While having the dream designer bag is one thing, alongside it is the piece that can often dust away and turn into tatters when neglected—the paper bag.
The 29-year-old Filipino artist Miko Aya Currimao seeks to remedy this by repurposing paper bags into handmade bags, which resemble designer pieces themselves. Echoing the silhouettes of signature pieces like the Dior Saddle, Hermès Kelly and Birkin, and the Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis, Miko’s creations for his brand Simple and Grand are a more accessible spin on signature items while remaining sustainable.
LOOK: Filipino Artist Miko Aya Currimao Repurposes Designer Paper Bags Into Handmade Bags
According to Miko, his venture into repurposing bags started during the pandemic when he had no available jobs. “I had a nice paper bag, and I felt regretful about using it only for a few times before it would get damaged. I thought of what I could do to extend its lifespan and use it as a fashionable bag,” he tells Preview.
The artist, who hails from Morong, Rizal, previously enrolled in a dress-making course at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) but found himself leaning towards bag-making instead. To create one of his customized pieces, he first draws a rough sketch, then begins to canvas materials online, including leather, vinyl, and the bag’s hardware.
Once that’s done, he creates a template for the structural design and manually cuts the material where the leather would be stitched. Out of all that he’s so far recreated, Miko dubs the Mini Kelly-inspired piece as one of his favorites. “I feel that it gives off strong Heart Evangelista and Anna Magkawas vibes,” he says.
Simple and Grand’s pieces, however, aren’t readily for sale, as they’re all commissioned and personalized. Clients would send them their paper bags and indicate what design they hoped for. “The cost, on the other hand, depends on the design and size they prefer.”
Want one of your own? Head over to Simple and Grand’s official Facebook page and drop them a line!
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