The tote bag strikes back
Tiny bags might be cute, and an easier way to buy something with a fancy label on, but can I honestly fit in two pairs of glasses, three old lip balms, iphone plus novelty case, snacks for child, hand cream and my very downsized wallet? No.
This week I met with the charming Mireia Llusia-lindh who is behind the Spanish handbag label Demellier. It has a worthwhile ethos: for each bag sold, it funds a life-saving vaccine or medical aid for children in countries such as Somalia and Zambia through the SOS Children’s Villages programme.
The handbags are well priced and elegant, the crossbody styles are a good size and super-chic – but I was also very drawn to the Barcelona tote, with its multiple compartments and pockets for all your techy bits and pieces. “It’s not popular with influencers, or editorial,” she said, “but all my
customers love it.” Therein lies the truth – just because it doesn’t make for a cutesy picture, doesn’t mean that the more sensible thinking women don’t want it.
Anya Hindmarch launched an empire off the back of a wellorganised handbag, beautifully designed with quirkily labelled compartments.
Neatly, she’s doubled down on this original sell, and has launched a new collection of revamped familiar styles called “Bags that work”. She explains that “there is a real need for a bag that just works, whether it’s to hold papers for a board meeting, the perfect inflight bag, or a portable inbox to take your office home. It needs to be designed to be organised and effective”.
If you’re still feeling flush, see Byredo and its leather collection – it is exquisite with prices to match.
At the mid-range you could do a lot right with Frame’s Les Seconde, which is pleasingly simple in design, comes in very tempting colours and is excellent for when you need to chuck half your life in your bag.
I know, you don’t want to spend a fortune. Then may I introduce Chylak – a new-ish Polish brand that I am very impressed by. Its quality is excellent – and due to being based and built in Warsaw – the prices are, too.