IKEA turns classic blue shopping bag into portable pillow

Swedish furniture brand IKEA has recreated its recognisable Frakta carrier bag as a "huggable" padded shopper called Resten, which can be used as a pillow while on the go.

Created in partnership with Singapore-based firm The Secret Little Agency, Resten was released by IKEA in Singapore – reported as one of the world's most sleep-deprived countries.

The accessory was created with public transport in mind to provide a moment of respite for the large volume of daily commuters across the nation.

The "huggable" bag maintains its hallmark blue colour but is formed from a combination of soft textiles and stuffing, The Secret Little Agency said. The result is a quilted, pillow-shaped design that can be used as a headrest while travelling.

"We selected fabrics that felt like bedsheets when touched – smooth, soft and comfortable," said Nicholas Ye, who acts as The Secret Little Agency's chief creative officer alongside Mavis Neo.

"The bag is something you can comfortably rest on, even in the least comfortable or unexpected spaces," Ye told Dezeen. "We wanted to give the ever-hardworking, iconic blue Frakta a rest in Singapore."

Resten features a large blue handle donning the pun "leave the rest to IKEA" and a large zip to ensure belongings are kept secure when the bag is being used as a pillow.

While Resten is not currently for sale, the limited-edition item can be won through social media competitions and participation at IKEA Singapore's upcoming Restfest – a 3-day event in September focussed on rest and relaxation.

This is not the first time that the Frakta bag has been reinvented. In 2017, fashion house Balenciaga created a version of the blue bag worth £1,705, while the Frakta cost only 40 pence.

In the US, IKEA previously released a rainbow-coloured iteration of the bag to mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

The photography is courtesy of The Secret Little Agency.

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