4 min read
The tote bag perfectly combines beauty and practicality and is all the rage right now. whether used as an eco-conscious ant-plastic statement or as a fashion accessory, the classic tote bag exceeds all expectations of comfort and aesthetics and is a universal symbol of functionality. So how did it all begin?
The Junyuan Leather Co. best-selling Soft Leather Tote Bag is beloved by all, worn daily my happy customers, and cherished throughout a lifetime. But what are the root origins of this classic bag design? Who was the first to invent the concept of the tote bag? How did it become so popular? Today, Junyuan wants to dive deep into the history of the Tote and help you understand what it really means to carry such a piece.
17th Century – Tote is the Word
The actual bare concept of carrying one’s items in a tote-like bag can be traced back much further than the 17th century. Early depictions can be found of men and women in almost all cultures wearing more rudimentary forms of textile pouches (made from leather, cloth, vegetal fibers, or any other raw materials that have always been used my humankind) and satchels to carry around their belongings. Nonetheless, the word tote only came about and gained it’s modern-day meaning in the 17th century, as it was used as a verb meaning to carry. Toting meant carrying one’s things in a bag or sack.
19th Century – The Age of Utilitarianism
Fast-forward a few hundred years, when the verb gained its noun status and the actual tote bag reached popularity. The humble tote has served many purposes over the years, but in the 1940s, the Maine (USA) based outdoors store L.L.Bean truly put this iconic everyday bag on the map.
What L.L. Bean created was the ice bag which is, well, just what the name implies: a bag intended for carrying ice from the store to the car, then from the car to home. It was a thick, sturdy, canvas bag that soon proved itself to be strong and practical enough to be used for far more than carrying ice. The bag quickly became a homemakers favorite for groceries all sorts of household chores.
Over the years, with such well deserved popularity, L.L. Bean added other elements and fashion features to the classic canvas tote, such as the handsome color trim, which was first offered in the 1960s and remains part of the design offering to this day.
The Sixties – A fashion statement
Quick leap 20 years later to the 1960s when, in addition to the L.L. Bean tote receiving it’s fashion makeover, we are introduced to the first iconic leather tote bag by American designer Bonnie Cashin for Coach. The Cashin Carry was elegant, practical, and fashionable made in various vibrant colors and quickly became an everyday necessity, much like our Junyuan Leather Co. soft leather totes.
The Eighties – The Strand takes a stand and the birth of the Birkin
Naturally, the tote bag’s popularity as a staple piece quickly grew, and as canvas items were considerably cheap to produce it didn’t take long for them to become a desired medium for advertising. It was in the 1980s that iconic New York City bookstore The Strand introduced its version of the tote bag — which is still a staple on city streets today.
Then, in 1983, British actress Jane Birkin was on a flight from Paris, seated next to the CEO of French luxury brand Hermes. They started up a conversation after the contents of her straw handbag spilled to the floor and she described her frustrating search for a carry-everything-in-one-bag. And voilà, the forever iconic Birkin bag was born!
The It bags
From there on out the 90’s and 2000’s continued to see variations on the tote with the advent of “it” bags, from the likes of Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton to the Madewell transport tote. It’s no surprise, after all, the tote bag is a classic staple of elegance and practicality that every woman needs in her wardrobe.
Our Soft Leather Tote Bag
So now that we know the full history of the Tote Bag, what sets the Junyuan Leather Co. tote apart? For starters, like all our leather bags, the Maxi Tote is entirely handmade out of full-grain, vegetable tanned leather. This means it is unquestionable in quality and durability. Our production techniques also ensure a truly sustainable product, from raw material sourcing and production to a lifetime of use and finally decomposition when disposed of. That alone is unlike any other item found on the market.
Take the black leather tote bag for example. Isn’t it gorgeous? The top quality full grain vegetable tanned soft lamb leather it is made of develops beautiful and unique patinas that deepen its color with time and use. It is incredibly soft and flexible meaning it can easily be folded away for storage or travels. On top of all that, it is so lightweight!
The Tote is a must-have and our customers agree! We’re always so happy to see customers returning to get the tote in a different color or to gift someone they love. So go for it! You will not be disappointed!
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