Two things have happened in the 'world of bags' in recent times that have resulted in canvas totes being more popular (and necessary) than ever. Firstly, the rightful vilification of plastic bags has resulted in people getting rather attached to their totes, proudly producing them at the checkout aisle and giving scornful looks to those still paying 5p for the privilege of polluting.
Secondly, there’s been a rise in the mini handbag i.e. cute bags that fit no more than your phone, keys and a single non-applicator tampon, therefore ensuring you need to also lug around a tote to carry your, y'know, actual stuff.
But how do you select yours? While some use their tote to show off, others choose one that makes a political statement, then some actually just grabbed it from the kitchen at work and have no idea what the branding refers to, thankyouverymuch.
We asked some R29 staffers how they came to choose their favourite tote.
Gillian Orr, Content Director
I have been mercilessly teased about my tote for its pretension and quite rightly too. I picked it up two years ago when Sotheby’s auctioned off David Bowie’s private art collection. A super exclusive, arty crowd was invited in to view the late musician’s estate (I, er, knew the DJ) and were there presented with this tote that contained a catalogue with all of Bowie’s artworks that we could bid on (as if). On more than one occasion, a friend has picked up the tote and read the Bowie quote on the back that reads, "Art was, seriously, the only thing I’d ever wanted to own… I use it. It can change the way I feel in the mornings", rolled their eyes, and said to me, "Really, Gillian?" Whatevs, Bowie forever.
Jess Commons, Health & Living Editor
I was sent mine by organic tampon brand Ohne and I love it because a) it has my name on it and b) because it has a papaya on it that looks like a vagina. I think what it says about me is I'm immature and I like seeing people do a double take when they walk past me in the street.
Georgia Murray, Fashion Writer
I got this tote at DIY Cultures when I made zines a few years ago. It's made by Cherry Styles, the super cool founder of The Chapess and Grub zines. Those fairs have such a community vibe and everyone buys or swaps work, and seeing this tote felt super reflective of the supportive network I'd found myself in.
I still wear it now because we should still (always) support women (and non-binary) writers (and creatives of all kinds). The media is still dominated by men, so commissioning, nurturing and reading women's stories is vital.
Meg O'Donnell, Junior Art Editor
Here's what my tote bag says about me: I'm a Brummie and proud!
Sadhbh O'Sullivan, Social Media Assistant
I got this in 2016 at the Modern independent Magazine conference – ModMag. It was the first time I'd been to a conference (period) and we were there as guests. Mad!
I co-edit Ladybeard magazine and we were asked to talk about it to an audience that wasn't our ever-patient family and friends and it was incredibly nerve-wracking and exciting. It might be a bit naff to hold onto it so dearly (not that dearly, it's very grubby) but it's quite nice to have something equal parts sentimental and practical.
Anna Jay, Art Director
I actually bought this tote, in that moment ignoring the fact that I have 276 piled up in the bottom of my wardrobe.
I got it at the Science Museum, at their new exhibition The Sun: Living With Our Star (well worth a visit, on until 6th May 2019). They had a section in there on the people campaigning for renewable solar energy in the '70s and I loved the badge designs, so I photographed them as inspiration. I later found the designs had been used in the museum shop so added tote bag number 277 to my collection. It's acid yellow, and I love both the '70s design and the message behind it. Groovy Baby.
Emily Fleuriot, Creative Lead
I was given this David Bowie tote this year by one of my BFFs as a birthday gift – basically because Labyrinth is probably among my top five all-time films (and Bowie was my first love – although my 8-year-old self didn't really understand what she was feeling). Both the film and the tote have significance to me. The tote because it was given to me as a reassurance that I am who I am, from someone who knows me. The movie resonates because everything about Jennifer Connelly's character Sarah's experience spoke to me – her quest to find what she was looking for, then realising it wasn't that at all, but that in fact she held the power for her own destiny and was only limited by her imagination. That's been an abiding accompaniment to my life!
Natasha Slee, Associate Creative
I grabbed this tote from the pile at home on my way to the airport. As soon as I met my mate, at a bleary-eyed 4am, she nodded at me and said "Oh babe, I have my Les Girls Les Boys towel with me." I didn't have the foggiest what she was on about, smiled and put my shit through security.
Forward wind a few heady days of sun and Aperol, and I finally clock the text on my bag. I still carry it around now because I'm guessing it's pretty cool and that says that I'm cool and I buy streetwear for bed? #Sleepstreet? (Yup, I just googled Les Girls Les Boys).
Who knows where it originally came from?
Rose Lander, International Co-ordinator
This tote's straps are slightly too short, it doesn't carry as much comfortably as my other totes and I wear so much pink that it often clashes with my outfit BUT I DON'T CARE, I LIKE IT. I got it just before I went down to the coast for a long weekend and every time I see the HOLIDAY printed on it, it reminds me of fish and chips on the beach.
It's usually in my suitcase every time I go on holiday now and each time I get more hooked on all the memories I invoke when I use this tote. It also means there's a lot of sand in the bottom and is even more impractical but like I said, I LIKE IT.
Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Editor
My oldest friend, Sanya Torkmorad-Jozavi, has spent almost 15 years establishing herself as an artist, costume designer and milliner, slogging away all the hours god sends. Last year, her work – which draws predominantly on her Persian culture and identity – was displayed in public for the very first time at The Anti Art Fair. I was so proud I spent the whole evening in tears. I got handed this tote on the way in and love the message. I mean, it’s so true, isn’t it? Plus, it's the perfect size for carting my laptop around...
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