This campaign has ended and all successful bidders will be informed via email within the coming week.
In celebration of our 2nd Anniversary, we have invited a few Friends of A to customise our A tote bag for fundraising and we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming enthusiasm. We are proud to announce that we have almost 60 uniquely designed bags for sale.
Full proceeds, less any applicable taxes and costs, from the sale will benefit Halogen Foundation, a non-profit organisation that was set up to help empower youth to create a better future for themselves, their families and Singapore.
Submit your bids here and each bid starts at S$80 (inclusive of 7%GST).
Bidding period: 28th June, 12pm till 15th July, 5pm
Current highest bids will be updated on this page daily at 10am, so do check back regularly to make sure you don’t miss out on your desired bag!
The highest successful bidder will be contacted for payment details.
Allocation will be at the discretion of A Magazine.
Discover your favorite design(s) below and submit your bid here!
Designs 01 to 12 | Designs 13 to 24 | Designs 25 to 36 | Designs 37 to 48 | Designs 49 to 59
BAG DESIGNS 01 – 12
Design 01
by Abby Yeh, Student
Highest Current Bid: S$800
“I am inspired by nature and rainbows!”
Design 02
by Amanda Leong, Homemaker
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“I wanted something wearable for everyday life and yet chic. But of course, with my signature pink – a splash of pastel pink!”
Design 03
by Angela Poppy, Homemaker
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“Simplicity is always in style. Right now, in the middle of a pandemic, things could not get more complex. We can choose classic style without staying matronly or monotonous.”
Design 04
by Angelica Cheng, Student
Highest Current Bid: $800
“I am inspired by nature. I drew flowers as they are a reminder that there will always be a new day.”
Design 05
by Ann Lee, General Manager, Apical Media
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“There were these craft balls lying around and I decided to use them to creatively perk up the tote bag.”
Design 06
by Ann Lee, General Manager, Apical Media
Highest Current Bid: S$150
“I wanted something simple but striking so decided to embellish the A with crystals.”
Design 07
by Belinda Chua, Jeweller
Highest Current Bid: S$130
‘“My inspiration comes from the painting Starry Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. Dream – for peace, humanity and racial harmony. Hope – for a better future for the coming generations. Strength – like the crystal embellishments, it radiates strength and everlasting life to humankind.”
Design 08
by Bobby Chng, Design Consultant
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“I was inspired by 1st Corinthians 13 – Faith, Hope and Love; the greatest is Love, especially during this Covid-19 period. We need to share and care, be generous, kind and compassionate to everyone around us. Hence the hearts! This bag also comes with a matching mask.”
Design 09
by Bobby Chng, Design Consultant
Highest Current Bid: S$500
“Stars! Wishing upon each and every star for everything to be okay. This bag also comes with a matching mask.”
Design 10
by Callista Yin, Student
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“I was inspired by the many youths who have turned to sustainable and ethical fashion, choosing methods of hunting down clothes in thrift stores and reworking pieces to their liking. I tried to add style and functionality to the bag, creating a large pocket made with a batik design from an old sarong I got from Bali a few years ago. I chose batik as a call back to my Peranakan background: batik is an important part of our traditional clothing.”
Design 11
by Carla Dunareanu, Artiste, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: S$120
“During this pandemic I’ve spent so much time at home and I’ve really become a crazy plant lady! My apartment literally looks like a jungle! So I wanted to incorporate that into the design of my bag. I used flowers to decorate the front and also tied twine around the handles to give it a more natural finish!”
Design 12
by Caroline Lim, Global HR Head, PSA International
Highest Current Bid: S$1,088
“When I first received the A bags, it made me think of two beautiful little girls in my life, Ashleigh, my goddaughter and Ava, my friend’s niece. I wanted to jazz up the bag with stuffed toys and some classic icons, to carry the meaning that “Kind words are the music of the world.”
BAG DESIGNS 13 – 24
Design 13
by Chermaine Pang, Banker
Highest Current Bid: $100
“Unicorn and rainbow symbolise hope, healing and magic! I hope these will bring happiness, hope, positivity & put the sparkle back into the lives of others when they are going through difficult times. I decorated the ‘A’ with flowers & butterflies and hope A Magazine will continue to blossom and evolve beautifully, giving us lots of inspiration and positivity!”
Design 14
by Chloe Ng, Lawyer
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“Every youth can be a leader.”
Design 15
by Chloe Ting, Programme Executive, Halogen Foundation
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“I chose to embroider flowers as the main theme of my tote bag, inspired by how flowers continue to bloom after the harsh winters. I believe that everyone goes through challenges and trials during different seasons of their life. Those moments help us bloom and grow even stronger. There’s also a reminder to ‘Be Kind’ to yourself and others, we’re all works-in-progress.”
Design 16
by Christy Young, Designer
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“A single continuous thread depicts the trajectory of youth, with its intertwining ups and downs. Seasons of exploration coupled with seasons of growth, all weaved into one continuous journey. The journey ends on a high, signalling the potential of the youth to craft and determine their future, with its endless possibilities.”
Design 17
by Dana Cheong, Philanthropist, Gyrotonic & Gyrokinesis Trainer
Highest Current Bid: S$150
“The artwork on this bag is inspired by my recent “zero-waste” project. A mini project with my girlfriend, Wendy. We collect scrap fabrics from our alterations and make them into wearable fashion pieces, with sustainability & reusability in mind. All the materials seen on the bag are from scraps of my old Missoni dresses. (The letter A is made from scraps of the green Missoni dress I’m wearing as seen).”
Design 18
by Esther Tay, Designer
Highest Current Bid: S$250
“I wanted to give this A tote bag a complete makeover with an edgy elegant look so that it has the versatility of going with you from day to night. I’m always thinking about how I can adopt a more sustainable approach to my creations so I looked around me and got creative. I used scraps of leather trims, braids and sequins that were left over from certain pants and dresses from our fashion collections. Each side of the tote bag has a unique look, which allows you to show off a different side of the bag (and of yourself) when you’re out!”
Design 19
by Evelyn Sam, Floral Designer/Project Management, Essence Instyle
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“Spreading light and hope to people less fortunate inspired me to design this. Reminding all that we are a ‘rainbow of possibilities’, to dwell on the beauty and simplicity of life, live in the moment and be the most brilliant colour in the box.”
Design 20
by Fanty Soenardy, Homemaker
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“These are feathers from an old pillow. Some parts of the pillow have missing feathers and it doesn’t look good anymore. Hence, I recycled the existing feathers by sewing them to beautify my A tote bag.”
Design 21
by Genevieve Peggy Jeffs, Philanthropist
Highest Current Bid: S$150
“I bought a set of necklace, pair of cuffs and a clutch bag with these amazing wooden pieces many years ago from an Indonesian designer, Katherine Karsono. Throught wear and tear, the clutch bag was looking sad, so I salvaged these 3D wooden pieces to sew on the A tote bag. This is an inspiration of architectural woodwork in fashion design which I want to share with those who enjoy craft.”
Design 22
by Grace Kee, Co-Founder, 2 Mamas and A Wok
Highest Current Bid: $120
“Nonya-styled flowers in turquoise, pink and gold to celebrate my Peranakan heritage!”
Design 23
by Grace Wong, Homemaker
Highest Current Bid: $500
“Back to basics, A is for Apple…”
Design 24
by Grace Wong, Homemaker
Highest Current Bid: S$150
“A as a ladder to reach high for the ideals.”
BAG DESIGNS 25 – 36
Design 25
by Ho Wei Leng, Student
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“The roughly constructed flowers reaching through the rectangular outline with their vines, symbolise the efforts taken by ordinary people in the community to reach out to those in need despite any perceived differences, while also not expecting anything in return.”
Design 26
by Ingrid Prasatya, Businesswoman
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“I have collected a lot of beautiful spare buttons from many international fashion labels. So I have selected a few of my favourites to hand-stitch an ‘A’ onto the tote bag!”
Design 27
by Irene Ang, Founder/CEO, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature!”
Design 28
by Irene Ang, Founder/CEO, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“Honouring G-Dragon with this beautiful flower. To all his fans, don’t give up and keep hwaiting!”
Design 29
by Irene Ang, Founder/CEO, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: $80
“Love takes us to a higher level of wisdom and understanding.”
Design 30
by Irene Ang, Founder/CEO, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“Keep an open heart and open mind 24/7.”
Design 31
by Irene Ang, Founder/CEO, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: $120
“Flowers are like friends. They bring colours to your world.”
Design 32
by Irene Ang, Founder/CEO, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“Lotus flowers grow from mud. I have always been inspired by them. And in my life, whenever I am down or troubled, they give me encouragement to keep the faith, keep fighting and growing, no matter how hard.”
Design 33
by Irene Ang, Founder/CEO, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: $100
“In these very difficult times, only LOVE can see us through. Spread Love. Not hatred. Not anger. Not racism.”
Design 34
by Jacelyn Lai, Homemaker
Highest Current Bid: $500
“A Magazine gets different conversations going – climate change, sustainability, diversity, conservation and many more. It highlights the initiatives to give back, to protect and to support. To celebrate the mantra that A magazine holds proud, I picked Ode to Mother Nature as the theme. The jewels depict the many gifts from Mother Earth. The grass symbolises life. A flask is also included in the bag.”
Design 35
by Jaime Teo, Artiste, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: S$158
“I decided to recreate a painting I did for my art showcase (it’s ongoing at an art gallery, Living With Arts, till 30 June), titled “Bold and Beautiful”, on the bag. This piece is especially interesting because I had a totally different painting in mind when I started on it. Such a good reminder that a different outcome isn’t always a bad thing. In this case, it is more bold and more beautiful than what I had in mind originally. So listen to your heart and let it take you to unchartered grounds!”
Design 36
by Jessie Ho-Thong, Executive Director, JHT Law Corporation and Board Member, Halogen Foundation
Highest Current Bid: S$1,000
“A memory that comes to mind when pondering about pre-COVID times would be our much-missed family holidays in Japan. I had purchased yards of Japanese fabrics intending to use as furoshiki wrapping for the food gifts I sent out during this Covid-food giving season! When I was asked to design a bag, they immediately came to mind. While many of us are blessed with the peace and security we enjoy at home, I hope we can remember all those who need our support. I’m paying it forward and bringing you a touch of Japan through my design!”
BAG DESIGNS 37 – 48
Design 37
by Kallie Tan, Student
Highest Current Bid: $100
“I have decided to paint flowers on my tote bag because flowers make people happy especially if there are colours to it!”
Design 38
by Kelly Keak, Managing Director, MTM Skincare
Highest Current Bid: S$500
“Just when the caterpillar thought its life was over, it began to fly. Freedom, renewal and resilience came to my mind when designing this piece of work. I wanted to bring colours as they symbolise the different positive characteristics we can gather in life to walk us through any dark period. May this tote bag serve as a reminder to our beautiful friends and family around us. We are not alone!”
Design 39
by Koh Wei Lian, Artist
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“This design is about Halogen Foundation’s dedication to transforming the lives of young people through leadership and entrepreneurship development. I used vibrant colours to convey youthful energy, mountains to symbolise an all-conquering attitude that entrepreneurship requires and a sunrise that spreads optimism and light. The golden circles that are gilded with 23kt gold symbolises individual youths who grew from Halogen Foundation’s work to become the brightest lights in the landscape, the first of the firsts. Tip-top A.”
Design 40
by Kym Ong, Student
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“The design represents finding yourself, being a small fish in the sea. The start might seem blurry, but slowly you start to find your direction in life, growing with confidence until you find your A game.”
Design 41
by Kyuri Yeom, Designer, Luneil Silk
Highest Current Bid: S$120
“The virus that has taken over the world is darker than this bag. The flower that blooms in such darkness is A Magazine. What a magnificent feat to take on the world in these times! I hope our hearts blossom as brightly as the beautiful pictures of A Magazine and the flowers on this bag. I also included a mask from Luneil Silk which is much needed in these times.”
Design 42
by Lim Sau Hoong, Creative Consultant
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“Recently, I’ve been very inspired by flowers and upcycling. Bringing that into designing the tote bag, I decided to use leftover floral lace I had. I have always liked the idea of having designs not being too loud. I wanted the pink peony flower to stand out, so I used black flowers for the rest of the bag. Peonies mean compassion, I hope as we face COVID-19 together, we can show compassion to one another.”
Design 43
by Louisa Ong, Student
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“I have many buttons that were given as spares from my clothes purchases, which, I put aside and pay very little attention to them. Each button is unique and many are beautiful. With a full box of buttons collected over the years, I thought of putting them into good use by accessorising the A tote bag with them.”
Design 44
by Marilyn Tan, Jewellery Designer
Highest Current Bid: S$250
“I work primarily with semi-precious stones and precious gems. The beauty, variety and colour of these earthly treasures are amazing and were the source of inspiration. Highlighting my thoughts on “A” – the first a letter of the alphabet, always ahead of the curve, supporting sustainability and the community through charity. As to the green lining, to quote Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative – the colour of life, renewal, nature, and energy and is associated with growth, harmony, freshness, safety, fertility and environment. The lining fabric was rescued from a warehouse sale as they were throwing stuff out while the stones were painstakingly hand sewn by homebound S (with whom I have worked with for 17 years) who takes in piece work but requested not to be named. Semi-precious stones include: ambronite, amethyst, aventurine, black agate, blue howlite, breciated jasper, carnelian, dumotierite, fluorite, green jasper, howlite, moss agate, pyrite, red jasper, rhodochrosite, rose quartz, snowflake obsidian, sunstone, tigers eye, turquoise howlite, white howlite and yellow jasper.”
Design 45
by Martin Tan, Board Executive Committee, Halogen Foundation and Chief Executive Officer, The Majurity Trust Ltd
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“Being ‘one of a kind’ is often an expression of one’s uniqueness in the form of a brand, an image, an idea. But beyond the concept, I think we should always focus on the uniqueness of a person and the many stories behind our journeys. Like the single bold yellow line on the reverse, you stand out with your individuality. You ARE one of a kind, the inspiring, nice and good kind.”
Design 46
by Matthew Ong, Property Investor
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“I’ve always been in love with fashion. I like pieces with textures that have more character rather than simplicity. I often customise most of my tailored pants with intricate and detailed fabrics. Hence with some remaining beautiful brocade, I decided to upcycle it by adding more crystals and then sewing it onto the tote.”
Design 47
by Nana Au-Chua, Entrepreneur and COO, Million Lighting Co Pte Ltd
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“When I was approached to be a part of this campaign, I immediately thought of this photo which I took when I was on a holiday in Penang. It was during the Ghost month. I was walking around after dinner when I came across a Teochew Chinese Opera show. I had my camera with me as I always do. I just started snapping away. It turned out to be a very nice photo which is one of my personal favourites so far. I didn’t have to edit the photo too much. It just turned out the way it did, which is nice. Since it is a black and white photo, I thought it would be perfect for this project.”
Design 48
by Pamela Ardana, Entrepreneur
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“This design is inspired by pearls. They occur organically and are produced when a foreign organism, or parasite, enters the shell of a mollusk and disrupts its natural state. When this happens, the mollusk secretes a fluid not only to survive but also creates a beautiful and lustrous gem. This is a reminder for me to deal with negative situations in life by surrounding myself with hard work, strength, positivity and healing energy. Some believe that wearing pearls symbolises your commitment to self-love and self-care.”
BAG DESIGNS 49- 59
Design 49
by Patricia Kaunang, Homemaker
Highest Current Bid: S$500
“I love art and travelling; always searching for something that stimulates my senses. I found this Frida Kahlo doll on one of my trips. She was an exceptional woman who loved bold necklaces and flowers. She has a unique vision and a talented artist who painted her own reality and lived an unforgettable life. A magazine also has interesting art stories so I added the heart patches to show appreciation.”
Design 50
by Patricia Mok, Artiste, Fly Entertainment
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“A lot of people always think that I’m a loud person but in fact I’m just a colourful person who is very expressive. I always love the glamour and glitter. Hence, each side of the tote bag features glitter and colours! I wish good vibes upon the person carrying this bag. Be yourself. Live your colourful life to the fullness with no regrets.”
Design 51
by Seah Gek Choo, Board Member, Halogen Foundation
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“This is a joint effort with my daughter, Syn. We hope the bag will be enjoyed by one who has a big heart and flowers always make us feel happier and generous.”
Design 52
by Stella Mok, Homemaker and Ariel Mok, Rainmaker
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“We were inspired by the 20s flapper style so we decorated the tote bag by sewing layers of jet bead fringes.”
Design 53
by Susanna Han, Adventurer
Highest Current Bid: S$500
“The idea for this bag is UPCYCLE. Baubles and crystals from old mobile covers, shoes and bags were appropriated for this bling tote bag.”
Design 54
by Susanna Han, Adventurer
Highest Current Bid: S$1,800
“I wanted to present a practical and yet fashion-forward tote bag. 8 lucky and prosperous Kinpaku (24 ct gold hammered to 1/10,000 mm from Takumi Artisans) pockets are scattered on both sides. The leopard print gold silk brocade twills are sewn from left over fabric and twisted around the handles.”
Design 55
by Sylvia Chua, Teacher
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“I drew inspiration from my cat, Princess, who has a positive curiosity and appreciates her surroundings by sniffing at it. In that way, she discerns and adapts! During these days of the pandemic, I too, learnt to appreciate the simple things in life. Stay positively curious and move on! This project also gave me the opportunity to practise needlework again and time to calm down.”
Design 56
by Vivien Ang, Entrepreneur
Highest Current Bid: S$150
“When I accepted to be a part of this, the first images that came into my head was a happy monk, the Chinese temple and the words 快乐 (happiness). So I worked with my seamstress to come up with this vision of mythical dragons amidst swirling clouds!”
Design 57
by William Padfield Jr, Student
Highest Current Bid: S$100
“I love space. I’m always trying to learn new things about it. Drawing stars makes me calm. When you look up in the sky at night it looks like stars can create anything you love.”
Design 58
by Xavier Tan, Entrepreneur
Highest Current Bid: S$250
“You are never too young to dream! Many of us dreamt of many things when we were young. Some of us want to be a super hero, some wants to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher and etc, but for me, I dreamt of selling things. I tried selling erasers in school, sticker names and etc, the thrill of selling excites me! We all have dreams and in this tote bag design, I want to illustrate that the skies is your limits, and no one should stop you from dreaming and doing the things that you desire the most or who you want to be. The use of the yellow was also a tribute to Halogen Foundation for allowing me to fulfilled my dream as entrepreneur today. I want to pass this baton and motivation down to the next person who is dare to do what he/ she wants and fulfils their dream!”
Design 59
by Xena Goh, Youth Facilitator
Highest Current Bid: S$80
“A represented Alignment for me. Aspects of your life aligned to your purpose or factors in every project aligned to the objective. The design started as just a white line. While painting, I explored and found that if I made patches and blobs, it added some texture and “imperfection” to the line. I liked how it felt so I made more of it. I guess now alignment could also mean the process. The process of reaching alignment may not always be a smooth one, or one you planned for, it will have imperfect patches and blobs but you work through them and eventually find alignment.”