Deep in the depths of the internet, or more specifically Salvador, North East Brazil, a new bag has been unearthed; a bag destined to make you look twice. This bag shines, this bag sparkles and this bag is made almost entirely from bottle tops. You read correctly. So today I’ll be lifting the lid on this well kept secret. Click below if you’d like to be in on it too.

words by CHLOE

It is important to begin by telling you that these bags are not just bags. They are in fact the product, and see-for-yourself success, of the Bottletop charity. As the website states, ‘the project began four years ago when Luciano (who was running the local health care centre) and Bottletop Director Oliver Wayman, saw an opportunity to train local women to make products made from upcycled metal.’ In short, the Bottletop charity work with women in developing countries, teaching them how to craft high quality bags so that they can work to support both themselves and their families. You can read more about what the kind people at Bottletop do, and check out their Lookbook on their website but for now let’s focus on the product of all their hard work… the bags.

As with all collections, certain pieces offer themselves to a little favouritism. The first of my favourites deems itself a necessity in the statement department, with all due thanks lending themselves to its oversized glory when slung casually over the shoulder. The ‘Jesse bag‘ features a long, black leather strap and large slouch bag comprising only silver bottle tops, naturally. On top of all this, Bottletop still deem this bag lightweight despite its heavyweight performance. A clear winner when it comes to day wear.

Next up is the ‘Amazonas oversized clutch‘ which is described by Bottletop as ‘an evening bag that will undoubtedly steal the show’. I do not doubt its appeal though whilst being evening-appropriate I feel it also entirely wearable during the day, perhaps even more so. It is at this point I must admit, that upon seeing the ‘Amazonas’, my heart strings were pulled. The black and silver layering of this bag with its patchwork effect could really only be synonymous with one thing; Chanel quilting. A much beloved and sought after treasure, the Chanel quilted bag is something of a dream, yet here lies the perfect Bottletop alternative, and needless to say, it’s more affordable too.

And finally we have the ‘Comprido clutch’. Unlike my previous favourites, this bag steers clear of being oversized. Small in size but mighty in impact, it is by no means understated. This clutch defines evening wear for Bottletops Lookbook. True to the classic elegance of evening wear, it features a long design with a subtle curve making it both practical for holding beneath the arm whilst feminine under all accounts. Again, we see the use of purely silver bottle tops, but unlike the ‘Jesse bag’ the ‘Comprido’ is far softer in effect.