DESTINATION: THE HILLS
FEATURING BRANDON BLACKWOOD
Every detail matters. Every stitch tells a story. In this cinematic journey, Brandon Blackwood’s iconic leather bag becomes more than an accessory—it becomes a symbol of fearless craftsmanship and cultural pride.
“Destination: the Hills” — the latest Cadillac campaign celebrating bold journeys, refined performance, and the drive to redefine the road ahead.
ON CADILLAC X COLLABORATION
Cadillac has long represented bold design, timeless luxury, and innovation. How does your own journey as a designer align with that same spirit of audacity?
Cadillac and I share a similar DNA, rooted in legacy, but always forward-looking. Like them, I believe in making bold statements without saying a word. I want every bag I design to feel iconic, purposeful, and just ahead of its time. This collaboration felt organic because we both value originality, excellence, and not waiting for permission to take up space.
If you had to design a bag inspired by a Cadillac model, what would it look like?
Oof…such a fun challenge. I’d take inspiration from the Escalade for sure. It would be oversized, unapologetically structured, and incredibly detailed…maybe a high-shine leather with chrome hardware and a hidden interior tech feature. It would feel powerful, genderless, and futuristic, but still classic enough to be passed down like a family car.
CADILLAC PRESENTS
BRANDON BLACKWOOD
When we think of Audacious by Design, Brandon Blackwood is a natural fit with the Cadillac. Both brands share a creative vision and design DNA that combine timeless elegance with bold modern edge.
A dialogue with Brandon Blackwood about craft, culture, and confidence. Cadillac’s design is both a mirror and a muse. As we explore two design legacies: one rising, one iconic.
ON AUDACITY + CREATIVE RISK
You started making handmade bags as a kid, what were your early creative inspirations at a young age? How have they developed over time?
As a kid, I was obsessed with everything from my mom’s handbags to cartoons to architecture. I’d study the seams of old purses and then sketch my own versions using whatever I had available. Over time, those same DIY instincts evolved into a deep love for materials, construction, and storytelling through shape and texture. I still design from a place of curiosity. I just have better tools now.
Congratulations on having your bags featured in Cadillac’s latest spot! How did it feel to see your designs showcased in the campaign?
It honestly felt surreal. I grew up watching Cadillac commercials and associating them with style, power, and legacy. So, seeing my bags in that world just made it all feel full circle. It was more than just a placement; it was a reminder that our designs are meant to sit next to icons. That kind of validation, especially as a young brand, means everything.
What does audacity mean to you personally and how has it shaped the way you approach design and entrepreneurship?
To me, audacity means doing the thing that scares you most and doing it your way. It’s having the guts to bet on your taste, your perspective, and your community, even when the industry tells you to play it safe. Every major step I’ve taken, from making my first mini-tote in my childhood bedroom to building Brandon Blackwood into what it is today was rooted in audacity. It’s not just about shock value, though. It’s about intention, storytelling, and honoring where I come from while pushing toward where I know we’re going.
ON CRAFTSMANSHIP + PROCESS
The world of luxury is ever changing; how do you balance staying true to your vision while also pushing creative boundaries and evolving your style?
I think it comes down to knowing why you’re designing. For me, it’s always been about creating pieces that feel personal, inclusive, and culturally aware. That vision stays the same, even if the silhouettes, materials, or collaborations evolve. I welcome change, but I never let the trends drown out the voice that started all of this in the first place. That’s key.
Congratulations on celebrating 10 years of Brandon Blackwood! In 10 more years, what would you want people to say about the legacy of your work, not just as a designer but as a cultural changemaker?
Thank you! In 10 years, I hope people say, “That brand changed the conversation.” I want my work to be remembered not just for style, but for substance. For opening doors. For making luxury more representative, more joyful, and more fun. I want young kids to look at Brandon Blackwood and see proof that their story belongs at the highest levels of fashion.
In your eyes, what ways do bag design and automotive design languages parallel?
Both worlds are about form meeting function in the most beautiful way possible. A great car, like a great bag, should feel like it was designed for you, every curve intentional, every detail thought through. They both require balance: structure and softness, utility and elegance. And both have the power to make you feel unstoppable when you step out with them.
