IMAGE: CHEZ DÉDÉ

It’s not every day you come across a bag with the word ‘Singapore’ across it that doesn’t look like it came from a tourist souvenir shop in Chinatown, much less one that’s something I would actually carry around. And this tote isn’t even from our sunny shores; it is from a store called Chez Dédé that actually hails from Rome, Italy. As far as I know, they sell travel-related paraphernalia that includes everything from tees and toiletry kits to scarves and these bags, which comes in 2 sizes.

Known simply as the Canvas Grand Sac, they have 23 other ‘location-themed totes’ in their inventory right now, besides Singapore (you can view and shop their entire range online here). There’s Monserrato in light denim blue, Havana in a gorgeous lithograph red, even Côte Fleurie in a striped pinstripe. But because I’m Singaporean, I’m naturally drawn to the one that’s covered in green foliage, because you know, Singapore’s a green city too.

Made in Italy and finished with tanned leather handles that are length-adjustable, it will set you back by EUR309 and EUR317 respectively for MM and GM sizes. International shipping to Singapore adds another EUR40 or so, which isn’t so bad for such a great carryall that you can actually go places with.

Image: Chez Dédé