ARCHIVE: The Tote Bag

ARCHIVE: The Tote Bag is an editorial research and publication design project tracing the evolution of the tote from a utilitarian carryall to a fashion object and cultural symbol. Through historical and visual research, I examined how changes in material, branding, luxury, sustainability, and consumer culture transformed the meaning of the tote while its basic form remained largely unchanged. The project follows its development from the L.L.Bean Ice Carrier through designer fashion, branded cultural totes, digital identity, and contemporary status objects, culminating in a visual archive of iconic designs. I developed the publication across research, writing, editing, art direction, layout, and image treatment.