When you hear eco fashion, you’re likely to imagine expensive threads designed by fabulous celebrities, the kind of clothing that we might not be able to afford even though we’d love nothing more.
But when minimalist fashion designer Jil Sander designed a handbag that looks like a brown lunch bag, the world was taken by surprise. During the fall-winter 2012 runway show of the Jil Sander fashion house, models were seen holding these rolled-up bags in their leather-gloved fists. The bags weren’t just a once-off for the show, though: they are being sold at stores for the general public.
The paper bag designed by Sander is called the Vasari and it costs $290 – that’s approximately R2000! The bag is made from high-durability coated paper. It has stitched seams, gold eyelets that help with ventilation and of, course, a designer logo at the bottom that simply reads ‘Jil Sander.’ There is also a leather version of the bag available that can be bought for $360 (approximately R3000).
Many people have questioned whether it’s worth spending such a large amount to purchase what is essentially a brown bag, but others claim that the bag is sustainable which makes it a long-term investment. According to W Magazine, the bag’s design turns a necessity into an indulgence. The magazine claims that we can forget recycling because this bag is sure to become a keeper.
Fashion website ecouterre.com disagrees, however. It claims that the bag is nothing more than a glorified lunch sack, in spite of all the frills on it as well as the designer name that can be seen at the bottom.
Whether or not you agree with the simplicity yet expensive nature of the bag, it already has been raking in the money, with all stock being sold out on the website.
