# Excess Wool Transformed into Fashion The Josh Jakus UM Tote By jelalyn | Published 2007-11-10 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/factory-excess-functionality-josh-jakus-um-tote References: [reformschoolrules](http://www.reformschoolrules.com/pc/jjkustote/mylocker/Josh+Jakus+Um+Tote) The UM Tote is [excess industrial wool felt](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freitag-x-tudes-studio) developed into a functional fashion item. The pressed wool felt is transformed into a [voluminous tote](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eva-tote-system) using the simplest of operations. When unzipped UM Tote lay completely flat for dry cleaning and when zipped, it becomes this incredibly simple yet stylish [eco-bag](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/versatile-bags-for-essentials). The gray UM Tote is cut and sewn in San Francisco Bay area. Priced at $115, this bag is so good it is currently out of stock. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Upcycled Fashion:** The transformation of excess wool into fashionable products opens up opportunities for upcycled fashion brands to reduce waste and create sustainable products. - **Minimalist Design:** The simple yet stylish design of the UM Tote showcases the potential for minimalist fashion trends that offer functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions. - **Circular Economy:** The use of excess industrial wool felt in the UM Tote demonstrates the potential for circular economy models where waste materials are repurposed and given new life. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion Retail:** Fashion retailers can explore the upcycled fashion trend by incorporating products like the UM Tote to appeal to eco-conscious consumers and differentiate their brand. - **Sustainable Manufacturing:** Sustainable manufacturing companies can leverage the minimalist design trend to develop eco-friendly fashion products with reduced material waste and environmental impact. - **Textile Recycling:** The transformation of excess wool into the UM Tote highlights the potential for textile recycling initiatives to repurpose waste materials and create innovative fashion products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Woven Statement Totes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holst-lee1.md) - [Sustainably Functional Totes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-apex-everyday-tote.md) - [Convertible Utility Totes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/subu-x-hpotr.md) - [Grocery Bag Runway Accessory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/march-packable-tote-bag.md) - [Urban Geometric Totes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bao-bao-issey-miyake-1.md) - [Vibrant City-Themed Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-city-tote.md) - [Convenience-Focused Upcycled Tote Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-the-ocean1.md) - [Everyday Sustainable Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/versatile-bags-for-essentials.md) - [Fashion-Forward Grocery Totes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waitrose-x-lulu-guinness-tote.md)