Product Spotlight: The Mèsan Oyin Boxy Tote

Edited by The VEGPRENEUR Team

Vegan accessories have come a long way in the past decade. Recently, the team at Mèsan sent the VEGPRENEUR Team their Oyin Brown Boxy Tote to try out and review. After carrying it around for a bit, here are a few impressions.

First Impressions

Living in New York, I try to avoid carrying oversized bags whenever possible. There is nothing worse than schlepping something around all day that is larger than it needs to be.

The Oyin Boxy Tote strikes a nice balance. It is compact, but still big enough to hold the things I actually need with me throughout the day. In my case, that usually means a phone, wallet, keys, and a small satchel of essentials.

The bag also felt sturdy right away. The structure gives it a solid presence without feeling bulky.

The brown color is particularly nice in person. My closet leans heavily toward black, so I appreciated having something that adds contrast without feeling loud.

I have mostly worn the bag crossbody, largely because I prefer having my hands free when walking around the city.

Design Details

The defining feature of the bag is its structured, boxy shape. The silhouette gives it a bit of architectural presence and adds structure to an outfit.

One detail I especially liked is the braided handle. The texture makes the bag feel crafted and well considered. It is the kind of small design choice that elevates the overall look.

I also tend to gravitate toward gold hardware rather than silver, which can sometimes be harder to find. The gold accents here give the bag a bit of warmth and polish without pushing it into flashy territory.

Materials

The bag is made from recycled vegan materials, which is obviously a plus from my perspective. I do not wear leather, so knowing the materials align with that preference makes it an easy addition to my rotation.

The structure also helps the material hold its shape well, which works nicely with the design.

One Small Note

If I had to point out one thing, I tend to prefer bags that fully zip or close. That may just be a New Yorker’s instinct to make sure nothing falls out or mysteriously disappears.

The Boxy Tote has a more open structure, which probably comes with the territory given the shape. It is not a deal breaker, just something I noticed.

Price

At $199, the bag sits in the range I would expect for a well designed accessory from an independent brand. The price felt reasonable.

Final Thoughts

The Mèsan Oyin Boxy Tote is a good option for people who like statement pieces that are not too loud. For me, it is the type of accessory I reach for when it works with what I am wearing, and when I want something compact, practical, and a little different from the usual black bag.

Get yours!