpacks, based on a custom design, with strict quality control. But as they point out, more important than the order itself was the clear and supportive communication throughout the process.
“Working with Levi9 was our biggest and most challenging experience so far. Meeting the deadlines was extremely important because the backpacks were meant to mark the company’s anniversary. We hired extra help and carefully followed the entire process — from cutting to stitching,” says Ildiko.
The story you’re reading isn’t just about backpacks. It’s about choosing to invest in local creativity, in sustainability and authenticity. So, the next time you spot a Levi9 backpack on the street, know that it carries a story — and a message that supporting what grows from the heart and the local community truly matters.