These Local Designer Tote Bags Are The Coolest Accessory for The "New Normal"

Admittedly, our fashion choices have changed over the last few months. We’re not only buying what’s essential but dressing up in what’s essential. Basically, fashion over function is a thing of the past and we now wear clothes that first and foremost protect us and make us feel good, and, if possible, are still relatively stylish.

So when it comes to shopping for clothes and accessories during a time like this, practicality is a non-negotiable. And if you’re looking for a new tote bag to trot to the grocery, carry to work, or run any kind of errand with, you’ll love these local young designer bags that are determined to turn heads when you walk down that supermarket aisle.

In collaboration with local indie zine FAKE, Filipino young designers JP Velasco, Antonina Amoncio, Bea Guerrero, and JJ Aquino have created special limited edition totes to accompany their new capsule collections. The lookbooks and merch were launched alongside FAKE’s debut issue called “Gangs of Manila”. The four designers created playful pieces based on the idea of upcycling (in response to the global textile pollution problem), and the results are fun and a little zany—definite mood lifters, if you ask me.

The tote bags in particular are anything but ordinary, and I mean that with the highest of compliments! From oversized pockets, random shirt sleeves hanging here and there, to  kindergarten-like prints that look like were done with crayon—these bags are statement pieces on their own and it’s quite hard to shop for just one. Check out all the cool totes below:

"Tagpi-tagpi" Collection, ANTONINA by Antonina Amoncio for FAKE zine

Gunita tote, P2500, ANTONINA, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Para Sa'yo tote, P1500, ANTONINA, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Mangingisda tote, P1600, ANTONINA, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Nagtatapos tote, P2000, ANTONINA, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Halaman tote, P1800, ANTONINA, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Andre tote, P1600, ANTONINA, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

"Tambay" Collection, VILQUIN by JJ Aquino for FAKE zine

Lechero tote, P2800, VILQUIN, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

 

Hinabi tote, P2500, VILQUIN, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Sari-saring Halo-Halo tote, P2800, VILQUIN, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Para Kay Pacita tote, P2800, VILQUIN, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Pinintang Binakol tote, P1800, VILQUIN, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Tinagpi  tote, P1800, VILQUIN, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

"Emerald Street" Collection, b.jpeg by Bea Gurrero for FAKE zine

Paper Cut-outs tote, P1800, B.JPEG, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Art Paper Collage tote, P1800, B.JPEG, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Sunny City tote, P1800, B.JPEG, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Pad Paper tote, P1800, B.JPEG, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Rex's Day Out tote, P1800, B.JPEG, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Construction Paper tote, P1500, B.JPEG, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

"Dirty Laundry" Collection, 02-24 by JEYPEH* by JP Velasco for FAKE zine

Untitled collage tote, P2500, 02-24 BY JEYPEH*, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Untitled collage tote with sleeve, P2500, 02-24 BY JEYPEH*, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Untitled collage tote with cargo pants pocket, P2500, 02-24 BY JEYPEH*, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Untitled shirt collage tote, P2500, 02-24 BY JEYPEH*, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Untitled collage tote with oriental print, P2500, 02-24 BY JEYPEH*, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

Untitled denim mixed media collage tote, P2500, 02-24 BY JEYPEH*, @thefakezine.shop on Instagram

For the designers' accompanying apparel collections you can check out FAKE zine’s IG shop (they're be releasing all the lookbooks over the weekend). If you're ready to order, you can fill up their digital order form here.

Now’s the best time to support local business and designers since they’ve been hit hard by the pandemic. So if you’re itching to do some retail therapy, purchasing one of these unique totes will make a big difference for these young creatives. Having said that, who doesn’t need/want a new shopping bag?

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