In a world increasingly dominated by digital content, there’s a certain charm and tangibility to holding a printed magazine. Stores like the beloved Casa Magazines in New York demonstrate that print isn’t dead. Lara Violetta, a content creator based in Paris, echoes this sentiment. This past summer, she found herself frequently browsing magazine and bookstore shelves.
“I noticed with the shift of fashion magazines publishing less issues a year, they are getting bigger and more difficult to carry,” Violetta observes. This realization sparked an idea: what if she created a bag specifically designed for lugging around these beloved publications?
“I thought of a way to carry my books and magazines of any size, and wear them as an accessory,” she explains. Thus, the “Paper Bag” was born.
Violetta crafted a fringed calfskin bag—priced at 380 euros—featuring adjustable straps perfectly suited for carrying magazines and books. “It was really important for me to have an adjustable piece, something you can wear in many different ways,” Violetta emphasizes. The bag also includes a thoughtful touch: a lipgloss and key holder.
“At the moment, I also love to attach a pair of white vintage Balenciaga leather gloves and an old Dior Beauty charm to it,” Violetta adds, highlighting its versatility as an accessory.
The “Paper Bag” is as functional as it is eye-catching. Violetta aimed for a bag that mirrored the elegance of a printed magazine. “Print will never lose its sophistication,” she asserts.
So, what does Violetta carry in her fringed bag these days? “Lately I’ve been carrying the Issy Woods book Queen Baby, Viscose Journal, Revue Magazine, and a French lessons book,” she shares. (No Vogue? What’s the deal, Lara?).
When Violetta shared her DIY design on TikTok, she was met with an enthusiastic response from fans who resonated with her design. “It was quite overwhelming,” she admits. “I’m so happy people seem to like and understand it, as they have a similar issue with finding the perfect bag for a book. I always find comfort in realizing we are all the same.”
As she continues to sell the “Paper Bag,” Violetta plans to explore other fashion creations that address everyday problems. “First, I need a new problem to solve,” she says. Perhaps a coffee cup carrier or headphones case is next on her list?
Violetta’s “Paper Bag” is a testament to the enduring appeal of print and a reminder that even in a digital age, there’s still room for stylish and functional solutions to everyday needs.
