The Case créole bag: Réunion Island's heritage on your shoulder
A brightly coloured Creole house drawn by an island illustrator: the story of the Case créole bag, its four sizes and our ideas for carrying it.
By Tropical Factory4 min read
The Case créole bag is a Tropical Factory design illustrated with a case créole, Réunion Island’s traditional Creole house, with its colourful front and carved details. Drawn in collaboration with an island illustrator and made from recycled plastic bottles, it comes as an XL classic tote, XL insulated bag, S classic tote and pouch.
Here is what makes this design special.
The Creole house, a symbol of Réunion Island
A symbol of Réunion’s heritage, the Creole house is recognisable by its colourful front and carved details. It is one of the images people immediately associate with the island.
The Case créole design celebrates this heritage. Between tradition and modernity, it pays tribute to local culture through a design you carry every day. It is the perfect accessory for anyone who loves Réunion Island and travel.
What the illustration shows
On the bag, a house with a yellow front, a red roof and blue openings stands out among lush greenery, under a clear sky with a bird passing by. The words 'Reunion Island' are handwritten at the bottom of the bag.
In some of the product photos, you can also see another side, lighter in tone, with a fountain, foliage and the signature 'LALA illustration'.
A design from the Collab' collection
Case créole belongs to the Collab' range, alongside Paille-en-queue and Letchi. These three designs come from a collaboration with Léa, an illustrator based on Réunion Island whose work celebrates the island’s wildlife, plants, landscapes and culture. We tell the story in our post on the Collab' collection.
Case créole bag sizes
According to the Case créole product page, at the time of writing:
| Size | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| XL classic | €29 | Shopping, the market, the beach |
| XL insulated | €42 | Picnics, fresh food |
| S classic | €20 | A trip into town, small errands |
| Classic pouch | €14 | Small items, a gift |
The XL classic
The big tote for everything. With its full-size illustration, it is also the size that shows off the drawing best.
The XL insulated bag
The same house, on a bag that keeps drinks and picnics cool. It joins the other designs in the Insulated bags range.
The S classic
A more discreet size, for a trip into town or a stop at the bakery.
The classic pouch
The perfect small gift, or a companion to the tote for keys, change and phone.
How to carry the Case créole bag
- At the Saturday market: the XL on your arm, between the fruit and vegetable stalls.
- On a weekend in the highlands: the S for a walk, the pouch for the essentials.
- On a picnic: the XL insulated bag for the meal, the XL classic for mats and towels.
- On a trip: the tote as a spare bag, the pouch in your suitcase.
A souvenir of the island with a story
For a traveller, the Case créole bag is a souvenir that brings back the island’s streets, gardens and colours. For someone from Réunion who has moved far away, it is a little piece of home. More ideas are gathered in which souvenir to bring back from Réunion Island.
Who to give the Case créole bag to
- A heritage lover: the Creole house is one of the island’s emblems, and the illustration pays tribute to it in rich detail.
- A newcomer: a tote for the market, and a lovely way to welcome them to the island.
- A picnicking family: the XL insulated bag, for weekend outings.
- A child or teenager: the classic pouch, for school or sports kit.
For a complete gift, pair the XL classic with the pouch: same illustration, two uses.
Looking after the illustration
To keep the colours bright:
- empty and shake out the bag after use;
- clean small marks with a damp cloth;
- let it air-dry in the shade;
- avoid leaving it in the sun when it is not in use.
FAQ
Who drew the Case créole design?
The design comes from a collaboration with Léa, an illustrator based on Réunion Island.
Does the Case créole bag come in an insulated version?
Yes, as an XL insulated bag, listed at €42 on the product page.
Where can I buy the Case créole bag?
Online, with Colissimo delivery to Réunion Island and Europe, at the Saint-Paul street market stall (Fridays 8 am to 2 pm, Saturdays 8 am to noon) or at our stockists, depending on their selection.
