80-year-old bag made for hauling ice is now a fashion staple

Gracie Wiener from New York City poses with one of her LL Bean tote bags. She is said to have helped popularise the design. Photo: AP

LL Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it's a must-have summer fashion accessory.

The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend in which they're monogrammed with ironic or flashy phrases.