Redefining the Nappy Bag: Australian Designers in Profile
Posted: December 17th, 2008Today’s post written by Nerida
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Three years ago I had to buy my first nappy bag – suffice to say, the choice was rather dismal. Sure the bags were practical but designs were rather ho hum and seem to shriek “I CONTAIN NAPPIES!”.
With the recent birth of my son I was delighted to see that bags had improved, and not just a little, but quite dramatically! Australian designers Storksak, il Tutto, Isoki, OiOi, GR8X, Jooki, Soon Melbourne and Vanchi have answered the call with a fine selection of bags catering for women wanting both style and utilitarianism.
Storksak’s bags are gorgeous with many made of hard wearing leather or canvas. They all contain thermal bottle warmers, changemats and lots of pockets for mobile phones, nappies and purses. And for those of us who like to keep on top of all things celebrity, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler and Julia Roberts are among the many celebrities that just can’t leave home without their Storksak nappy bags.
My favourite right now is the Elizabeth in cream (although also available in more practical shades of tan, grey or navy). Although gorgeous to look at, and incredibly practical for carrying around baby gear, it will also fit most laptops which makes it useful for when the kids are out of nappies.
Storksak is available through Just Ripe.
Isoki nappy bags have the added bonus of being reversible so they can change according to what you are wearing or to your mood. Don’t feel like leopard print today? Just convert to a more subtle shade of grey. In addition, each bag contains coordinating inner components including a change mat, cooler bag and double sided storage satchel.
And if you were wondering which bag Toni Collette carries around when out and about with her daughter Sage, it is more than likely an Isoki.
Isoki bags are available through Bubba Funk and Ekidna Kids.
il Tutto has a beautiful range of nappy bags, all practical and easy to clean. The Lucia bag is one that I would be happy to carry around any time of day. Available in black or red, a key feature (and rather a good idea!) is a zip out liner for easy cleaning. One of my all time favourite actors, Cate Blanchett has one which gives it the thumbs up from me. Buy il Tutto at Bubba Funk.
My husband is one that is often left holding the nappy bag (and often the baby as well!) For that reason, I just had to include a great bag that most men wouldn’t mind carrying about. Made by maternity brand Soon Melbourne, the canvas nappy bag is large enough to carry heaps of baby gear and best of all is fully washable. Check it out at Eco Child.
For quite some time a Bugaboo and a Grey Dot OiOi Hobo was the uniform for what seemed like every new mummy in inner Melbourne. The Grey Dot Hobo is still a gorgeous bag, and just one of many from these veteran nappy bag makers. OiOi produces bags in a range of materials including hard wearing leather and microfibre and all contain lots of pockets, change mat and bottle holder. OiOi bags are available from The Baby Shop.
Another brand that makes bags suitable for both mums and dads is GR8X. In addition to a wide range of innovative baby products, GR8X bags are incredibly practical and come in a wide range of shapes and prints. In addition to the change mat and bottle holder, GR8X bags also contain detachable stroller attachments and an external access wipes pocket. GR8X bags are available through The Baby Shop.
Jooki is an Australian brand that makes beautiful and baby friendly bags. Available in a range of fabrics including leather and hard wearing microfibre, Jooki bags are easy to clean and contain an insulated bottle warmer and change mat. I love the look of the Talissa bag, available from Paperartzi
Vanchi bags are available from 9 Months Waiting and La Toriana. With some cool shapes and colours, my favourite is the classic looking Hearts bag. Not only is it great to look at but it includes bottle thermos, wet pack and change mat. And best of all is one of the more affordable bags on the market.
Finally a cheeky baby bag for everyone who wants to thumb their nose at the whole designer bag scene, the “All the Baby sh!t” Bags from Aussie designers BagLadies. These bags are a mere $10, contain lots of pockets, feature an adjustable strap to fit over the pram and they’re eco-friendly.
1. Storksak Elizabeth $379 from Just Ripe
2. Isoki Vintage Floral Reversible Baby Bag $189.95 from Bubba Funk
3. il Tutto Mia Nappy Bag $449 from Bubba Funk
4. OiOi Black Hobo $134.95 from The Baby Shop
5. Soon Melbourne canvas nappy bag $149.95 from Eco Child
6. GR8X Camo Messenger $119.95 from The Baby Shop
7. Jooki Talissa $285 from Paperartzi
8. Vanchi Hearts $99.95 from La Toriana
9. “All the baby sh!t” $10 from BagLadies
Please check individual stores for shipping details.
