The humble tote has been a stalwart of fashion's utilitarian crowd, but its reign appears to be waning. Instead, a new breed of "good intentions" bags is rising to prominence, with brands like John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Pacific Tote Company leading the charge. These bags are not about glamour or status; they're about substance.
The key characteristic of these bags is their ability to hold a lot – often too much for some people's tastes. But that's by design. They're "oversized but not structured," according to Carrie Cooper, John Lewis's senior footwear and accessories designer, which means you can fit your packed lunch, flask, book, and even gym kit in one convenient container.
But what makes these bags so appealing? For semiotician Bridget Dalton, the answer lies in their practicality. "Carrying a lot of stuff around is a historically working-class requirement," she explains. "So, therefore, you have the idea of a good intention as a peasant morality, which is about self-sustaining, self-reliance, but also a rejection of the frivolous."
In contrast to the tiny handbags that dominated fashion in recent years, these bags are all about being able to do more with less. They're a rejection of the notion that luxury must come at the expense of practicality.
This shift is not just about functionality; it's also about status. According to Dalton, a capacious bag used to be seen as déclassé, lower-class. Now, carrying one is a statement that says your identity is not contingent upon other people doing stuff for you.
The bags themselves are often simple and understated, but the message they convey is anything but subtle. As Gramicci's co-founder Duffy Culligan puts it, these bags are "the co-conspirator of an unplanned adventure." They're a symbol of empowerment, of being able to take care of yourself without needing anyone else to do so.
As we bid farewell to the flimsy promotional bags that cluttered our hallways and streets just a few years ago, it's clear that the era of the tote is coming to an end. But the "good intentions" bag is here to stay – and it's going to change the way we think about fashion, status, and practicality forever.
The key characteristic of these bags is their ability to hold a lot – often too much for some people's tastes. But that's by design. They're "oversized but not structured," according to Carrie Cooper, John Lewis's senior footwear and accessories designer, which means you can fit your packed lunch, flask, book, and even gym kit in one convenient container.
But what makes these bags so appealing? For semiotician Bridget Dalton, the answer lies in their practicality. "Carrying a lot of stuff around is a historically working-class requirement," she explains. "So, therefore, you have the idea of a good intention as a peasant morality, which is about self-sustaining, self-reliance, but also a rejection of the frivolous."
In contrast to the tiny handbags that dominated fashion in recent years, these bags are all about being able to do more with less. They're a rejection of the notion that luxury must come at the expense of practicality.
This shift is not just about functionality; it's also about status. According to Dalton, a capacious bag used to be seen as déclassé, lower-class. Now, carrying one is a statement that says your identity is not contingent upon other people doing stuff for you.
The bags themselves are often simple and understated, but the message they convey is anything but subtle. As Gramicci's co-founder Duffy Culligan puts it, these bags are "the co-conspirator of an unplanned adventure." They're a symbol of empowerment, of being able to take care of yourself without needing anyone else to do so.
As we bid farewell to the flimsy promotional bags that cluttered our hallways and streets just a few years ago, it's clear that the era of the tote is coming to an end. But the "good intentions" bag is here to stay – and it's going to change the way we think about fashion, status, and practicality forever.
. It's like the democratization of style - anyone can now carry their own lunch and gym gear without breaking the bank 
. But you know what really gets me is how this trend taps into a deeper societal value: self-sufficiency 
. We're moving away from a culture that says luxury comes at the expense of practicality, and towards one that values being able to take care of yourself 
. It's not just about bags; it's about redefining what status means in our society 
. And let's be real, who doesn't want to be seen as a capable and independent individual? 
. I'll stick with my trusty old backpack that can actually hold some real gear, thanks! 
. And honestly, I think it's so cool that these bags are making a statement about not needing others to do stuff for you 
. I mean, who needs a tiny bag when you can carry everything you need in one? 
! It's about time we ditched those tiny handbags that were just a bunch of hype 
. I mean, who needs to carry a separate water bottle when you can just fit it in your bag already? 
But seriously, these "good intentions" bags are a game-changer. They're not just about being able to fit more stuff in, they're also about the statement you make with them. It's like, you're saying I don't need anything fancy or luxurious, I can take care of myself 
. We should be celebrating our ability to do more with less, not feeling like we need to upgrade our handbags every season 
. It's time for a change in the fashion world, let's ditch the superficial stuff and go for something that really matters 
. These oversized but not structured bags are like the ultimate multitasking machine for us busy parents 
. No more stressing about whether I've got everything my kids need before we head out the door! 
And let's be real, who doesn't love a good excuse to carry around an extra book or two? 
. Bring on the "good intentions" bags!
... Like, yeah okay they're great for carrying a lot of stuff but have you seen how bulky they are? And don't even get me started on the branding, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer just want to guilt trip us into buying their products with some pseudo-social message. I mean what's next? Are we gonna start getting charged more for using reusable bags because it's 'good' for the environment? 