These Handcrafted Totes Are Summer’s Greatest Companion

Since its 2016 debut, travel brand Paravel quickly became a favorite for their stylish, sustainable, and well-organized luggage sets at reasonable prices. From foldable duffle bags to TSA-compliant rollaway carry-ons, Paravel has a knack for removing much of the guesswork from packing. But since summer excursions look quite different in 2020 than in years past, the humble tote bag is more of a necessity than a roomy duffel. So fittingly, the brand is launching a limited-edition collection of covetable totes.

Each bag from the limited collection is made of repurposed jute coffee bags from coffee traders in Brazil, Nicaragua, India and Tanzania that would otherwise be discarded (the style is appropriately named the café tote) Artisans from one of Italy’s most storied family-run factories wash, cut, and combine the bags together into distinctive styles, with a handle made from leather and cork. No two totes are alike, and each piece has its own eye-catching pattern.

Paravel’s goal is to be the first 100% sustainable travel brand by 2021 and many styles, including the brand’s cult-favorite foldable nylon bags, are already made from post-consumer recycled water bottles. These jute bags feel undone — a trait that’s appealing at this moment as it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Since these café bags are handmade from limited material, quantities are in short supply. A select assortment of bags will be dropped twice weekly starting today until they’ve sold out. With Paravel’s cult following, and a history of drops that fly off the shelves, these unique bags are sure to sell out quickly.