Eco-trendy shopper bags add style to mall run

A shopper bag by “second hotel,”.

Today, fashion is all about extremes, particularly bags. It’s either a big bag ― already too heavy by itself with the size, metal details and exotic leather ― or a small clutch ― too small to fit anything except credit cards, a mobile phone and maybe some lipstick.
Caught between the two, a new breed of bags has opened up for serious shoppers. They are light, stylish and environmentally friendly. They are “shopper bags.”
The Environmental Ministry has enforced a policy of making customers pay for plastic and paper bags at retail shops since 1999 in an effort to encourage recycling and discourage the reckless use of disposable goods. In the past, moms used to carry grocery bags to market, but they weren’t trying to make a fashion statement. In contrast, the new breed of shopper bags are.

Benetton’s eco-bag. Provided by the companies

“I often use a shopper bag because I don’t want to ruin my expensive bags by putting heavy stuff in them,” said Lee Yun-jeong, a 33-year-old designer. “I keep a folded shopper bag in my purse for emergencies.”
Lee said she does not want to waste 50 won (5 cents) on a plastic bag. “I never use them. They are ugly and I don’t want them in my house,” she said. “A shopper bag gives me a sense that I am doing something to protect the environment. Plus, you look chic when you carry one.”
If you don’t own a famous “I Am Not A Plastic Bag” by London designer Anya Hindmarch, don’t worry. Other stylish alternatives are available in Seoul.
As a part of its environmental campaign, Benetton Korea sells eco-bags. The design is nearly identical to that of the notoriously hard-to-get Hindmarch limited edition, except that the cotton canvas bag is marked with “Green is My Religion.” The eco-bag is priced at 15,000 won and sold at Benetton stores nationwide. All proceeds go to the Climate Change Center of the Korea Green Foundation.
The design product retailer “second hotel,” in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, sells shopper bags imported from France’s Delphias. They come in different sizes featuring graphics of fresh vegetables, such as carrots and spring onions, and are priced from 30,000 won to 48,000 won. The store also sells its own design, a stylish gold-colored shopper bag, at 10,000 and 20,000 won.

A shopper bag by “second hotel,”

MMMG, another design company in Seoul, also sells “recycle bags.” Made with recycled materials, the cotton bags feature illustrations to add a touch of cuteness. They are priced from 4,800 won to 7,500 won and you can pick one up at MMMG stores nationwide and via www.mmmg.net.

By Ser Myo-ja Staff Reporter [myoja@joongang.co.kr]

korea joongAng daily

Home > >

Eco-trendy shopper bags add style to mall run

Related Stories

You might also like