The Unassuming Accessory That Took Over Fashion
When it first appeared, nobody thought much of it. Today, trendy fashion brands have embraced this universally appealing bag to the point where it’s impossible to overlook. Is this the major trend of the century? Without a doubt.
Sophie Fontanel began questioning its status a few months ago, and soon after, her peers at France Info followed suit. Since then, this bag has sparked a bit of a debate among us. Is it a fashion trend or not? Opinions vary, even among the fashion elite. Regardless of where you stand on the matter, it seems everyone has one on their arm.
Typically made of canvas, this bag is available in every color imaginable, adorned with patterns galore, and occasionally embellished with illustrations that suit its style. Despite its stylistic versatility, one thing remains constant: its simplistic, rectangular shape with two thin, long handles at the top. It’s thin and non-rigid, easily folding to the point where it can be flattened and tucked away in a pocket or another bag. What often seems like a plain accessory is frequently enhanced by a prominently displayed logo, slogan, or message that reflects the brand’s image. Initially, this bag was intended for carrying all sorts of loads, with no need to be fashionable.
Savvy fashionistas have repurposed its original use, turning it into a highly sought-after fashion item. Since it’s so visible, it might as well serve as a fashion accessory, a symbol that allows individuals to express their style identity just as much as a T-shirt or a pair of shoes. This ubiquitous bag, carried by everyone without much thought, is none other than the tote bag.
© Eagle/ABACA
The Irresistible Rise of the Tote Bag
Herein lies the point: its universality makes it a staple, trendy without trying to be. Its omnipresence cannot be ignored by hip fashion brands. Tote bags have thus become a golden opportunity for these brands to expand their influence, strengthen their brand identity in the public imagination, enhance their likability, and boost their sales… all with minimal effort. It takes “15 seconds” and costs “between 1 and 3 euros” to make one. In a way, they serve the same purpose as licensed products—sunglasses, perfumes, cosmetics: they provide access to luxury for those on a tight budget, a kind of “affordable luxury.” Besides being an essential accessory, its eco-friendly appeal is also attractive: an issue more relevant than ever in our societies, thus becoming “fashionable” despite itself (hello, greenwashing).
But while some compare it to a merchandising product rather than a must-have designer bag, fashion houses like Courrèges also embrace it, lending it the contested fashion legitimacy. Almost all of them offer their own upgraded version of the canvas bag, boldly featuring logos without any hesitation. Some even engage in collaborations to create exclusivity that makes it even more desirable. Rabanne and Harper’s Bazaar, for example, recently introduced the ideal tote bag for the summer season.
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Olivia Martinez is the Fashion Editor at Lady and The Track, bringing over seven years of experience in the fashion industry. With a background in fashion design and styling, Olivia has worked with top fashion brands and magazines. Her keen eye for trends and styling tips helps readers stay ahead of the fashion curve. Whether she’s covering runway shows or street style, Olivia ensures that Lady and The Track readers are always in the know when it comes to the latest in fashion.