From their ripstop cargos to sturdy sling bags and travel packs, Topo Designs has had our attention for some time now. Each product drop delivers a sensible design, done in the brand’s typical outdoorsy style—and that…
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In the industrial business zone of East Williamsburg, Elin Johansson and Philip Antonelli (with the help of their college student assistant, Claire) squeeze into a space of 400 square feet—and that’s not including the childrenswear designer who shares the other half. The couple…
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Designed to make the transition from weekday workhorse to beach-going carry-all, Alite Designs’ aptly named Bike to the Beach Bag can be worn as either a backpack or carried as…
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The Rib & Hull Heirloom Tote strikes a perfect balance of richly handsome leather with a timeless and functional silhouette, but just when we thought that was the only bag we’d ever want or need, its…
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Fall brings with it the promise of travel getaways from weekend leaf-peeping to warmer-weather escapes. Wherever you may go this season the right bag is key. We’ve gathered a variety of American-made options to pack for weekend jaunts and extended holidays and present a different one each day this…
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New materials and fresh colors give the standard tote new life
If tote bags have any kind of cache, carrying a bright Baggu is at the top of the list. Since its release, the affordable Standard Baggu has been made over in bold, graphic prints as well as solid styles in every color of the rainbow. Now Baggu has one-upped…
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An extended collection of brilliantly designed tote bags compiled by artist Jitesh Patel
UK based designer Jitesh Patel started a blog based on his interest in tote bag artwork that has become a forum for the showcased artists. From there he turned the site into paperback form—his book “The Tote Bag” highlights striking and inventive designs including his own illustrations on the cover and the free canvas tote that accompanies the book.
In recent years the tote bag has become more widely used by the environmentally conscious as a simple way to cut down on the use of disposable bags. The question always asked is, “paper or plastic” but since the birth of the canvas tote bag, people can say neither and opt for their own bag. Besides cutting down your carbon footprint it’s a fun way to express your style.
Patel opened his Shoreditch, London studio in 2007 to be a base for his artistic talents. He is a brilliant illustrator and lends his talents in advertising, brand design and art direction. Patel’s interest in tote bags drew the attention of designers from all over who contributed their work to his book.
The Tote Bag book is available from various retailers for £19.
A CH favorite, Erik Schedin of Sweden makes a finely edited collection of essentials, accessories and products sharing a pared-down aesthetic. Proving his chops as a designer, standouts include items that Schedin created himself, which have just been newly relaunched.
First dropped in 2008 in just one size, his white leather sneakers—the epitome of understatement—are back in production in sizes 41-45 (8-11.5 US) for around $200.
Schedin also re-released his tote bag ($353). The new version, made from boat-cover fabric, features hand-dyed, tonal cotton handles and an off-white drawstring with matching tape covering the interior seams.
The sneakers and tote are available now on his online shop and Dover Street Market.
L.A.-based architect and interior designer
Alice Park‘s side project focuses on objects considerably smaller than that of an average California home. She brings a hip, sleek minimalism to her line of accessories, which includes keychains, totes and wallets made out of incredibly soft kidskin leather (and sometimes twill).
She designed her line with her own needs in mind. “I make something I like or need, have it produced, and then see if anyone else likes it enough to purchase it,” Park said in an e-mail. Items move in and out of production dependent on demand, availability of quality sources and if she has the time.
Ranging between $26 to $800, check out her collection online at Alice Park, and buy them through the OK Store in Los Angeles or Canoe. See the slide show below for more images.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
