Travel Series: Well-travelled bags

Aug 16, 2024

Build to last

and designed to get you where you need to go, Ally Capellino bags are a long-term thing. Here are some AC bags that have been around a bit and seen a thing or two…

Ally & her Freddie

“I’ve had my Freddie since about 2009. Can’t remember all the places it’s been, but it’s certainly come with me to the States a few times, probably China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Bali, Morocco, India…

In 2014 I went with my friend Janet to India. That was when it did the most varied modes of transport — there was an overnight bus (which was a bit scary), taxis, train and an internal flight. Sometimes I’ve filled it up so much, I’ve needed help to carry it! That tells you how much it holds. It fits a yoga mat quite nicely too.

I think the secret pocket-in-a-pocket is quite handy — for your passport and shit like that. And a real bonus is that it packs down small when you’re not using it. In fact it folds really neatly into the side pocket, then you see the original colour too”.

SHOP FREDDIE

Kate and her Leila

Kate sitting at a table that has both her Leila bags on it. One old and worn and one new

“I bought this purse when I first visited family in Hackney in 2014, (Californians call bags purses). 10 years is a long time to use something every day. I love the patina, it’s got better and better.

Slowly over the years we’ve sprinkled Ally bags all over America — my daughter Sierra, her friend Terra, my grand-daughters Lavetta and Joleen, our friends. They all loved my little Leila bag and when we visit London we usually have a request to get an Ally bag for one or other of our loved-ones. We’ve made a little Ally Capellino colony in California!

I have a matching wallet and coin purse. Everything is in still perfect condition with my original Leila, just the zip needs fixed and then she’ll be good to go for another 10 years or more! Mind you, I am also tempted to have another one in a different colour!”

Kate a a front door wearing her old Leila bag

SHOP LEILA

Melissa & her Frances

Melissa posted this picture of herself buying her first Frances bag and we got in touch to hear more.

“This bag and I have seen some times over the past 10 years. It’s been with me to Louisville, Nashville and Knoxville Tennessee, New York, Sicily, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sifnos, Corfu, Tinos and Athens, Donegal, Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, Mallorca, Seville, Scotland, Cologne, Lisbon, Kas, Mexico.

It’s also been all over London, to many a party and gig. It went with me to Greenman festival, where a can of beer exploded inside it! And to all the national marches for Palestine since October and other London protests. It’s also been to Berlin and Transylvania!”

Melissa's Frances bag with a Palestinian flag patch that says "Peace"

SHOP FRANCES

Simon

Ally’s school friend Simon visited the UK from Brisbane this summer. He bought a bike when he landed and then cycled a big circuit visiting family (5 siblings) and turning up at a school reunion where, 40 or so others from the year of 1974  gathered to go over “T’ould days”.  Simon travelled light in the extreme but he kept his wallet, passport and keys handy in a little passport bag that was made for the exclusive Tate collection. This one dates from about 2014. He actually bought it on Ebay along with a collection of a few other bags.

SHOP FRIDAY