At fashion week, it’s not uncommon for a designer to present a specific piece that makes every head in the audience turn. After seeing it march down the catwalk, we patiently wait for it to move its way into production (that is, if it makes it past the runway show) to be ready for retail. Such was the case for Tibi’s collaboration with L.L. Bean for its modern take on the iconic Boat & Tote. While I can’t speak for every attendee who saw the canvas tote bag’s debut at Tibi’s spring/summer 2024 fashion show, I can tell you this: When I heard that the bag was (finally) going to make it to the market a few months ago, I squealed—ELLE’s senior content strategist, who happened to be with me as a fellow Tibi fan, can confirm.
Anyway, it seems like I’m not the only one who’s obsessing—I’ve seen it among my industry peers as well as my ELLE colleagues, which should tell you to take note: The Tibi x L.L. Bean Reimagined Boat & Tote is about to be an It bag worth having.
While this bag has everything you know and love about the timeless classic, it boasts a little more with a unique flair of modernity that only founder and creative director Amy Smilovic could conjure. First and foremost, the bold (and functional) iteration of the brand’s Classic Men’s Leather Belt looped around the opening of the bag, which takes more of a paper bag-like silhouette than the iconic tote. Next, you’ll find a canvas handle at the bottom for those who, in Tibi fashion, want to carry the tote like an oversized clutch (hi, it’s me). And finally, because anyone needs a tote that’s as functional as it is chic, there’s an attached key leash. It’s a big, spacious bag; I know you know you don’t want to be digger for your keys at the end of a long day.
I’m a woman with many bags—and a good number of them are up there for the best work bags. And yes, I thought I retired my last oversized, canvas tote to my summer outdoor activities, but with the way this bag looks, there’s no doubt that it can be perfect for anything, including the office. Of course, I also envision it being my new tote to schlep my in-flight travel essentials, among other things. So, really, the potential you’d expect from a collab like this is truly endless.
Oh, also—this is a limited-edition bag from both brands and will only be available for a short time. So, if you’re eager to update your tote bag collection with something that feels undeniably unique, I’d snap this up as soon as you can before it sells out. So, head to Tibi to shop it now.
