Bloomingdale’s Big Brown Bag Celebrates An Iconic 50-Year Journey

For half a century, Bloomingdale’s Big Brown Bag has stood as an enduring symbol of style and sophistication. This iconic tote was designed by Massimo Vignelli in 1973 and has transcended its practical origins to become a beloved fashion statement.
                                         
Originally conceived as a solution for transporting oversized items like blankets and pillows, the Big Brown Bag has since evolved. It diversified into Medium and Little Brown Bags, catering to a broader array of merchandise.

To honor its 50th birthday, Bloomingdale’s has unveiled plans for the Big Brown Bazaar, a pop-up shop brimming with exclusive releases and collaborations. The limited-edition offerings, drawing inspiration from the iconic bag, include creations by Helmet Lang and Stoney Clover Lane.

Within the walls of the pop-up shop, a curated selection of merchandise awaits, featuring gems such as a Polo Ralph Lauren sweatshirt and even a pickleball paddle with the words ‘Big Brown Paddle’ on it.

The Big Brown Bag isn’t merely an accessory; it’s a piece of fashion deeply woven into pop culture’s fabric. In fact, one would be hard-pressed to find just another paper bag that has made as much of an impact as Bloomingdale’s iconic brown bags have.

For those captivated by this emblematic tote, the anniversary edition, complete with rope handles, will remain available until October. At the same time, a tote bag version is now available online.

[via The Dieline and The Cut, images via various sources]