During the pandemic, the rise of the Stanley Cup moms was splashed all over social media. Most influencers and content creators were either sipping from their tumbler or had one sitting proudly in the background. There are other brands of reusable mugs and tumblers, of course, but Stanley was the go-to for a lot of people, particularly women. It wasn’t just about staying hydrated. It became a lifestyle statement, a collector’s obsession, and for many, a whole personality.
Now the brand is looking to expand its market with its first-ever bag, the Stanley 1913 Vitalize Macro Method Tote. While the main selling point of this bag is that it can carry your tumbler, it’s built to carry much more than just a water container. Think of it as a home for pretty much everything else you need to get through your day. The way it’s designed means it can match any lifestyle, whether you’re heading to the office, the gym, or just running your errands.
The whole idea behind reusable tumblers is to always have water (or your favorite beverage) with you wherever you go. But sometimes, the bags we use aren’t sturdy enough to carry them around, so we just leave them at home. This bag from Stanley solves that particular problem with a tumbler securing belt and pocket, which is compatible with the 40-ounce Quencher® ProTour or Vitalize Shaker and gives you easy access to them whenever you need a sip. You could probably use other brands or models as well, but if you’re buying the Stanley bag, chances are you’re already a Stanley person anyway.
Other than that, there’s plenty to like about this bag, especially if you’re the type who prefers just one carrier for all your essentials. It has a zippered main compartment that provides secure and spacious storage for all the bigger items you need to haul around. There’s also an interior laptop sleeve to keep your laptop and other gadgets safe and scratch-free. You’ll also find an easy-access zippered front pocket for things you may need to grab on the go, like your keys, lip balm, or earbuds. And if that’s still not enough, there’s a foldaway interior Vitalize Macro Container pocket for when you need even more organization.
For something that’s meant to carry a hefty 40-ounce tumbler, the bag is naturally made from durable materials. Even better, it uses 100% recycled fabrics, so you can keep your carbon footprint low without compromising on style or durability. You can carry it as a handbag or a shoulder bag since it comes with both hand and shoulder carry straps. It holds nearly 28 quarts of capacity but sits at a slim 5.12″ depth, so it won’t get too bulky or cumbersome which is a nice balance for everyday use.
There are, of course, plenty of other bags on the market that offer similar features, but if you’re already a Stanley loyalist, this feels like a pretty natural next purchase. The minimalist design will also appeal to those who prefer their bags to be clean and unfussy. It comes in three colors: Black, Rose Quartz, and Sage Grey. This keeps things simple and versatile, easy to pair with just about anything in your wardrobe. It’s not trying to be flashy, and honestly, it doesn’t need to be.
At $110, the Stanley 1913 Vitalize Macro Method Tote is more than just a bag. It’s the natural next step in the Stanley lifestyle. Whether you’re a long-time collector who’s been following the brand since the tumbler craze first took over your feed, or someone who’s just discovering what all the fuss is about, this tote feels like a thoughtful extension of everything Stanley stands for: durability, functionality, and just the right amount of style. It’s the kind of bag you’ll reach for every single day, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll probably want one in every color.
The first thing you notice about MAQL is how deliberately sculptural it looks. The handbag sits with an almost architectural presence, its curved body and rolled edges creating a form that feels more like a ceramic vessel than a typical leather accessory. That impression isn’t accidental. This is a bag designed to be looked at as much as it’s meant to be used.
Created through a collaboration between Tokyo-based design studio Nendo and leather artisans Bag Makers Tokyo, MAQL is constructed from a single laminated piece of leather with grain leather on one side and suede on the other. The entire structure emerges from a process of strategic folding and peeling, where the rim is turned back on itself to gradually reveal what becomes the exterior surface and handles. It’s a bit like watching origami in reverse, where the final form contains evidence of every fold that brought it into being.
The name comes from makuru, meaning “to peel, to reveal” in Japanese, and that action is visible in every part of the bag’s construction. Where the leather rolls back, you see both textures at once: the smooth, structured grain leather meeting the softer suede underneath. The handles aren’t attached separately. They’re continuous with the body, formed by the same peeling motion that creates the bag’s opening. There are no hidden seams trying to disguise how this was made. The stitching is exposed where it needs to be, marking the transitions between surfaces.
What makes the design compelling is how it plays with the idea of inside versus outside. Traditionally, a bag’s interior is something you only see when you open it, a hidden space with different materials and construction than what’s visible to the world. MAQL eliminates that boundary. The suede that would typically be tucked away as lining becomes part of the exterior surface. The grain leather that forms the outer body curves inward to create the interior walls. You’re constantly seeing both sides at once, which changes how you relate to the object.
This isn’t just conceptual posturing. There’s a practical elegance to the construction. Because the bag is formed from a continuous piece of material rather than multiple panels stitched together, it has a structural integrity that feels substantial in your hands. The rounded bottom gives it stability when set down. The rolled edges create a soft, almost cushioned grip. And because both leather surfaces are visible, you’re touching different textures depending on how you hold it, smooth grain on one side, soft suede on the other.
Nendo, the studio founded by Oki Sato in 2002, has built its reputation on creating these kinds of quiet surprises, designs that reveal themselves through use rather than immediate visual impact. MAQL fits that approach perfectly. It’s minimalist without being stark, sculptural without being impractical.
The design also taps into something deeper in Japanese aesthetics, this long-standing appreciation for craftsmanship that doesn’t need to announce itself. Think of the way a kimono’s lining might be more elaborate than its exterior, seen only in glimpses, valued by those who know to look. MAQL takes that same philosophy but inverts it, bringing hidden construction to the surface where it becomes part of the design language.
The bag comes in a muted palette, mostly earth tones and soft neutrals that let the form and texture do the talking. There’s a larger version that works as a proper handbag and smaller iterations that function almost like pouches. Each size maintains the same folded construction, the same interplay between grain and suede, the same sense of a form that emerged organically from the material itself rather than being imposed upon it.
In a market saturated with bags that compete on logos and brand recognition, MAQL stands out by offering something different: visible craftsmanship, thoughtful construction, and a form that asks you to pay attention to how things are made. It’s not trying to signal anything beyond its own careful execution. For people who care about design, that’s more than enough.
There are collaborations that make you nod and think, “that makes sense.” And then there are collaborations that make you stop mid-scroll, squint at your screen, and laugh out loud before you inevitably want the thing. Lidl and Nik Bentel’s new Trolley Bag is firmly in the second category.
If you missed the chaos last year, here’s a quick recap: Nik Bentel is a New York-based designer who has built a career turning completely ordinary objects into pieces that live somewhere between fashion, sculpture, and a really good joke you can carry. His portfolio includes pasta boxes reimagined as bags, a lopsided coffee mug, and a steel musical ball. So when Lidl, the German budget supermarket chain, came calling for a second collaboration, it was never going to be boring. Their first project in 2024 was the Croissant Bag, a leather handbag shaped like a croissant tucked inside a replica of a Lidl bakery bag. It sold out in two minutes. Two minutes.
So the question everyone has been asking since is: what does the second act look like? The answer is the Trolley Bag, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Fabricated from industrial stainless steel, the bag is a miniaturized, wearable version of the Lidl shopping trolley. It keeps the cart’s recognizable grid structure, the tubular handlebar finished in Lidl’s signature yellow and blue, and even comes with a trolley coin keychain fob that actually works on real Lidl shopping carts in store. A detachable chain strap lets you wear it over the shoulder. It comes packaged with a dust bag and a gift box. It’s ridiculous. It’s brilliant. It’s possibly both at the same time.
What makes this collaboration land is the way Bentel thinks about the objects he chooses to reinterpret. He isn’t just slapping a designer name on something random for the sake of going viral. The shopping trolley caught his attention for a specific reason: the metal grid, the wheels, the child seat. It’s instantly recognizable anywhere in the world, purely utilitarian, never designed to be beautiful but accidentally achieving it anyway. When something is that optimized for function, it becomes timeless. That’s not the thinking of someone chasing a moment. That’s an actual design philosophy.
Lidl, for its part, seems to genuinely understand the assignment. Joanna Gomer, Lidl’s Marketing Director, described the Trolley Bag as “a reimagination of an everyday shopping essential designed for working not just the runway, but the aisles too.” There’s a knowing wink in everything about this collaboration, and yet it never tips over into being dismissive of its own concept. It takes the absurdity seriously, which is exactly what makes it work.
The bag made its debut around London Fashion Week, unveiled at a special Lidl Fresh Drop pop-up at 19 D’Arblay Street in Soho. The event ran on February 20 and 21, and to score the bag, attendees had to try their luck on a custom-built fruit machine. Because of course they did. A ballot opened on February 26 via Nik Bentel’s website for anyone who couldn’t make it in person, though entering doesn’t guarantee you one. And here’s the detail that makes the whole thing even more surreal: the bag is free. You read that right. One of the season’s most talked-about accessories comes at no cost, which may be the most Lidl thing about any of this.
It’s worth stepping back and appreciating what Lidl is pulling off here. Budget supermarkets getting in on fashion season used to be a novelty stunt. Now it feels like a legitimate creative strategy. Bentel’s work gives the brand a credibility that no amount of traditional advertising could buy, because the objects themselves start conversations. You see someone carrying a stainless steel shopping cart on their shoulder and you have to ask about it. That’s the real magic of the Trolley Bag. It doesn’t just sit at the intersection of design and everyday life. It points at that intersection and asks why we ever thought the two were separate in the first place.
Fashion has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re scrolling through your feed, minding your own business, and the next you’re staring at a handbag that makes you want dim sum at 10 in the morning. That’s exactly what happened when Brooklyn-based label Esenes Worldwide dropped their latest piece: a dumpling bag made from real translucent leather.
Yes, you read that right. A dumpling. A bag. One object. And somehow, it completely works. While there are a lot of dumpling-like bags already in the market (think Uniqlo, Beyond the Vines, etc), they just imitated the shape of one of our favorite snacks. This one actually took almost literally. But of course you cannot really it. You just get some dumpling cravings while carrying it.
Esenes Worldwide, pronounced “SNS,” short for “sorry not sorry,” was founded in 2021 by Justin Son. The brand has spent the past few years building a reputation on turning everyday objects, pop culture references, and an unapologetic sense of humor into wearable, conversation-starting designs. They’ve had viral hits before, including the Cufant clogs and the “Loose Screw” hats, but this dumpling bag feels like a new level of commitment to the bit. A very good, very delicious-looking bit.
The bag is crafted from genuine translucent leather in a pale, almost golden yellow that does a convincing job of mimicking the cooked skin of a steamed dumpling. The leather is soft and smooth to the touch, and because it’s translucent, you can see straight through to the canvas lining inside. That lining is printed with images of chopped vegetables and filling, creating a visual illusion that’s almost unsettling in the best possible way. It genuinely looks like someone cooked a dumpling, hollowed it out, and decided to put a zipper on it.
What makes it more interesting is how the construction leans into the organic nature of the food it references. Each bag has its own soft, rounded form with creases and folds that closely mirror the pleating on a real dumpling. No two pieces are exactly alike, which gives every bag a sculptural, one-of-a-kind quality that lifts it beyond novelty territory and into something you’d actually want to collect. The short, string-like handles add to the overall aesthetic, though they’re better suited for carrying in your hand or looping around your wrist rather than throwing over your shoulder.
And before you write this off as a cute conversation piece with no practical value, consider this: the canvas lining means you can actually stash your everyday things inside. Keys, cards, a lip balm, the occasional receipt you swear you’ll throw away. And of course, actual snacks. The irony of carrying your snacks inside a bag that looks like a snack is not lost on anyone, but it’s a fully functional bag, and that matters.
The drop is also very much a collector’s situation. Only 150 units were ever made, and each one retails at $150. Given the brand’s track record and the amount of attention this bag has already generated online since its release on February 20, 2026, that limited run feels more like a countdown than a leisurely shopping window.
It’s worth zooming out here, because the food-inspired handbag moment is real and it’s picking up speed. Nik Bentel’s Lidl bag shaped like a miniature shopping cart made waves not long ago, and more brands are starting to lean into the idea that accessories don’t have to take themselves seriously to be desirable. If anything, the opposite is becoming true. The more unexpected and culturally loaded an object is, the more people want to carry it around town.
Esenes Worldwide understands this better than most. They aren’t chasing trends so much as setting the terms for what a “fun” brand can look like without sacrificing craft. The dumpling bag is made from real leather, constructed with genuine attention to form, and backed by a concept that actually holds up under scrutiny. It’s playful without being cheap. It’s strange without being alienating.
Fashion at its best has always had a sense of humor, and this bag is proof that the funniest ideas can also be the most technically thoughtful ones. Whether you’re carrying it to a gallery opening or a late-night noodle spot, it’s going to start a conversation. And that, really, is the whole point.
There’s something fascinating about watching a tech company obsess over the mundane. While most electronics brands treat bags as afterthoughts (slap a logo on generic nylon, call it a day), Teenage Engineering went ahead and designed a shoulder bag that’s as thoughtful as their cult-favorite synthesizers. The Field OB-4 shoulder bag isn’t trying to be your everything bag, and that specificity is precisely what makes it interesting.
Built primarily to carry the OB-4 Magic Radio, this $129 shoulder bag features a mesh front panel that lets you play music while your device stays tucked inside. Think about that for a second. Most bags are designed to protect and conceal. This one wants you to use what’s inside without ever taking it out. It’s the kind of detail that separates product design from problem-solving.
The construction tells you everything about Teenage Engineering’s priorities. The shell uses tear and abrasion-resistant nylon 66 with a fire retardant treatment and PU backing for water repellency (1500 mm rating on the black version, 3000 mm on the white). These aren’t vanity specs. They’re the materials you’d find on technical outdoor gear, applied to something that’ll probably spend more time on subway cars than mountain trails. It’s overbuilt in the best possible way.
The bag features a roll-down covered opening that gives you variable capacity depending on what you’re carrying. There’s an internal pocket for your everyday small items (keys, wallet, that tangle of earbuds you swear you’ll organize someday). The back pocket uses hook-and-loop closure and is specifically sized for cables and the Ortho remote. Again, that specificity. Teenage Engineering could have made generic pockets, but they measured their own accessories and built compartments around them. You can wear it crossbody style or grab the side handle for hand-carry mode. The adjustability matters because context shifts throughout your day. Crossbody when you’re navigating crowds, hand-carry when you’re sitting at a cafe. The bag adapts rather than forcing you to commit to one carrying style.
What’s compelling here is how Teenage Engineering approaches accessories. This isn’t merchandising. It’s extension of philosophy. The same company that makes the OP-1 synthesizer (a device that prioritizes tactile joy and visual clarity) isn’t going to phone in a bag design. They’re known for products that look like nothing else on the market, that Dieter Rams-meets-Nintendo aesthetic that either clicks with you immediately or leaves you cold. The Field OB-4 shoulder bag comes in black or white, maintaining that minimal color palette Teenage Engineering loves. Custom-made aluminum hardware and YKK EXCELLA zippers keep everything smooth and reliable. These are components you’d find on high-end luggage, the kind of details most people won’t notice until they’ve used cheaper alternatives.
Is this bag essential? Absolutely not. You could carry an OB-4 in any number of generic shoulder bags. But you’d lose the mesh front functionality. You’d lose the precise pocket sizing. You’d lose that feeling of using a complete system where everything has been considered. Teenage Engineering has always existed in this interesting space where consumer electronics meet design objects. Their products cost more than alternatives because they’re selling coherence, not just capability. The Field OB-4 shoulder bag extends that logic into accessories. It’s designed for people who already bought into the ecosystem, who appreciate when someone sweats the details nobody asked them to perfect.
At $129, it’s positioned as a premium accessory, not an impulse add-on. That pricing filters for the audience who gets it, who understands why you’d spend serious money on a bag for a portable speaker. It’s the same crowd that bought the OB-4 in the first place, people who could’ve gotten a Bluetooth speaker for fifty bucks but wanted something with personality instead. Whether you need this bag depends entirely on whether you value design specificity over universal functionality. For the right person, this is exactly what they’ve been looking for. For everyone else, it’s an interesting case study in how far product design can go when companies refuse to take shortcuts.
You know that feeling when you’re torn between bringing your sleek crossbody for a coffee run and a clunky backpack for a day hike? RC Outdoor Supply just solved that dilemma with their Trail Sacoche Bag, and honestly, it’s about time someone did.
For those not in the sacoche know, these compact bags have been having a major moment in streetwear circles. Originally a French term for a simple shoulder bag, the sacoche has become the go-to for minimalists who refuse to lug around more bag than they need. But here’s the thing: most sacoches are designed for urban jungles, not actual ones. RC Outdoor Supply flipped the script by taking this city slicker silhouette and giving it proper trail credentials.
The Trail Sacoche hits that sweet spot of being compact without feeling restrictive. Made from durable nylon ripstop (the same stuff that keeps parachutes intact, no big deal), this bag laughs in the face of branches, rocks, and whatever else nature throws at it. The dimensions are clever too. At 11.5 by 8 inches when fully opened and 6.5 by 8 inches when folded, it’s like getting two bags in one depending on how much stuff you’re hauling around.
What really sets this apart from your average crossbody is the thoughtful pocket situation. There are two exterior cargo pockets on the front for quick-grab items (phone, trail snacks, that chapstick you’re always losing), plus a mesh pocket on the back that’s perfect for things you want visible but secure. The top closure uses bungee cording, which might sound casual but is actually genius for uneven terrain where you need flexibility and security at the same time. Inside, there’s a key ring because nobody wants to dig through their entire bag to find their car keys after a long hike. It’s these tiny details that show RC Outdoor Supply actually tested this thing in the wild rather than just sketching pretty pictures in a studio.
The brand, founded in California, has a specific philosophy: create clothing and gear that transitions seamlessly from the trail to the city. With the Trail Sacoche, they’ve nailed that brief. The bag comes in three colorways that work equally well on a mountain trail or a city street: Lichen (a muted green-gray), Saffron (a warm golden yellow that adds a pop without screaming for attention), and classic Black. Priced at $62, it sits in that reasonable middle ground where you’re not wincing at checkout but you’re also getting quality materials and construction. In a market flooded with either cheap fast-fashion bags or designer pieces that cost more than a weekend trip, this feels refreshingly honest.
What’s interesting is how this bag represents a larger shift in outdoor gear design. For years, the outdoor industry was stuck in a rut of aggressively technical-looking gear that screamed “I own expensive hiking equipment!” Now brands like RC Outdoor Supply are proving you can make functional gear that doesn’t look like it belongs exclusively on a summit attempt. The sacoche format itself is proof of this evolution, borrowing from fashion while adding legitimate outdoor functionality.
The versatility is the real selling point. Morning farmers market? Trail Sacoche. Afternoon hike? Same bag. Evening concert? Still works. This is exactly the kind of multifunctional design that makes sense for how people actually live, especially if you’re someone who refuses to be boxed into either “outdoorsy person” or “city person” categories. If there’s a critique, it’s that at this size, you’re definitely packing light. This isn’t replacing your daypack for serious hikes. But for short trails, urban exploring, travel, or just running around town with more style than a tote bag offers, it hits perfectly.
RC Outdoor Supply might not have the name recognition of legacy outdoor brands yet, but pieces like the Trail Sacoche Bag show they understand something crucial: the best gear works everywhere, looks good doing it, and doesn’t require a manual to figure out. Sometimes innovation isn’t about adding more features. It’s about doing something simple, exceptionally well.
There is a certain fascination that people have with the Japanese art of the samurai, whether it’s through movies, books, anime, and even just the accessories in general. Combining it with other Japanese cultural things will appeal to a certain market, even if those things may just be decorative and not totally functional.
Designer: Noriki Okada
Randoseru are leather backpacks used by Japanese school children that are made to last for years. But this particular version of the backpack is probably not something you’d let your kid use or even you yourself would use. It is hand-crafted and intricately designed, inspired by the samurai tradition. The yellow, black, and red backpack would have looked right at home in the 11th century, if there were expensive, leather bags back then.
Leather craftsman Noriki Okada created this bag from scrap pieces from other bags and have some accents like small leather plates and brass rivets. There are even faces of oni demons on the sides to add to the samurai theme. The manufacturer, Murase Kabanko, says that they are recommending that you just use this for “decorative purposes” although you can of course use it if you don’t mind carrying something that looks heavy and ornate.
Each bag that they are selling is handmade so you would have to wait around 6 months for it to get to you. And of course it’s expensive given all that. If you have around $3,300 and are a collector of samurai inspired things, go for it.
One of the things I make sure when I go out of the house is that I have a book with me, in case of “reading emergencies”. Most of the time though I just stick it inside my bag since my bag is usually big enough to hold multitudes. But for those who don’t usually carry bags big enough to hold a book or two, an alternative to just carrying around that book should be available.
Designers: MAEKAN x DSPTCH
The MAEKAN x DSPTCH Book Strap is that option for those who still want to carry around books or those who want their reading material to be on display. It is big, or rather, long enough to hold things like books, magazines, and even tablets and laptops. It is one way to “show off” that you still read printed media or at least carry them around in case you need to read one.
The book strap is made from a herringbone seatbelt webbing that is around 1″ long and mil-spec webbing. The elastic horizontal strap can be stretched to accommodate whatever it is that you’ll be carrying while the two vertical straps are adjustable. You can place the items in it and then adjust to secure. It is able to carry items between 8 and 16 inches. It is an exposed strap design so you have to make sure that you secure the items by adjusting according to what you’ll place “inside”. But you can also use it for a book bag that doesn’t have straps, in case you don’t want it to be that exposed.
As someone who has a lot of small things inside my bag along with books and my gadgets, the original design for this will definitely not work for me. I might also be paranoid that something will fall out although it seems like it’s designed for that not to happen. But it will definitely appeal to a certain segment of the reading market.
I recently watched the first Harry Potter film (following news of Maggie Smith’s demise), and vividly remembered the scene where Harry bought his wand at Ollivanders. Rather than choosing the right wand, Harry was given a wand that ‘chose’ him. It fit his personality, was tailor-made to his greatness, and that moment when the wand and Harry shared a brief exchange of energy – it’s exactly the feeling you get when you discover the right bag. Zero hyperbole, but I’ve got 4 laptop bags in my house right now, ranging across a variety of styles and price points (one of them’s literally from AliExpress)… and neither of them fits my needs perfectly – my current daily driver is a bag that I’d say is 80% perfect.
Finding a bag that ticks all the right boxes is sort of like searching for that ideal wand. It needs to suit your style, be durable, and have enough versatility to keep up with the chaos of life. It’s a relentless pursuit until you stop and discover just the right bag that matches your needs. The folks behind the Mercurius Modular Bag were out to build exactly that bag – a piece of EDC that’s equal parts corporate-classy yet outdoor-durable, with enough modular elements to fit every aspect of your life in. Designed to be carried in 3 different ways, the Mercurius Modular Bag adapts to your style, whether you want a sling, a backpack, or a briefcase, making it your perfect go-to for work, a trip to the cafe for a quick meeting, an outdoor photoshoot, or even a quick getaway for a couple of days to relax.
What makes the Mercurius Modular Bag stand out at first glance is its ability to switch forms depending on how you want to carry it. This is no one-trick pony—it can be worn as a backpack, slung over the shoulder, or carried like a briefcase. That’s three distinct styles in one, letting you transition from morning commutes to weekend adventures without swapping bags.
When you want to carry it as a backpack, the adjustable shoulder straps come into play. These straps are discreetly tucked away when you’re not using them, keeping the bag’s form neat and streamlined. Once you extend them, the bag sits comfortably on your back, distributing weight evenly to avoid strain. It’s ideal for longer commutes, biking through the city, or when you simply want to be hands-free.
In sling mode, the Mercurius Modular Bag turns into an over-the-shoulder carrier with a single, wide strap that can be adjusted to your height. This mode is perfect for quick access and short walks when you need something more casual than a backpack but not as formal as a briefcase. You can switch to sling mode easily by retracting one of the backpack straps and adjusting the other to act as the crossbody support.
For the briefcase style, simply retract all the straps and use the sturdy, built-in handles located at the top of the bag. This mode is where the bag really takes on a polished, professional look, perfect for meetings or more formal settings. Even though it’s technically the same bag, this transformation gives off a completely different vibe—like you’re carrying a high-end briefcase designed for business, not an everyday commuter’s backpack. The smooth transition between these modes makes it feel like you’re carrying three different bags in one, without the hassle of switching between them.
The Modular Magic Inside
The modular outer design extends to the insides too, with an insightfully compartmentalized layout. The designers have turned the interior into an organized dream, tailored for modern professionals and tech enthusiasts. You’ll find dedicated compartments for just about everything, from chargers to mice, phones, umbrellas, bottles, and even your AirPods. As far as laptops go (you know, the actual goods), this bag fits almost any model you can think of, from ultra-slim MacBook Airs to the large-and-in-charge LG Gram 17-inch. All iPad models slot in just as neatly (as do other tablets), so no matter your tech of choice, this bag has a place for it.
The Mercurius Modular Bag comes in classic black as well.
You can either slide your laptop right into the Mercurius Modular Bag’s dedicated laptop slot, or use an accompanying detachable laptop sleeve made from the same material as the bag itself, but with a built-in RFID-blocking liner for added digital protection. However, the sleeve isn’t just for protecting your laptop or giving it an extra carrying case—it also transforms into a desk pad or mouse pad. It’s a nifty addition for digital nomads or anyone setting up an impromptu workspace at a café or airport lounge. It’s thoughtful features like these that give the Mercurius Modular Bag its edge. The focus is clearly on adaptability—how the bag functions in real life when you’re constantly on the move.
Need more space? No problem. The bag’s expandable design gives you up to 40% more storage capacity, practically doubling your storage capacity. This extra space doesn’t come at the cost of the bag’s sleek profile, though. Even fully expanded, it maintains its minimal design, refusing to bulk up into an eyesore like other expandable bags tend to. Inside, it’s designed to work with modular packs, pouches, and travel cubes—making organization feel less like an afterthought and more like a core feature.
Tailored Extras for the Modern User
It’s the little things that push the Mercurius Modular Bag into the realm of “I need this.” While the bag itself has a built-in organization system, what gives it further meaning are the various pouches and travel cubes that fit perfectly into the remaining empty space, allowing you to carry your gear like never before. Aside from the detachable laptop sleeve, the Mercurius Modular Bag comes with an EDC pouch that has a magnet-based system that lets it snap onto the bag sort of like how a MagSafe accessory snaps onto your iPhone, aligning and positioning itself perfectly. The EDC Bag is ideal for any everyday carry, although Mercurius Modular Bag also comes with a Tech Pouch for tech accessories and a Bath Pouch for toiletries. All three modules fit perfectly into the backpack’s empty space, allowing you to compartmentalize your belongings in a meaningful way (after all you wouldn’t want your toothpaste and shampoo near your tech gear, right?) Furthermore, the Mercurius Modular Bag also provides a square-shaped Packing Cube for clothes that can be used with the bag, along with the Bath Pouch. In a way, you get to build your bags based on whether you’re heading out for a meeting, for something specific like an outdoor photoshoot, or a 2-day getaway.
Other clever details include things like a luggage pass-through feature, which is a godsend for frequent travelers. Simply slip it over your suitcase handle, and maneuvering through airports becomes a breeze. If you want to travel light, you can ditch the Mercurius entirely and just carry the laptop sleeve around with you, thanks to an add-on strap that turns it into a side-sling. The EDC Pouch can be independently carried like a man-purse too, thanks to that same clip-on shoulder strap.
Made from Cactus Leather, Built to Withstand Anything
The Mercurius Modular Bag doesn’t stop at smart functionality; it’s also eco-conscious. Instead of opting for typical leather or synthetic fabrics, Mercurius chose a cactus-based faux leather—an unexpected, yet refreshing choice. This material is as tough as it is sustainable. It’s water-resistant, durable, and designed to hold up to everyday wear and tear, whether you’re navigating city streets or dealing with a bit of rain. The combination of their unique design and cactus leather also gives the bag a luxe feel, so you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing style for sustainability. In fact, brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche all use the same cactus-based leather alternative, embracing both durability along with material innovation. Meanwhile, the company does plan to offer a Smooth Calf Leather version of the bag to backers and users in the future. Alongside the durable outer material, heavy-duty zippers reinforce the design, ensuring the bag holds up under pressure, and a non-toxic suede inner further ensures your devices stay protected from elements as well as rough use. Furthermore, the cubes and modules are made from 100% recycled plastic fabric (the same fabric used by Prada in their high-end bags) echoing the sustainable approach.
The Mercurius Modular Bag is one of many I’ve seen over the years, but the one thing it does more than any of those bags is give me that ‘Harry Potter’s Wand’ feeling – it’s sustainable, durable, expandable, modular, stylish, and is designed to carry literally every object you’d want to carry. It comes in two rather evergreen colors – a tanned brown and a black; and can be carried in a variety of ways – as a sling, a backpack, a briefcase, or even strapped to your luggage. If that isn’t your definition of a perfectly designed bag, I don’t know what is…
As someone who always carries a lot of stuff wherever I go, I am not that much a fan of small bags. But if ever there will come a day when I’ll be comfortable just bringing a phone, small wallet, and a lipstick with me, the Coperni Swipe bag is on my shortlist of bags I’d like to have. Their latest version was unveiled at the Spring/Summer 2025 show held at Disneyland Paris, and it is a watery creation.
Designer: Coperni
The Ariel Swipe bag is inspired by The Little Mermaid and the “stunt” here is that it was created underwater. Through gravity-free 3D printing by Rapid Liquid Print, the bag is created from platinum-cured, recyclable silicone and is printed inside a water-based gel. The process differs from other traditional 3D printing methods as they “draw” the objects that are suspended in the gel so these soft, stretchable designs are not weighed down by gravity.
A video shows the printing process with a thin and sharp needle pushing through the gel and starting to create the shape of the bag that is of course, colored blue. When it reaches the top, the two loose ends are joined together to create the handle. A hand then reaches out to pull the bag from the gel and thus, the Ariel Swipe bag is born an supposedly ready to use. They say there’s no extensive post-processing needed so it saves materials and time.
There is no news yet when the bag will be available in its brand store and retail stores. But it’s sure to be another Coperni x Disney best-seller, just like the Mickey Mouse swipe bag that they previously released. It will probbly be around that price as well which is of course pretty expensive.
Macro Method Tote. While the main selling point of this bag is that it can carry your tumbler, it’s built to carry much more than just a water container. Think of it as a home for pretty much everything else you need to get through your day. The way it’s designed means it can match any lifestyle, whether you’re heading to the office, the gym, or just running your errands.
