# Sarcastic Souvenir Bags These Unofficial London 2012 Olympics Totes Support Employment For Women By Romina S. Cortellucci | Published 2012-07-19 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/london-2012-olympics-totes References: [underconsideration](http://www.underconsideration.com/quipsologies/archives/july_2012/arminvit_71.php) & [thatbigeventinlondon](http://thatbigeventinlondon.co.uk/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ryuichi-sakamoto-potr) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canvas-tote-bag) were created in conjunction with UK-based [accessories designer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waitrose-x-lulu-guinness-tote) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **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. - **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. - **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. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **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. - **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. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Couch Sports Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-the-couch-bags.md) - [Playful Statement Grocery Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trollex.md) - [Racism-Combatting Handbag Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antiracist-handbag.md) - [Soccer-Themed Grocer Tote Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trader-joes-tote-bags.md) - [Sustainably Handcrafted Bag Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tote-of-hope.md) - [Woven Statement Totes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holst-lee1.md) - [Bespoke Bakery-Inspired Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/croissant-bag.md) - [Collector Tote Tributes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ryuichi-sakamoto-potr.md) - [Grocery Bag Runway Accessory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/march-packable-tote-bag.md)