Practical, Elegant, Timeless: An Ode to the Tote!

When it comes to the collections of handbags for women, we know that sling bag is your trusty companion for a day of street shopping with the girls, the clutch is for the fancy dinner date and the backpack is for that hike you’ve been planning for weeks. But when it comes to the bag that you know will carry all your baggage- from your laptop to the makeup pouch or even your portable straightener for that post-work glam night- it HAS to be a tote bag!

Women’s tote bags are the antidote to the pain of not having clothes with pockets. Tote bags can hold your world. It is the perfect vessel for the woman on-the-go, from a mother who needs a place to keep diapers as well as her compact to a young girl who might need to smuggle a dress into her handbag for that party her mum might not know about.

Let us dive deep into the crevices of your tote bag (where you might have a few stray safety pins and torn wrappers of mint) and get to know it better, from its origins to the story of its evolution and also understand why tote bags for women are a symbol of her empowerment and emancipation.

Who wrote the story of the tote?

Mr. Bean! No, we are not joking. It WAS Mr. Bean, Mr. L.L Bean from Maine to be exact, “invented” tote bags for women. In 1944, L.L Bean pioneered the first tote, which coincided with the release of an ice bag. Crafted from tough, water-resistant canvas, the product was initially marketed as Bean’s Ice Carrier, designed specifically for the task of transporting ice from any vehicle to an ice chest.

What made this innovation particularly significant? The historical context of Maine. It was renowned for its abundant supply of high-quality ice during the 19th century, when most households across America lacked refrigeration facilities. Hence, the introduction of this bag provided a practical solution to the challenge of carrying ice from the ice-supply vehicles to the freezer.

How “cool” is that?

Advertisement of the first totes. Image courtesy: https://global.llbean.com/

The evolution of the tote bag for women: From fashion statement to a social one!

After being introduced as the ice carrier bags in the ‘40s, by the time the humble tote reached the swinging 60’s- it had evolved to be a glam accessory. No surprise because the 1960s was by far the sexist decade for fashion and style (yes, it’s a personal opinion of the writer, but you SHOULD agree to it!)

The canvas material remained, but the designs became inventive. A leather handle here, a trimming of an unusual color there, a shiny brass buckle or a clasp that closes with the most beautiful snap- the tote had arrived on the runway of high fashion. From being used to carry ice, it was now carrying the belongings of ice queens!

Totes on the runway. Courtesy: Pinterest

Cashin’ in on the tote

However, as women evolved- so did their relationships with their handbags. The tote bag for women became a symbol of self-expression. From women buying plain canvas bags to paint works of art on them or even write slogans aligned to their political beliefs- it was a way for women to reclaim their “baggage.”

In the 1960s, American designer Bonnie Cashin introduced the iconic Cashin Carry Tote, which quickly gained popularity for its bold and modern design. The tote embodied a sense of ease and sophistication that proved challenging for others to replicate successfully.

Bonnie Cashin in her studio. (Picture courtesy: The New York Times)

Cashin’s creation captivated America during a transformative period. The Flower Power generation ushered in a new cultural era, influencing poetry, music, and fashion alike. Their vibrant attire, characterized by flowery patterns and vivid colors, seamlessly complemented the relaxed canvas bags they carried. These shoulder bags, imbued with a sense of freedom and expression, became emblematic of an entire social and cultural movement led by young men and women who were making history.

The Flower Power generation, or “hippies” if we just cut to the chase- owned the tote bags by making them personalized, writing quotes, song lyrics, verses, etc. on their totes. From this time onward, the tote also accepted a more “functional” and to an extent a “unisex” avatar.

Even today, when picturing the “artist type” of guy, a canvas or cloth tote fits into the frame seamlessly with the cotton kurta, stubble, and cigarette. Come on, you know it!

Totes Today- Sustainable, Practical, Indispensable

Tote bags have become really important in today’s world because they’re good for the environment and can be used in lots of different ways. People are starting to care more about the planet, so they’re choosing things like tote bags that don’t harm it. These bags are made from stuff like organic cotton or recycled plastic, which is way better for the environment than regular plastic bags.

Also, tote bags are super handy. They’re big and can carry lots of stuff, like groceries, books, or gym clothes. You can use them for pretty much anything, whether you’re going shopping, to work, or on a trip. Tote bags make life easier because they’re so versatile and can fit whatever you need to take with you.

Top 10 luxury brands for tote bags in the world

• Louis Vuitton
• Dior
• Gucci
• Loewe
• Hermes
• Prada
• Yves Saint Laurent
• Celine
• Chanel
• Fendi
• Bottega

Konquer the world with our classy and affordable tote bags

Yes, the tote bags from the brands listed above might be in your wish list or even in your wardrobe. But that is no reason to miss out on classy, trendy, oh-so-elegant and oh-so-frickin’-spacious totes from Konquer.

Designed with love by two young women Akriti and Bhavna, these tote bags for women will definitely be your companions forever.

Check out their collection of tote bags and more here.