The ridiculous tiny purses and their cutesy aesthetic had us in a chokehold for a while, but not anymore. The mini bags that barely hold lipsticks and credit cards are all fun and games until you lose your keys, money or any other essentials a bag is supposed to carry.
Let’s not even get started on the Balenciaga bag that looks like an empty packet of Lays chips or the studded chair bag by Area—when did we stop loving bags with space, compartments and stability? It doesn’t matter if you’re a Gen-Z, millennial or a boomer—don’t we all have things to carry and places to reach without looking like a juggler trying to balance multiple things in our two bare hands?
As people returned to work and long commutes became a part of our lives again, tote bags resurfaced. Actually, they never really left, just waited around the corner while we finished our rendevous with impractical bags to understand their true value (text that good guy back, for real). Even internationally, ‘it’ girls like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have been spotted with a giant Peter Do bag or the YSL Icare Maxi tote. Although big bags like the Louis Vuitton Never Full and the Dior Book Tote might just still remain on our wishlist—homegrown labels with exciting tote bag collections can be the Telfar to our Beyoncé (remember when Queen B instructed everyone to put their Birkins in storage and gave this lowkey brand a shoutout?). If you’re planning to invest in one, here’s a list of 10 homegrown brands you can bookmark.
1. Mistry
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The Bamboo Tote Kaia by Mistry is perfectly sized for you to carry your essentials, it comes in 2 shades and with an additional crossbody strap.
Price: 6,000Â
Available at: shopmistry.com
2. Rashki
This mustard yellow bucket-shaped tote bag is for those who like to make an effortless statement. Made with vegan leather, it has a spacious main compartment and a sewin zip pocket to keep coins or wallets.
Price: 2,190Â
Available at: rashki.comÂ
3. The Messy Corner
Personalized with your initials, The Messy corner tote bags are minimal yet stylish. Spacious and structured, this tote bag is a good fit for those who like to keep it ‘less is more’.
Price: 1,999
Available at: themessycorner.inÂ
4. Lulu & Sky
This scallop hem detailed tote bag in deep caramel makes for a classy bag option. From work to play, it’s versatile enough and can be styled with multiple outfits because of its neutral shades.
Price: 4,099
Available at: luluandsky.com
5. Payal Singhal
The peach forest print canvas large tote bag by Payal Singhal has the PS Signature Print to accentuate your casual and beachwear look. Accessible in multiple prints and colours, this one is for those who like to keep it quirky and colourful.
Price: 5,900
Available at: payalsinghal.com
6. Maisha By Yesha
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This Coral Rush everyday tote by Maisha is hand-crafted with cotton jacquard and comes with additional fabric texturing. The vegan leather handles add to the elegance of this simple yet functional tote.
Price: 1,499
Available at: maishalifestyle.com
6. Zouk
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The Mughal motif tote is a 100% PETA-approved vegan bag. It has sturdy and durable accessories, with a zip closure and non-adjustable double straps.
Price: 1,499
Available at: zouk.co.in
7. Miraggio
Miraggio’s Denice tote bag from their Fall 2022 collection offers multiple carry styles and is easy to match with a variety of outfits. With 1 compartment, 3 interior pockets, 1 zip pocket and 2 mobile pockets, it is tailor-made for those who like to carry their whole house in a bag.
Price: 4,049
Available at: miraggiolife.com
8. Eco Right
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Eco Right’s roomy tote-style satchel bags are made with 100% organic cotton fabric. The Inner lining is made from water-resistant recycled PET bottles (8 bottles recycled)— plus, they are also made in ethically certified manufacturing facilities.
Price: 2,499
Available: ecoright.com
9. InkMilan
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The Summer Wooden Bag by InkMilan is made with premium vegan leather and comes with wooden handles. The voluminous bag also has an additional storage pouch which makes it extra user-friendly.
Price: 1,699
Available at: inkmilan.comÂ
10. Jute Smart
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Jute Smart’s daily essential printed tote comes in a jute/cotton base with a leather strap. It’s a dump-it-all-kinda tote, perfect for those who are always on the go.
Prince: 1,200
Available at: jutesmart.com
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