A Tote Bug, born without a plan – almost by accident.

We’re Ellie and Chrysostomos, a creative duo and couple: Ellie, with a background in fashion design and experience in theatre costume, and Chrysostomos, with studies in economics and a natural urge to help meaningful ideas find their way into the world.
It all started at the end of a theatre season, when the studio was full of leftover fabric scraps. Do we throw them away or keep them? That question led us to experiment with patchwork – a technique we once considered slightly far from our style. It soon became a way to turn what was “useless” into something beautiful. We began with a cushion, then moved on to bags. These bags didn’t remain hidden. Friends and family used them, gifted them, asked for more. We loved seeing them out in the world, carrying books or shoppings —proving their durability. We were proud of them.

Then came a day we’ll never forget. A spelling mistake in one of our messages sparked the beginning. “Tote bug”—bug instead of bag—an insect instead of a bag, a sturdy little creature carrying loads, or a bag inspired by the vibrant colors of insects in nature.
That’s when we started looking closer at bugs. In their wings and shells we found the palettes we were missing: bold contrasts, geometric patterns, natural harmony. A Tote Bug found its identity. Each pattern we create is drawn from real insects—because the color combinations found in nature go far beyond anything we could imagine.

Our bags are made one by one in our small workshop in Athens. We source our fabrics from local suppliers and sew each piece with care. We don’t do mass production—we choose a slower pace, attention to detail, and respect for the materials. Even the tiniest leftover scraps are saved and transformed into unique mini projects. Nothing is too small to be reimagined.
And if you’ve made it this far, thank you.

We hope that each Tote Bug carries more than just your everyday essentials. That it brings with it a little care, a little color, and a spark of the joy we feel while making it. Every piece begins in our hands, but it only truly comes to life in yours.
Warmly,

Ellie & Chrysostomos

A Tote Bug Team