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Toad or quince? Violeta or Jolene? Bread ahead or The Dusty Knuckle? Forget sourdough for a second – the real competition between these beloved London bakeries takes place on the side of their handbags. The bag is more than just an open canvas construction with two handles that carries people’s items. Sally Rooney novels and SPF moisturizers, represents the brand that sells them. Jumping on the trend isn’t just a matter of convenience, it’s code for your custom at a particular museum, cafe, or bookstore.
Intimidating books bag, from £10
Jimmy pretty bag, £20
Take the latter: in London, the literary bag to beat is that of Intimidating bookswhose organic cotton numbers come in 12 colors and various sizes (from £10). The cult bookstore of Paris Shakespeare and company is so attached to its own range (screen printing with blue ink, €18) that the “handbags” category appears second to “books” in the header of its website.
You wouldn’t know there are no Trader Joe’s stores in the UK, given the proliferation of their beige bags in London. On the other side of the Atlantic, its limited edition Mini Canvas Tote Bag ($2.99) is a tiny version of the classic style. For something a little bigger, try the presumptuous name Marc Jacobs. The tote bag (£250) or designer glasses Jimmy prettyMonochrome version (£20). Fans of ErewhonMeanwhile, the ($50) shopping bag can be upgraded to the grocery bag. collaboration with balenciaga (£315).
Balenciaga x Erewhon buyer, £315
Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote, $2.99
The larger the bag, the longer and wider the straps you will need. Kind Bag, which produces three retro styles for London Design Museum (£12), uses wide arms in his creations based on plastic bottles. “Mine have a wide mouth, long straps and they keep their shape. “Short leashes are criminal,” said the FOOTsays Lilah Raptopoulos about her collection. She sees a variety of old favorites (The New Yorker$50) – and newer contenders (Winning bakery$30 and books are magical$10) – competing for attention in New York. The more specific the cause, the better: 30 percent of the company’s income Dan BennettThe eye-catching bag (£15.26) goes to south London charity Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs.
The New Yorker bag, $50
Electric Lady Studies bag, $18
Maybe you’re less concerned about the bag and more about who’s carrying it: Paul Mescal and Jack Antonoff have been spotted carrying bags from the New York store. Electric Lady Studies ($18), while Olivia Wilde prefers Merci’s Candide bag (€160). Or perhaps the most daring design is no design at all: not even Muji’s plain cotton. my bag (£2.50) nor Niwaki Daikon Tote (£36) mind that no one knows where you got them.