The return of the bag
28/4/2021
It’s official: bags are back.
For the past year, there’s been little reason to carry a bag – unless it’s a tote to the supermarket. But as pub gardens reopen and people start IRL socialising again, we finally have a reason to dig out the bags buried at the bottom of our wardrobes.
And to be honest, we’re feeling pretty excited at the thought of deciding which bag to take where and what to pack. It’s a symbol of the world opening up again and reuniting with loved ones, even if we’re only going as far as the local park, a friend’s garden or our fave local al fresco restaurants for now.
We’ve been chatting to the founders behind some of the brilliant accessories brands on our site to find out what’s in their bags this post-lockdown spring.
Genia from BEEN London
From their East London studio, the (almost) all-female team at BEEN London creates beautiful bags from waste. Leather offcuts, landfill-bound plastics and even pineapple leaves and apple peels are transformed into classic, timeless designs.
As well as revealing what’s in her bag, founder Genia Mineeva – former journalist turned sustainable fashion expert – let us in on the BEEN styles coming soon.
Which BEEN London bags have you been itching to take out and about again?
We have lots of new styles launching very soon, so I’m really looking forward to wearing anything in our new colour – Himalayan Salt. It’s a beautiful off white with a very subtle pink hue. We’re about to launch a really sleek phone crossbody which I can’t wait to use this summer. It’s the perfect tiny bag which holds all your essentials (phone and keys!) – ideal for walks with friends and days out.
My Ridley crossbody bag in Black Onyx is definitely my everyday bag too, perfectly practical and with lots of character. So if you want to get compliments on your bag from strangers, go for Ridley!
We know you hate waste, so would we be right in guessing there’s usually a few reusables in your handbags?
Definitely! It’s usually my white Frank Green coffee cup, a SABINNA mask (she’s a friend and her masks are as awesome as her clothes) and a water bottle, also a present from a friend. I love that all of these remind me of the people I love.
Which other items will be in your bag for al fresco meet-ups this spring?
I actually pack very light. Keys, phone and an Olio E Osso balm. Oh, and the coffee cup sometimes doubles as a prosecco cup!
Jitna from Shakti.ism
Shakti.ism is creating real change for disadvantaged women in India and Bangladesh, who they employ to hand make their one-of-a-kind accessories. These include totes and market bags as well as smaller purses and makeup bags.
Here’s founder Jitna Bhagani on the return of the bag, carrying too many books and the chocolate you’ll find in her tote.
Have you got a few favourite Shakti.ism bags you can’t wait to show off to the world again?
My personal favourites are the Independence Sari Tote bags and our gorgeous kantha-stitched clutch bags (which double as makeup bags). Both ranges have lots of different colours and patterns – since they’re made from repurposed sari fabric, every single item is unique, even if they’re cut from the same sari cloth.
Talk us through what’s in your bag. What items will be joining you on socially-distanced outings and catch-ups this spring?
My bag always has whatever book I’m reading. At the moment that’s a paperback book called Partition Voices by Kavita Puri and I’m listening to A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende on Audible. I have a bad habit of reading several books at once!
Plus a notebook, pen, my phone, keys, my upcycled sari wallet and the latest additions: a face mask and hand sanitiser.
Are there any other social enterprise accessories you’re looking forward to using again?
I’m a big fan of supporting social enterprises and I’m really looking forward to using my Leiho socks and my Toms slip-on canvas shoes. And it’s not really an accessory but I’m really fond of Tony’s Chocolonely slavery-free chocolate!
Kresse from Elvis & Kresse
Elvis & Kresse first came about as a way to save an iconic material that was ending up in landfill – fire hoses. Thanks to them, today none of London’s decommissioned fire hoses go to waste, instead getting made into luxury bags and accessories.
We got the lowdown on what founder Kresse Wesling is packing in her Elvis & Kresse bags this spring.
What’s going in your bag for socially-distanced get-togethers and days out?
Everything we need for a long walk can fit in my Fire & Hide Caramel Backpack. We will take water, hand sanitiser, a mask and some snacks. If it isn’t too hot, definitely some Divine Chocolate.
So much of the Elvis & Kresse range is great for overnight stays. Where are you hoping to get away post-lockdown? And which E&K pieces will be joining you?
We can’t wait to see our friends and family – I’m sure there will be quite a few catch-up weekends over the summer. Elvis and I always share the Overnight Bag between us.
Are there any other accessories made by social enterprises you can’t wait to use as the world opens up again?
Yes – Toast Ale for BBQs. I know this isn’t an accessory, but we can’t wait for BBQs!
Dave from Madlug
Madlug are makers of colourful backpacks and gym bags. They work on a buy one, give one model – for every bag sold, a travel pack goes to a child in care who may otherwise have to carry their belongings in a bin bag. It helps them move through the world with the dignity they deserve.
Here’s founder Dave Linton on family days out with his Madlug bag and the social enterprise coffee he’s never without.
Your backpacks are ideal for adventuring on day trips. Do you have any post-lockdown adventures of your own planned and which Madlug bag will you be taking along?
I live in Northern Ireland with my wife and two daughters, so I’m looking forward to taking my family and my Madlug Classic Backpack up to the stunning North Coast for an ice cream and a coffee.
This spring we’re all embracing al fresco food and drinks. What are you packing for picnics or garden meet-ups with loved ones?
I love a good sausage roll and a pint of milk!
Which other social enterprise products would we find in your backpack?
I get through my day in the Madlug office on lots of caffeine so you’ll find me with a fresh bag of Redemption Roasters coffee and my Refuge Chocolate mug!
Pack your own bags with social enterprise accessories this spring:
