These unofficial London 2012 Olympics Totes provide a reality check. The limited edition bags were designed by the Hackney-based Tobatron, the alter-ego of illustrator Toby Leigh. Each of these souvenir bags make critical commentary on what Tobatron deems "that big event in London." The bags contain colorfully sarcastic sayings, from "they're all on steroids" to "it only took me 3 hours to get to work this morning."
These statement bags were created in conjunction with UK-based accessories designer Elaine Burke and a network of women's community groups called Khama. The funds generated through the purchase of these ethically made bags help to support women. Khama is a project benefiting women who collaborate with micro-finance charities through Malawi. Through their designs and accessories, they are able to find sustainable employment for women in one of Africa’s poorest regions.
Sarcastic Souvenir Bags
These Unofficial London 2012 Olympics Totes Support Employment For Women
Trend Themes
1. Sarcastic Statement Products - The success of the unofficial London 2012 Olympics Totes' bold and unapologetic design shows a market for statement products with sarcastic messaging.
2. Ethical Fashion - Collaboration between designers and community groups like Khama shows that there is a growing interest in buying ethical fashion products that help support women's employment.
3. Micro-finance Charities - Khama's partnership with micro-finance charities through Malawi to create sustainable employment opportunities for women could be replicated in other regions and industries.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Accessories - Designers like Elaine Burke and Tobatron show that fashion accessories, like totes and bags, can make a social statement while still being marketable.
2. Social Entrepreneurship - The success of Khama and their collaboration with designers showcases a growing trend in social entrepreneurship that focuses on creating sustainable employment opportunities for women in developing regions.
3. Charity and Philanthropy - Companies and individuals that focus on creating positive social impact, like Khama and micro-finance charities, are showing that charity and philanthropy can be a viable industry with innovative business models.