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One is the Australian bag success story that’s sparked a hundred copycats. The other, a world-leading luxury resort that boasts its own private conservation and wildlife reserve. Together, State of Escape and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley have created a range of bags in limited edition earthy colours all so wearable it would be hard to pick a favourite.
In the five years since Bridgette MacGowan and Desley Maidment launched State of Escape, their perforated neoprene tote bags with sailor rope handles have become one of the most easily recognised local accessory brands in the country, initially produced in signature bright colours, but more recently in dark and neutral tones too.
Washable, hard-wearing and big enough to use as a gym bag, chic nappy tote or even carry-on luggage for the jet set, the brand – which is sold in street cool brand Bassike’s stores – now has more than its fair share of celebrity and style blogging fans.
The State of Escape Wolgan Collection sports a new earthy khaki colour for its signature tote shape Credit: Supplied
The latter could also be said for the high-end resort it’s just teamed with; the same location that made recent headlines as the location for Sylvia Jeffreys and Peter Stefanovic’s star-studded nuptials. (The latest in a long line of celebrity weddings at the romantic, high-budget venue.)
The limited-edition Wolgan Collection boasts three new styles, including signature shape carryalls in Pewter (aka dark grey) and an especially timeless Khaki iteration. There’s also a smaller cross-body shape created in bright Ochre. All three of the new shades were inspired by the typically Australian colours of the sandstone escarpments, rocky outcrops and native bushland surrounding the 40-villa resort, which features indoor and outdoor pools for every residence, as well as the nearby Blue Mountains region itself.
The cross-body style in Ochre is perfect for outdoor festivals Credit: Getty Images
“We wanted to celebrate Wolgan’s unmistakable colour palette; from the soft greens of the bush to the ochre reflections that radiate off the mountains at dusk through to the silvery pewter palette of the mountains in the morning mist,” says MacGowan. “The awe-inspiring setting was the backdrop to an unforgettable stay, one that we wanted to capture in our collection.”
The Wolgan Collection is available now online and at the resort itself, costing from $309 to $329.
Watch this clip to see all three bag styles:
