The trusty tote bag needs no introduction. It’s the crowned queen of the perfect carry-all, serving as much utility as it does fashion. There’s a high chance that you already have this reliable bag in your collection, whether by intention or not. After all, tote bags are seemingly available in an endless number of styles, from the basic canvas tote you’d find at a grocery store to high-fashion vintage Gucci bags you’d spot on a celebrity.
Maybe you bought a subscription to the New York Times Magazine and received their iconic tote in the mail or maybe you finally gave in to the Marc Jacobs craze and bought their viral bags that literally say “The Tote Bag” in bold typography. The versatility of these bags is uncontested, but thanks to pop culture, they’ve also become fashion-forward staples that you simply cannot help but own. The tote has become a cultural phenomenon, and no matter who you are, there’s a tote just for you. Let’s discuss how this classic bag came to be and why you tote-ally need it in your wardrobe!
Humble Beginnings of the Tote
Would you believe that ‘the everything bag’ we love carrying with us everywhere actually started off as an ice carrier? When L.L.Bean first introduced us to the handy, water-resistant canvas tote bag in 1944, they likely never imagined it would go beyond serving as an ice carrier from your car to the freezer. But after seeing homemakers using it for everything from grocery runs to shopping sprees, they soon joined in with a revisioned version, the L.L.Bean Boat Bag, that still serves as a trendy fashion gift and an essential sidekick for people who need a “throw-in-everything-and-go” kind of bag.
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Iconic Moments of Tote Bags in Pop Culture
Since its introduction decades ago, the tote bag has undergone an evolution like no other. Canvas totes are still in but now fashion tote bags designs are so varied that they’re impossible to keep up with. The influence of popular media has been undeniable in the transformation of the tote from a practical accessory to a fashion statement.
Featured on Television
Tom Wambsgans’ scathing remarks against the “ludicrously capacious” Burberry bag in Succession had us all in splits and even birthed many memes. But the “gargantuan” bag that you could even take camping, according to Tom, had the last laugh as Google searches for ‘Burberry tote bag’ jumped by 310% right after the episode.
There have been many such moments in popular media where tote bags stole the show, although on a more positive note. For example, the green leather tote bag carried by Rachel in The White Lotus was practically one of the cast members with how often it was featured on screen. And who can forget Elle Woods’ pink tote in Legally Blonde that housed her feisty chihuahua?
Loved by Celebrities
Celebrities have propelled high-fashion tote bags into the spotlight even off-camera, showing off their large luxury carriers with pride. From models like Bella Hadid to actors like Zoë Kravitz to pop music icons like Beyonce, tote bags have taken over everyone and have attained an almost cult-like status. Even Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, can’t vouch for these “it” bags enough with her love for the minimalist cognac tote bag from Everlane. When Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton twinned in matching metallic tote bags from Louis Vuitton, the moment went down in history and brought even more fame to the trusty tote.
Adored by Designers
Tote bags are a classic example of how a basic cotton bag tucked away in your kitchen cabinet can be transformed into a high-end accessory. Designers began taking note of the functionality of the tote bag soon after its introduction and brought out their own takes on the humble bag in a more luxurious form.
The elegance of a Birkin bag is coveted by all, but brands like Gucci, Versace, and Prada aren’t behind either with their uniquely shaped tote bags that are often seen on the arms of celebrities. The mini versions have swept us off our feet as much as the larger ones, becoming wearable pieces of art that are perfect for year-round wear and easy to pair with everything from casual going-out looks to red-carpet ensembles.
The Irresistible Appeal of Modern Totes
Although utility was the primary appeal of tote bags, today they’re symbols of self-expression and individuality. They’re used to make powerful political statements, express creativity, and embrace a more sustainable way of living.
You could get tote-style designer puffy handbags as chic additions to your outfits or go with simpler cotton totes that feature artwork or quotes from your favorite books or movies. The beauty of tote bags lies in their ease of customization. They’re canvasses of human expression, encompassing the bold and the understated, the playful and the profound—all under one iconic form.