The Kipling brand emerged in 1987 from Belgium with the concept that backpacks and bags should be stylish, colorful and fun as well as functional. Filling a void in the European bag and luggage market, the Kipling concept quickly caught on. By 1988, Kipling became the leading backpack brand in Europe. Four years later, the brand made its U.S. debut and formed an agreement with leading U.S.-based luggage manufacturer, Tumi, Inc. Kipling, named for the author of The Jungle Book, was quickly embraced by the American public. The signature round Basic logo and furry monkey key chain became "must have" items among the fashion conscious with an adventurous spirit. In fact, in 1997, Vogue magazine named the Kipling brand as one of the top 10 status symbols among young jet-setters in their 20s and 30s. Kipling has also become a favorite among celebrities including Jim Carrey, Janet Jackson, John Travolta, Courtney Cox, Kim Basinger, Tom Cruise, Nick Nolte, and Chrissie. Kipling has been featured on top rated television programs including Beverly Hills 90210, Dharma & Greg, E.R., Felicity, Friends, Jesse, The Late Show with David Letterman, MTV's Real World and Fly 2K, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, 7th Heaven, Spin City, Time of Your Life and Will & Grace.