Description

The iconic name of this essential bag seems familiar to most.

During the 50’s, the tote became a staple of utility. The bag of choice outshone its predecessors for grocery shopping, household tasks and everyday transportation. Step into the 1960’s and the Tote begins to really stand out as a contender in the fashion world, a mere 20 years after its first introduction as a practical piece. The design potential was evident, using the popularity of the recognisable ice bag to subtly transform classic lines with more feminine shapes, adding customisable choice of trim colour and a catchy title ‘Boat and Tote’. Totes are often bigger than other handbag alternatives, as well as inherently stronger in design, so manufacturers and fashion brands alike could provide women with practicality and style in one convenient package.

Fast-forward to the latter end of the 20th Century and we find the contemporary meaning for the word Tote as more of an umbrella term for a bag that not only functions like one of the original ice bags, but also bears a visual resemblance to the classic.

Our own range of Tote bags – the original Tote, Small Tote, Tiny Tote or the Business Tote –  have been designed to adopt the practical benefits associated with any classic tote, but reinvented and upgraded in a style unique to a Mackenzie piece. The shapes are cut from our own blocks, designed especially to provide a sturdy everyday bag that’s large enough to be practical, but still crafted by hand from our finest leather hide.

The premium hide leather of our totes gain character from wear, slowly giving your bag a beautiful and distinctive worn charm.

Additional information