Pitti’s “Versus Tokyo” showcase also turned us onto the work of designer, Yoshihiro Nakane and the “Steam and Design” tote bags. They feature slight touches of play on the tote bag straps – look for monetary icons and Confederate sitting next to circus theme… on simple totes. Not for all, but possibly for some.

Photography: Jeff Carvalho/Selectism.com

Yes, it is a big bag – a tote, in fact. Boston’s Scottie Big Bags add to the enormous list of  made in the U.S.A. tote bags with their own variant. Big enough to stuff just about anything and with a shoulder strap to boot, the bag comes in at a friendly $80. Duck canvas, of course. We love Boston.

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Defy Bags works under the “Old material, new ideas” motto. Their bags source various vintage and deadstock textiles to produce ready to use  messenger and tote bags. Their Bowery Bag, shown above, is one of their popular forms. Made from vintage WWII era military canvas and old stock Horween leather, the Bowery bag will hold up under most conditions. Made in the U.S.A. for those that are asking. Find them online at Defy Bags for $178.

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We featured Jojo Messenger’s backpack collaboration with Centre Commercial a while back. Now it’s time to get tote on this thing. Pascal Sauzet and Nicholas Goubert started the company as cyclists looking to design the perfect bag for riding around the streets of Paris. In terms of looks they’ve kept everything pleasingly simple with the occasional reference to the past. Handmade in their home town, their fabric of choice is Cordura 1100, waterproof, hard-wearing and in line with their ecological leanings. Vegetable tanned leather, heavy hardware, each tote bag is designed for comfort whilst peddling. More at Jojo.

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Woodstock NY’s Peter Mountain Works delivers two new shapes for Garbstore. Their overlock backpack and tote bag come in a blue and light brown/tan – choose whichever works best. Both are made in the USA. One change I would love is for the “Made in the U.S.A.” tag to sit right side up when used on the exterior, but that may be a limitation of the actual tag itself for stitching purposes. Well done either way. The tote bags are calling my name.

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Burberry Prorsum delivers a leather tote bag that will make you second guess your last bag purchase. It seems incredible that the men’s accessories market refuses to slow down – and why should it? The new offerings continue to make it hotter than the women’s side of the business at the moment, through more than likely, not in sales. The orange-tan leather finishes this tote bag up nicely. Mr. Porter has it for $1795. Maybe you will not be doing that second guess…

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You’d think with all the leather totes we’re presented with we’d have tired of them by now. Well, we haven’t. Brands of the world, keep making your bags of hide, we can’t get enough. Kicking Mule steps forward with this hand stitched, vegetable dyed, Made in Japan carrier which comes with two, yes two, strap lengths to choose from as well as a neat little lanyard to attach your keys to. Introduce yourself over at Kicking Mule.

Forestbound sends over looks at their new all-leather tote bags for Autumn Winter 2011. They’re made from 100% up-cycled oil-tanned cowhide leathers and feature hand stamped brass hardware. Nothing much more to say on these standards. Proper leather tote bags. Available online only.

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Yuketen really know their way around a piece of leather. They’ve chosen deerskin for this one and in doing so have created a tote so soft you’ll want to carry it gently pressed up against your face. This really is quite the looker, reinforced leather base, sturdy handles, buckle top and cotton lining. Oi Polloi assure us this comes with that new leather bag smell at no extra cost.

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Korean brand Spectator have collaborated with fellow countrymen BYBO to produce this Pendleton wool tote. Leather handles, base and tabs and that native American style print, the shape takes it cue from military helmet bags – this one’s a surefire winner.

More looks after the click.