Dad’s New Go-To: Gavin Lodge’s Stylish Ellison Diaper Bag

Gavin Lodge and kids

Gavin Lodge definitely has his hands full as a Broadway star, father-of-two, and now an emerging designer! With no prior business skills, he set out to design the stylish yet highly functional Ellison Diaper Bag that has already made its way to Barneys. “I thought, way dumber people than me have figured this out, and I don’t have any business experience, but I don’t think this is rocket science,” says Lodge. He’s made it possible for fathers to feel pride in their role while still adhering to dad’s stylish needs. He expresses, “I want to convey that I’m thrilled to be a dad and still have a sense of style despite looking really tired on the playground.”

His inspiration for the bag came from the limited options he faced when selecting a diaper bag for himself: “There were certain companies that made gender neutral ones, but I didn’t feel that they reflected my style or sensibility, and so without naming names I got a bag that was for dudes,” says Lodge. Being underwhelmed with the bag selection and ultimately getting stuck with a “slumpy bag,” he wasn’t going settle. Lodge eagerly began to make sketches, buy fabric, and started getting samples going.

[gravityform id=”15″ title=”false” description=”false” ajax=”true”]

Lodge has managed to merge into the fashion and business world with his Ellison Diaper Bag not really knowing what to expect. He says, “I assumed that there would be a ton of obstacles in the fashion world of people looking down on me, thinking, you have no idea what you are doing, or you are getting way over your head, or who do you think you are.” He continues to add, “Nothing could be further from the truth because everybody in the fashion industry that I have networked with have been bending over backwards and inspiring.” As he’s learned to navigate the business world, Lodge expresses, “I’ve just gone on my gut and I’m not afraid to ask for help and that’s been at the front of networking.”

His unparalleled dedication and intentional design has created a diaper bag like none other. Lodge expresses, “That’s what frankly justifies the admittedly not-so-low price, they are very intricate bags. They are a ton of work to put together, but I approach it from my own perspective thinking this is what I wish I would have had.” Alongside the design, it was important for Lodge to create something for a dad that takes on that active role in their children’s lives.

Ellison Diaper Bag and child

Aside from a dad and designer, he also juggles being an actor. As an actor for several years, Lodge has had experience in theater, film, TV, and Broadway. You can catch him right now at the Hudson Theatre where he plays as a standby for the Broadway, “Head Over Heels.”

Juggling these roles he notes that he’s just not a “nine-to-fiver” and has an unconventional schedule. In addition, he is an avid blogger about his life as a dad. “I started to blog in conjunction of the bag because I needed to vent about how it is to stay home with two kids under the age of 3,” Lodge says. From there he formed a community with so many fathers who all appreciate him being real and upfront with the obstacles of parenting. Through this community of fathers, he’s been able to call attention to the “dumb dad” stereotype that discredits dads and illustrates them as only being the babysitter. Lodge states, “If mom has got her night off to go out with girls or whatever, it’s like, crazy things are going to happen because dad doesn’t really know what he’s doing.” And that stereotype doesn’t sit well with this community of fathers. This diaper bag is not just to carry the necessities, it is an empowering gesture that gives fathers a sense of pride in their parenting.

Gavin Lodge and children drinking milk

Lodge’s roles as an actor, blogger, and designer all come together to make him an even better father every day. Lodge expresses, “I would hope there could be a market for all sorts of styles and personalities that could help make fatherhood even more fun and more enriching for the dad, the kid, and the family.”

To learn more about Gavin Lodge, visit gavinlodge.com.

 

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

The Coding Space

<p>The Coding Space, a leading provider of coding education, proudly presents Camp Coding Space Online for ages 8+. These virtual group classes combine project-based coding, exciting STEM-based electives, hands-on and off-screen activities, and more. With Monday-through-Friday full- and half-day options and a flexible refund poicy, Camp Coding Space Online will fit your schedule and give your child an unforgettable summer adventure.</p>

Rella’s Spielhaus Summer Camp

<h1>2024 Rella’s Summer Camp</h1> <p>Guten Tag! Rella's Spielhaus Summer Camp is New York's premier German Summer Day Camp, excited to be back for the 10th summer in a row!</p> <p>Located on 50 West 97th Street, half a block away from Central Park, we offer 9 weeks of summer camp between June 24 th and August 30 th . Kids 1-12yrs are invited to enroll week-by-week. Sibling/twin discount.</p> <h3>Daily schedule:</h3> <p>Mon – Fri: 9am – 3pm <br /><br />Early Drop-off Mon - Thu: 8:30am <br /><br />Aftercare Mon - Thu: 3-5pm </p> <p>Any level of German welcome, no potty training required. The younger kids can nap.</p> <p>Be it the kids’ favorite "Fussball" , an introduction to the mighty music of "Mozart" or a magical week of wizardry during “Abrakadabra”, the children will be immersed in singing, dancing, arts & crafts, and reading and writing - all tailored to their age group and level of German. In the second part of the morning, we will head out to nearby Central Park and enjoy the sprinkly summer activities.</p> <h3>Testimonial of a 2023 Rella’s Spielhaus Summer Camp Parent:</h3> <p>Rella’s is awesome! We started off with Saturdays and now our 3+ year old daughter is going to the summer camp every day and loves it. The entire team lead by Barbara genuinely cares and if you would see the level of thought and attention to detail, they put in each week is incredible. The kids spend so much time outside, are active and come back home happy and excited… couldn’t ask for more.</p> <p>M-A. B.</p> <p><strong>It is our goal to instill a life-long joy in the German language and culture and create a summer experience for your child she will remember for a long time.</strong></p> <p><strong>Call us today, wir freuen uns!</strong></p>

TADA! Youth Theater

<div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>TADA! Youth Theater </strong>- Camps & Classes</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Gotta Act!<br /><br />Join TADA! this fall for after-school and weekend musical theater classes available to students ages 4-12!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Throughout the semester students will:</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />ENGAGE IN MUSICAL THEATER TRAINING</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">STAY ACTIVE</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">LEARN VOCALS & CHOREOGRAPHY TO FUN, UPBEAT BROADWAY SONGS</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">RECEIVE INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION AND SOLO OPPORTUNITIES</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">EXPERIENCE ENSEMBLE-BASED INSTRUCTION BY TWO PROFESSIONAL NYC TEACHING ARTISTS</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH NEW FRIENDS!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Limited spots available! All of our classes take place in person at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&source=gmail&ust=1726934764446000&usg=AOvVaw0VHbAyCvA7tMsvjssdURPg">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway & 5th) and culminate in a final sharing for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Classes Schedule September 28 - December 17, 2024 (10 Sessions)</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />Mondays: </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Mondays, Ages 4-5 | 3:45PM-5:15PM</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Mondays, Ages 6-8 | 3:45PM-5:15PM</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Wednesdays:</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Wednesdays, Ages 8-12 | 4PM-5:30PM</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Saturdays:</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Saturdays, Ages 5-7 | 10AM-11:30AM</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Saturdays, Ages 8-12 | 12N-1:30PM<br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Class Descriptions:</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 4-5, MUSICAL THEATER MINIS:</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Creativity takes center stage! In this upbeat, high-energy class, your Musical Theater Mini will learn new introductory skills in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting. Each session, students participate in fun, creative-play activities as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />AGES 5-7, 6-8 JAZZY JUNIORS and AGES 8-12, RISING STARS: This class offers the perfect blend of musical theater exploration and fun theater games to keep kids creative and active all semester long! Each session, students participate in musical theater training as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">REGISTER TODAY!<br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Link: <a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/fall-classes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/fall-classes/&source=gmail&ust=1726934764446000&usg=AOvVaw0H9gU2AKJIVibL0qw-2lOn">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/fall-<wbr />classes/</a><br /><br /></div> </div> <div> <div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>