Talkative Tote Bags From Jessica Kagan Cushman

The daughter of renowned furniture designer Vladimir Kagan, Jessica Kagan Cushman, was initially introduced into the fashion jewelry realm with her popular engraved fossilized mammoth ivory and resin word bangles. Now she's expanded her line of whimsical and wearable creations to include clever tote bags that have just as much to say.

Her cotton canvas totes (Statement Totes) and coated canvas totes with patent trim (JKC Logo bags) play off of popular cultural phrases, text phrases, and take not so subtle knocks at expensive designer handbags in their phrases and /or design. Ironically, though, these aren't cheap.

The cotton canvas tote bags come in two sizes, the smaller is $45.00, the larger $70.00:

My other bag is Prada:

My other bag is Fendi:

My other bag is Hermes:

My other bag is Louis Vuitton:

Does this bag make me look fat?:

This bag makes me look rich and skinny:


The coated canvas bags with patent trim (JKC logo totes) are much pricier starting at $130.00 and up to $325.00:

WTF (what the fuck):

OMG (Oh My God):

LOL (laugh out loud):

Morsus Mihi (Bite me):

Chocolate or death:

Keep calm and carry on:


Never, never, never give up.:


She also has a series of clutch purses in real snakeskin (hot pink, red, black, gold, silver or python) that feature reproduction scrimshaw drawings that strongly resemble Fornasetti images or with plaques whose options include: Wasp, "Bitch", "Bite Me" and "If you can read this you're too close"


There's plenty more to see at her site.


>shop for her totes as well as her bangles and clutches here.

Showpony: Original, Organic and Very Clever Products

Emma Henderson launched Showpony in 2006 with the aim of producing fun and engaging printed products for the home and accessories market.

Self described as being "passionate about creating new products but remaining committed to sustainable design, all of Showpony's products are made using organic cotton which is hand spun and woven by a fair-trade cooperative."

Emma's designs are clever and unique. Inspired by honesty in nature and poking fun at real life she creates products that are functional and beautiful.

Kippen, her beautiful dog, takes a more passive role.


Now, the products:
Vintage Shoppers



These totes are simple bags made of fair trade organic cotton, but printed upon them are images of Victorian and antique handbags and purses that give the product both a fun illusion and unique style:






"Hiding Place" pillows and purses contain a secret of their own.





What appear to be seemingly sweet floral pillow and purses, these "Hiding Place" products by Showpony have a fun little twist. The fabric between the pleats reveals a darker side:


Above: between the pleats lurk spiders and ants

Hot Dogs:



The Adorable Hot Dog Water Bottles feature a bulldog named Daisy and an airedale named Jack. Filled with heat and lavendar, these puppies are microwavable and will hold their cozy heat for up to two hours.




Kitchen Commandments




Another product that makes you look twice are her fair trade organic cotton kitchen towels.
Upon close inspection, one can see that the text on 'Keep it Clean' and 'Do The Dishes' are made up of crawling ants and dirty dishes, respectively.




So, where can you buy these cute, clever and politically correct products?


In the US, you can purchase them at her Etsy store here.
In the UK, you can by them from All Things Original here.