The Paille-en-queue bag: Réunion Island's white bird as a pattern

The Paille-en-queue bag is a Tropical Factory design illustrated with a white-tailed tropicbird, the white cliff bird that has become one of the symbols of Réunion Island. Made from recycled plastic bottles, it comes as an XL classic tote, XL insulated bag, S classic tote and insulated lunch bag M.

Here is the story behind the pattern and how to choose your size.

The paille-en-queue, an iconic bird

The paille-en-queue, or Phaethon lepturus to give it its scientific name, is a large seabird that is easy to recognise thanks to its white plumage and long black markings. According to Réunion Island’s official tourism website, it likes to nest in the cliffs of the island’s wild south coast and is often seen in flight.

It is also a protected species: if you are lucky enough to see one up close, stay discreet and keep your distance.

Its white silhouette in flight is what the pattern tries to capture: the grace and lightness of tropical open spaces.

A design born from a collaboration

The Paille-en-queue bag belongs to the Collab' range, alongside Case créole 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 and landscapes.

On the bag, the white bird stands out against a blue background, with a decorative border along the top. On the other side, visible in some of the product photos, you can read 'LALA illustration' next to the Tropical Factory logo. We tell the story of this collaboration in our post about the illustrator.

Paille-en-queue bag sizes

According to the Paille-en-queue product page, at the time of writing:

| Size | Price | Best for |

|---|---|---|

| XL classic | €29 | Shopping, the beach, everyday bag |

| XL insulated | €42 | Picnics, fresh food shopping |

| S classic | €20 | A trip into town, small errands |

| Insulated lunch bag M | €27 | Lunch, snacks, an outing for two |

It is one of the most complete designs in the range: you can put together a matching set, with a tote for your things, an insulated bag for the meal and a small bag for town. This post’s photo actually shows several sizes together on the lava rocks.

Which size should you choose?

• You want one bag for everything: the XL classic.
• You often go on picnics: the XL insulated bag, or the lunch bag M if you are on your own or with one other person.
• You want a light bag for going out: the S classic.
• You want to give it as a gift: the lunch bag M or the S, two easy sizes to give.

A souvenir of Réunion Island with meaning

The paille-en-queue is a symbol people immediately link to the island. For a traveller, a Paille-en-queue bag is a useful, light souvenir that brings back the cliffs and the ocean every time it is used. For someone from Réunion who has moved away, it is a little piece of home. We gathered more ideas in which souvenir to bring back from Réunion Island.

The Paille-en-queue bag through the week

Thanks to its four sizes, this design fits every moment:

• Monday at the office, the insulated lunch bag M keeps lunch cool;
• Wednesday afternoon, the S classic goes with you into town or to the library;
• Saturday morning at the market, the XL classic takes fruit, vegetables and small purchases;
• Sunday picnic, the XL insulated bag carries the family’s drinks and meal.

Its blues and whites go with almost anything, from beachwear to work clothes. It is also a more understated design for anyone who finds flowers or fruit too loud.

Paille-en-queue, Letchi, Case créole: choosing within the collection

If you cannot decide between the three Collab' designs:

| Design | Mood | Sizes listed |

|---|---|---|

| Paille-en-queue | Blue and white, airy | XL classic, XL insulated, S classic, insulated lunch bag M |

| Case créole | Colourful, heritage | XL classic, XL insulated, S classic, pouch |

| Letchi | Pink and red, fruity | XL classic, S classic, pouch |

Paille-en-queue is the only one of the three offered as a lunch bag, which makes it the right choice for work.

How to look after it

To keep the blues and whites looking their best:

• empty and shake out the bag after every trip to the beach;
• wipe stains with a damp cloth;
• let it air-dry in the shade;
• avoid leaving it in full sun for hours when you are not using it.

FAQ

Is the paille-en-queue protected?

Yes, according to Réunion Island’s official tourism website, it is a protected species. Stay discreet if you come across one.

Does the Paille-en-queue bag come in an insulated version?

Yes, as an XL insulated bag (€42) and an insulated lunch bag M (€27), according to the product page.

What is the bag made of?

Recycled plastic bottles, like every Tropical Factory bag.