Supermarket shopping just got a whole lot chicer, with Woolworths launching a designer bag that wouldn’t look out of place on the arms of the fashion set. But the new Woolworths bag isn’t just another reusable tote – it’s a carefully crafted piece designed to be as functional as it is fashionable. It’s tough, practical, and also completely recyclable at the end of its lifespan. The reinforced handles make it comfortable to carry, even when loaded up with groceries, while the sturdy base ensures it stands upright, making packing and unpacking a breeze. It’s a small but stylish step toward a more sustainable future, proving that practical can still be chic – and it’s the kind of tote you’d actually want to be seen with, whether you’re running errands or heading to brunch. It’s water-resistant, easy to wipe clean, and folds neatly when not in use – ideal for tossing in the car or keeping by the front door for your next shop. Available in 600 Woolworths stores from mid-March, the bargain price tag makes this one of the most affordable ways to get your hands on an Anya Hindmarch piece. Unlike flimsy alternatives that wear out within months, this bag is built to last a full decade, having undergone rigorous durability testing. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, every element of the bag, from the fabric to the stitching, has been certified under the Global Recycling Scheme (GRS), ensuring it meets the highest sustainability standards. Most importantly, The Universal Bag was designed to be something customers actually want to take care of. Its sleek, structured design sets it apart from the standard supermarket carryall. And with the added bonus of helping the environment, it’s a designer buy you can actually feel good about. Woolworths is the first Australian supermarket to join the movement, following in the footsteps of Selfridges, Whole Foods, and Waitrose in the UK, as well as leading stores in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Unlike traditional shopping bags, which often end up forgotten or discarded, this tote is meant to be seen and reused time and time again. The Universal Bag project has saved over 230 tonnes of virgin plastic from landfill to date, the equivalent weight of over 19 London double decker buses,’ Hindmarch said. Hindmarch, whose I Am Not A Plastic Bag campaign in 2007 helped kickstart a global shift away from disposable plastic, is now taking things a step further with The Universal Bag, a project in collaboration with major retailers worldwide. The bag is Woolworths’ latest move to encourage customers to ditch single-use bags for good. Since launching in 2021, the project has already prevented 230 tonnes of virgin plastic from ending up in landfill. For just $20, shoppers can pick up The Universal Bag, a stylish and sustainable tote designed by British luxury accessories queen Anya Hindmarch.
Clean Sterling Silver
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. So she decided to make her own. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
18ct gold vermeil. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams.
It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading.
London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy.
Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners.