It’s clear that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen had functionality in mind when designing The Row’s N/S Park tote. The large size, measuring 15x17x8 inches, is testament to this: it’ll fit a laptop and a selection of personals, and the single flat handle means it’s easy to carry over the shoulder. It also has a tie closure, rather than a magnet or zip, which means that it is easy to access, but will also shut securely (especially when it’s tucked under an arm). The medium size (13x11x6 inches) is a practical everyday handbag, while the small (9.8×8.7×4.7 inches) is a sensible option for if you prefer to carry less on the go.
It’s also more than likely the Olsen sisters and their design team had considered the needs of their loyal customers during the early stages of the N/S Park tote’s inception. “I feel really fortunate to be very close with those women, and they really do dictate where we go season to season,” Mary-Kate previously told Vogue of her relationships with clients. “When we design, we’re designing for specific clients… We understand what their day looks like, how and when they travel…” Ashley added: “What they’re looking for at a certain time of year, what events come up, their families.”
This responsive approach to design has, of course, paid off. Akin to the rest of their sought-after bag range, the Park N/S tote was a hit from the moment of its release several years ago, and has become a permanent fixture on the arms of The Row’s starriest fans. The usual suspects Zoë Kravitz, Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence, among others, are devoted to the silhouette.
And it’s easy to see the appeal. In line with the minimalist DNA that defines The Row’s ready-to-wear and accessories offerings, the N/S Park tote – named for its portrait dimensions – is intentionally simple, stamped with a small logo that’s barely-visible on its grained leather finish (it’s also available in polished leather, nubuck and suede). Having already proven its popularity over several years since its launch, and with plenty of versions still available on TheRow.com, Net-a-Porter.com and other retailers, it’s safe to say the N/S Park tote is a modern classic.
Shop The Row’s N/S Park tote
