In a unique trend, Chinese consumers are repurposing bags from Yunnanese milk tea brand Chagee into a variety of DIY products, including cylinder purses, book covers, tissue boxes, and foot baths.
Some netizens have playfully mocked these DIY creations, questioning the practicality of using the bags for unconventional purposes. However, others have defended the trend, praising the high-quality and aesthetically pleasing nature of Chagee’s blue and off-white bags.
Remarkably elegant in their design, these milk tea bags have caught the attention of Chinese consumers, drawing comparisons to the Maria Grazia Chiuri Dior book tote. The striking resemblance has sparked discussions online, with some netizens suggesting that Chiuri might have drawn inspiration from Chinese prints, given the bag’s Chinese porcelain blue and traditional pastoral background.
Chagee’s incorporation of traditional Chinese aesthetics in their design is seen as an effort to modernize Chinese tea culture. DIY influencers, taking note of this cultural blend, have embraced Chagee’s bags in their projects, often accompanied by Chinese folk or classical music. Videos on platforms like Bilibili showcase creations such as Chinese fans, pencil holders, origami lotus flowers, and even a Chagee store recreated using a milk tea cup.
This viral trend illustrates how online creators continue to transform and reimagine Chinese culture for the contemporary era, turning everyday items into fashionable and culturally resonant accessories.