François Hurtaud Studio and !SSUE Present the Tote Series:A Tote Built to Be Used
Designed in Kuala Lumpur, the Tote Series combines reclaimed materials, waterproof construction and climbing-grade rope into a bag built for everyday use.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 2026 - François Hurtaud Studio has collaborated with !SSUE to create the Tote Series, a collection of everyday bags engineered for long-term durability through thoughtful construction, material selection and repairable design.
Developed in Kuala Lumpur, the project brings together industrial design, reclaimed materials and local manufacturing to rethink one of the most familiar everyday objects. Rather than treating sustainability as a marketing message, the Tote Series focuses on longevity. The bags are designed to be used daily for years, reducing waste simply by lasting longer.
The bags are made from reclaimed soft plastic and fabric offcuts collected and sorted locally. !SSUE, a label operating under notimetowaste design lab, works with discarded materials using manufacturing methods that remain deliberately low-tech, allowing products to be produced, repaired and adapted locally without relying on complex supply chains.
The construction draws inspiration from commercial fishing equipment, where products are expected to withstand constant use in demanding conditions. Load-bearing areas are reinforced, the stitching remains visible as part of the construction, and waterproofing comes from material selection and assembly rather than added coatings. The handles use climbing rope supplied by Camp5, selected for its strength, comfort and long service life.
“The goal was never to make an upcycled bag. We wanted to engineer a better tote. Every construction decision starts with how the bag carries weight, how it performs after years of use and how easily it can be repaired. The reclaimed materials become part of that solution.”
The Tote Series reflects !SSUE's philosophy of making fewer, better products that remain useful well beyond changing trends. Designed for everyday use, the bags are intended to develop character through wear while maintaining their function over time.
The Tote Series is available today for order tomorrow through Flying Solo’s online store. Each bag is hand-assembled in Kuala Lumpur.
About the Collaboration
!SSUE is a Kuala Lumpur design label that produces objects from discarded material, soft plastic, fabric, leather, and food waste. The label operates within notimetowaste design lab, using low-tech, locally repeatable manufacturing methods. Camp5 is Kuala Lumpur's climbing gym and equipment provider.
François Hurtaud Studio is an award-winning design consultancy working across industrial design, brand strategy, engineering and digital experience. The studio partners with startups and established organisations to develop products, identities and systems that combine functional performance with thoughtful design.
Media contact: hello[@]francoishurtaud.com.
High-res images and material samples available on request.
