8 of our favourite work bags from Australian and New Zealand labels
IMAGE VIA @affaires____/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
For housing the everyday essentials.
When it comes to finding the right work bag for you, there are a few factors to consider. How ‘professional’ does it need to look? Are you factoring in a long commute? Does it need to fit a change of clothing and/or the occasional bottle of post-work wine?
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Some opt for a sturdy yet colourful carry-all tote, while others look for muted hues and smooth, structured leather. Whatever your preference, the Fashion Journal team has curated a list of our current favourites from Australian and New Zealand labels below.
Radical Yes’ Maximilian Dance Tote
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This bag is like a puffer jacket in tote format (that’s a good thing). Crafted by conscious Melbourne accessory label, Radical Yes, this tote is made from contrasting recycled nylon and is big enough to hold a laptop, notebook and lunch with room to spare. It’s available in a classic black or muted olive, with two all-day-comfy strap options to choose from.
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Affaires’ 001 Bag
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With its penchant for soft, natural fibres, Sydney-born label Affaires makes sturdy yet slouchy bags designed to transcend seasons. The 001 silhouette is the ideal size for day-to-day use, designed to be worn comfortably crossbody while holding all your regular work essentials. It comes in a variety of soft, muted shades, but the classic Washed Black is our personal favourite.
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Yu Mei’s Braidy Bag
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Based out of Wellington, New Zealand, Yu Mei is an accessories label with a focus on next-generation leather goods and utilitarian design. Its Braidy Bag is beautifully simplistic – an elegant rectangular shape with a thin, adjustable crossbody strap, crafted using super-soft deer nappa leather. It’s available in 10 beautiful shades, so you can opt for a basic neutral or something with a bit more pop, like this Sea Mist hue.
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Poppy Lissiman’s Lio Tote
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For the girlies looking to inject a little fun into their work wardrobes, Poppy Lissiman’s extra-large Lio Tote comes in several vibrant prints and patterns. Made from durable, mostly recycled materials, the Lio features a detachable inside pocket for your valuables. It’s expansive enough to fit a laptop, change of clothes and the kitchen sink.
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July’s Carry All Tote
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Designed for travel, work and everything in between, July’s Carry All Tote is ideal for those looking for a little extra organisation out of their everyday bag. It’s split up into four key pocket areas, with a quilted, padded laptop compartment for easy access and protection. You can choose between two classic shades of French Navy and Midnight Blue, plus opt for free personalisation.
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Georgia Jay’s Gigi Bag
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Polished and practical, thoughtful accessories label Georgia Jay handcrafts everything out of its studio in Auckland, New Zealand. Usually known for its smaller shoulder-bag silhouettes, the Gigi style is the label’s foray into bigger, work-friendly styles. It’s got a padded sleeve specifically to protect your laptop, plus multiple other pockets and compartments – all housed in a very chic, slouchy Italian cow Nappa-leather shell.
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Brie Leon’s Everyday Bucket Bag
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For those who don’t love wearing leather, the Everyday Bucket Bag from Sydney label Brie Leon is an easy alternative. Made from recycled PU with realistic leather grain, this sculptural everyday bag features a double-sided adjustable strap and reinforced base for added durability.
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Florist’s Forrest Star Tote Bag
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The Melbourne-born, NYC-based label Florist offers handcrafted bags reminiscent of the best parts of Y2K fashion. The Forrest Tote, like the brand’s other pieces, is hand-embroidered with punchy green-and-blue lettering on soft-grain deer hide. You can slide a laptop in easily, with a choice between patchwork brown, classic black or eye-catching chrome.
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Our editorial decisions are made with our readers (you!) in mind and we hope you enjoy the products that we wholeheartedly recommend. Fashion Journal may sometimes receive a commission or similar from third party links placed.
For a curated list of work bag essentials, head here.
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