Portable Light Project: Solar Powered Handbags Design Collaboration

A few years ago while digging into my dark purse, I thought “Wouldn’t it be great if purses had a light inside so one could see what they were looking for?” Well, you know the Field of Dreams quote…”If you build it, they will come”. How about “If you think it, it will be built.” Or should I say designed?

Diane von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Rogan, Loomstate, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Lutz & Patmos, Loeffler Randall, Joseph Muteti and Vena Cava were brought together by Elle to collaborate with Sheila Kennedy, the director of the Portable Light Project, to design solar purses that supply light and power.

Each solar bag includes a high-brightness LED and a USB connection that allows you to charge a a cell phone when the photovoltaic panels are exposed to sunlight. You never have to say “Damn, I forgot my charger” ever again.

Loeffler Randall

Rogan

Diane von Furstenberg

Vena Cava

Tommy Hilfiger

Lutz and Patmos

Loomstate

These eco-friendly bags are currently being auctioned off on eBay, with bids starting at $99 and the proceeds go to Portable Light’s mission of using energy-harvesting textiles to deliver power to developing communities. Auction ends July 15, 2010 so only two more days to bid!

All purses should have this feature!

via ecouterre