The Philippine Online Chronicles

Miranda Purves, writer for the New York Times, has a very interesting theory. Purves believes that tote bags -- especially free ones -- might have just bypassed the world's designer purses as this year's it bags. But how can this be? Free bags made of canvas can't just waltz in and take the spotlight.

Surprise: they totally have. Purves notes that what's very interesting about these tote bags is that they present a statement to the world. Whereas toting Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Prada, Hermes, or whatever brand else have you just screams "money", tote bags talk about personality.

Quoting the pyschologist Daniel Gilbert, she says, "[the tote bag] telegraphs not money but access, ethics, culture," essentially trumpeting the old adage, "money can't buy class". See, where anyone with enough money can buy a Birkin, not everyone has enough humor to appreciate a particularly quirky inside joke, or understand a subtle literary reference, or even be invited to academic or artistic conferences (most of which now give tote bags as tokens to participants).

Carrying a FEED tote bag, for example, tells everyone that its owner is compassionate, charitable, and well-informed. Ayala Museum tote bag on your arm? Cultured and educated. That is the power of these lowly tote bags, communicating a powerful message with a logo or a few words.

The best thing here is that most tote bags are free or at least affordable. With the economy still in the lurch, this is a great time to capitalize not on your wallet, but on your individuality. It’s cool to be different now, so don’t worry if designer brands are out of your league. Plus, tote bags are highly functional, roomy, and very easy to use.

But just in case you’re still warming up to the idea of using tote bags (free ones, especially), here are a few choices and suggestions you may want to consider.

Team Manila

This famous design brand has made nationalism incredibly quirky and fashionable. The same witty statements on their shirts are reflected on their no nonsense tote bags. Check out Jose Rizal’s iconic mug on this bag:

(Team Manila website)

Human Heart Nature

This eco-friendly skin care and makeup brand now offers their loyal clients tote bags, too. The bag is roomy enough to be used as a shopper (and a replacement for plastic bags) and quite chic to look at. Bonus points: the bag is the handiwork of Gawad Kalinga Payatas residents, and your purchase will go a long way in supporting the organization’s education and livelihood programs. Here’s one of their designs:

(Human Heart Nature website)

Ayala Museum

Grab (okay, not literally, buy) a tote bag from one of the country’s most prestigious museums. The Ayala Museum is best known for its art collection, including the works of Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zobel, among others. They offer tote bags that feature the paintings of noted artists. Tote a slice of art with you daily. Here’s one from Vicente Manansala:

(Ayala Museum website)

Muji

If your style vision is all about understatement, Muji has tote bags for you. The brand known for not having a brand sells unmarked canvas and nylon tote bags in several sizes, mostly in beige and black. One caveat: for a brand that prides itself in being “ordinary”, Muji totes are much more expensive than the ones mentioned earlier in this list.

(image from Miss-Match)

Rootote

Speaking of Japanese imports, Rootote bags are also available in Manila. Their bags come in a wide array of designs and sizes, so it’s safe to say that there’s something for everyone. The bags are roomy and usually sport fun designs. What’s most interesting about Rootote bags, though, is that they have side pockets that allow the owner to easily get to important or urgently needed things like keys and money, hence the “roo” moniker.

Rootote bags have a strong presence online and they also sell eco-friendly reusable shopping bags. Here’s their “medium” bag:

(O-edo, from the Rootote Philippines website)

H.E.A.R.T. by Artistic Dreams

Of course, nothing beats a showstopper: hand-painted canvas tote bags with the design of your choice. College student, artist, and entrepreneur Abbey Sy shows off her talent by painting nearly anything she can get her hands on. From pencil cases to tote bags, Sy presents a very interesting collection of functional hand-painted artwork. From her limited edition collection:

(H.E.A.R.T. by artistic dreams on Facebook)

So, it might just be the year to finally forget about that crocodile skin bag you’ve been eyeing and get a tote bag that shows off your personality and uniqueness. It’s time to explore.