Icon of the Week: L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag
In the wake of Earth Hour and the midst of Earth Month, I thought it be fitting we feature an eco-friendly fashion statement as my Icon Of The Week. Long before Anya's I'm Not a Plastic Bag and Longchamp's pliage folding tote was the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag. Unlike the aforementioned, the L.L. bean tote never reached cult trend status, but instead has been rooted as every fashionista's necessity.
First introduced in 1944 as Bean's Ice Carrier, the tote was originally created for carrying ice and firewood. You see, L.L. Bean was founded by fisherman Leon Leonwood Bean who developed roughing out essentials like boots, tents, backpacks and apparel. Rest assured nothing will be too heavy for this bag!
In The One Hundred: A guide to the pieces every stylish woman must own, Nina Garcia attests that it works well for toting just about anything - "...Several bottles of wine to the park; a summer reading list's worth of books; twenty-seven fashion magazines (double issues included)."
The basic simplicity of its design isn't ground breaking, but it nevertheless remains distinct. The fact that its handles line the entire bag as part of the design serves a fitting reminder that you don't have to be afraid of piling a load into the bag to spoil its shape or material.
You won't see the L.L. Bean tote strapped onto every celebrity - and the reason for such is this: the L.L. Bean isn't a fashion statement; it's a celebrated and proclaimed functional necessity for the corporate world of the fashion industry. Fashion editors and high end designers swear by it!
Manolo Blahnik, for example, refuses to tote his bulk around in anything but his neutral tote with navy piping. Isaac Mizrahi also proclaims his L.L. Bean tote a staple!
And if you were wondering how Suri Cruise brings her toys around, she accessorizes with a bodyguard that comes with a detachable L.L. Bean classic red tote!
If you need to get one now, you can log onto their website. L.L. Bean carries their Boat and Tote Bag in four sizes ranging from small to extra large, with the option of different coloured piping and slight variations in design. Newer ranges include polka-dot and floral prints, but I say nothing says iconic like the large canvas tote with long red handles. You can also opt to monogram your bag, or even customize it. Bags cost around $17 to $30USD.
