FLORA & SHIELD | Vintage Zhuang Embroidered Tote Bag

Some textiles begin their journey close to home.

This embroidered fabric was once part of a traditional baby carrier from the Zhuang communities in Wenshan, Yunnan. Once worn to carry a child against a mother's back, it now finds a different place in everyday life.

At its center, two peonies bloom, surrounded by butterflies, fish, and phoenix-like forms. Together, these motifs create a richly layered composition, brought to life through the colors, patterns, and textures of traditional embroidery.

Carefully preserved and reassembled into a new form, the textile continues its journey. FLORA & SHIELD carries its earlier story forward, transforming a piece once used to hold and carry new life into a bag for everyday journeys.

FLORA & SHIELD brings together three distinct textile elements in a single tote.

The front features a vintage Zhuang embroidered panel, with two central peonies and surrounding animal and floral motifs. The back is finished with Zhuang silk brocade, while the base incorporates Red Dai jacquard textile, adding another layer of woven pattern and texture.

Its soft structure and drawstring closure create a relaxed silhouette with room for everyday essentials, including a phone, wallet, keys, and other personal belongings.

Each textile section has its own colors, patterns, and signs of age. Their combination gives this individual bag a character that cannot be exactly reproduced.

FLORA & SHIELD brings together three textile traditions from Yunnan through a considered combination of vintage embroidery and woven fabrics.

The front panel preserves a section of vintage Zhuang embroidery, originally used in a traditional baby carrier. Its embroidered motifs and individual stitches remain visible as part of the textile's character.

The back features Zhuang silk brocade, while the base is made with Red Dai jacquard textile. These different surfaces are brought together through the construction of the bag, allowing their patterns and textures to sit alongside one another.

Rather than reproducing an original textile in its entirety, the design gives selected fabric sections a new form and function.

A relaxed tote for everyday outings, with textile details that invite a closer look.

• For everyday essentials: Carry your phone, wallet, keys, and other personal belongings.
• For a relaxed day out: The soft silhouette and drawstring opening make it an easy companion for casual outings.
• For a touch of textile character: Pair its embroidered and woven surfaces with simple everyday clothing.
• For textile lovers: Appreciate the different patterns and handwork across the front, back, and base.

FLORA & SHIELD is an individual piece made from vintage textile sections. Its exact composition cannot be repeated.

• Product Type: Vintage Embroidered Drawstring Tote Bag
• Craft: Zhuang Embroidery, Zhuang Silk Brocade, and Red Dai Jacquard Weaving
• Origin: Wenshan, Yunnan, China*
• Front Panel: Vintage Zhuang embroidered textile*
• Back Panel: Zhuang silk brocade*
• Base: Red Dai jacquard textile*
• Construction: Three distinct textile elements combined into one bag
• Silhouette: Soft-structured tote
• Closure: Drawstring
• Quantity: One individual piece
• Variations: Natural variations in color, pattern, embroidery, and signs of age are part of its vintage character