Richard Nicoll Re-Charging Tote Bag

Feb. 19, 2012 by poppy in LFW

This tote is TOTES amaze. (I've been waiting weeks to say that).

Ever fancied a designer handbag that can charge your mobile devices? Well wait til you see what Richard Nicoll has designed with Vodafone! I got the exclusive first view of this fabulous (and bloody clever) bag this morning. Read on for all the deets...

Richard Nicoll has been working closely with Vodafone since last season and this morning he revealed his re-charging tote bag. I was estatic to be invited along by Vodafone VIP this morning to see bethe first to see the bag for myself and try it out.

I am addicted to my iPhone and my incessant tweeting/emailing/working from it means that I'm constantly draining the battery - it's the bane of my life. So a bag like this is just what I need! And I suspect more than a few of you would say the same. (The reaction on Twitter certaily seems to indicate a huge interest in this bag!)

The bag I pawed over today is a working prototype and the final product will be revealed later in the Spring, but even this version blew my mind. The geek in me loved to see technology and fashion so slickly merged together. I often carry clunky/ugly re-chargable devices for my iPhone, but none take the form of a handbag! I'm pretty certain this is a world first. The fact you'd actually want to carry around this re-chargeable device is definitely a world first!

So what exactly IS this bag?!

Well, put simply, it is a re-charging bag that gives people the ability to power a wide range of mobile devices (Apple, Blackberry, Android and more) on the go. The bag itself will be charged from the mains power via induction charging using a tap charger that attaches magnetically to the outside of the bag. Once the bag battery is full it will charge handsets and tablets (hello, iPad battery!) using the universal retractable cable installed into the pocket. The re-charger will be able to charge a mobile device multiple times before the bag itself needs re-charging from the mains, so it's PERFECT for those on the go emergencies we all so often fall into. Charging mobile devices with the bag is no slower than usual charging methods and, importantly, you can still use your phone/tablet whilst it's charging. You can carry the bag and talk on the phone whilst it's still plugged in thanks to a retractable cord. Nice.

There is also an LED light on the bluetooth-enabled charm that flashes to indicate incoming calls, phone notifications, and battery life.

On the creation of the bag, Richard Nicoll said: “We wanted to create a collaborative product that fused fashion and technology. The recharging bag is especially relevant for my collection this season, because it’s about the notion of work and all its facets in modern times. Vodafone have helped bring this idea alive in a way that we never could have done ourselves.”

The exclusive re-charging tote bag has been developed in partnership with Vodafone’s innovation team and merges practicality with beautiful design. Danielle Crook, Vodafone UK’s Director of Brand Marketing said: “It’s been amazing to see what can be achieved when two British brands come together to create something truly inspirational in today's unveiling of the first ever recharging tote bag. Our partnership with Richard Nicoll has resulted in a first for the fashion industry and a unique initiative for women everywhere who want to keep connected.”

The tote bag has been developed with British leather goods company, Tusting, which has a heritage stretching back over 130 years. Tusting are fab, they made my sofas!

The bag really is a beauty...and shows just how much fashion and technology are merging together. I hope you likey! xxx