I’ve always found the FRAKTA bag to be a lifesaver in countless situations. Whether it’s hauling groceries, packing for a weekend getaway, or even cutting it up into an ad-hoc picnic mat, the FRAKTA has been my go-to.
IKEA’s latest venture, ‘Hus of FRAKTA,’ is a luxury pop-up dedicated to the beloved blue bag. Nestled on London’s fashionable Oxford Street, this pop-up is a tribute to one of the world’s most recognizable and versatile bags.
Designer Bags … And Then, There’s FRAKTA
Located at 216 Oxford Street, right next to the soon-to-open IKEA store set for spring 2025, the pop-up is open daily until March 2025. This prime location places the FRAKTA bag among high-end designer brands, celebrating its place in the world of fashion and everyday utility.
Matt Gould, IKEA London City Store Manager, shares his excitement: “We’re incredibly excited to bring IKEA to Oxford Street and know there’s plenty of anticipation for the store opening next year. In a playful tribute to this iconic location, we took inspiration from the world of fashion and blended it with our own principles of democratic design, so the FRAKTA can be discovered like never before.”
Let’s not forget that the FRAKTA is no stranger to haute couture, having had a moment with a Balenciaga look-alike back in 2017. So, is the Hus of FRAKTA a playful ‘back at you’ to the designer world? It certainly seems like it, blending high fashion with IKEA’s democratic design principles right in the heart of Oxford Street.
Chance To Put Your Stamp On FRAKTA
One of the interesting activities within the Hus of FRAKTA is the ‘Atelier,’ where visitors can personalize FRAKTA bags with their initials. For just £3, or free for IKEA Family members, you can add a unique touch to your large (75p) or medium (50p) FRAKTA bag.
You’ll need to fill out the form, specifying the letters, position and colors of the alphabets. Hand it in for processing and collect the personalized bag when you’re ready to leave. A nice touch to have your name on a FRAKTA bag.
1 in 2 Owns A FRAKTA Bag
The FRAKTA bag, meaning ‘to freight’ in Swedish, has been a staple of IKEA for over three decades. Originally designed to help customers carry their purchases, it has since become a symbol of resourcefulness and adaptability.
From laundry basket to beach bag, and even a trusty companion for city commuters, the FRAKTA has proven its versatility time and again. Nearly half of UK households (45%) own one, with many (31%) keeping theirs for over five years.
Belén Frau Uriarte highlights the bag’s significance: “The Hus of FRAKTA is more than a celebration of a product; it’s a fusion of fashion and our principles of democratic design, paying tribute to this iconic shopping destination and welcoming our new neighbors.”
FRAKTA Hacks: Creative Uses for the Iconic Blue Bag
Today the humble blue bag has become a cultural icon – reimagined by iconic designers including Zandra Rhodes and Marimekko along the way.
But it’s not just the designers who have embraced its versatility. The FRAKTA is also regularly reinvented by IKEA hackers. Here are a few of our favorite FRAKTA hacks.
1. Bridal Bathroom Helper
The FRAKTA bag can be your best friend on your wedding day. Cut a hole at the base of the bag and turn it into a portable bathroom helper that can hold up your dress as you navigate the difficulties of taking a leak in a bridal gown.
2. Roll-Top Backpack
Transform your FRAKTA into a stylish and functional roll-top backpack. You’ll need 4-5 large blue bags for enough material to create a durable, ultralight, waterproof backpack.
3. Bean Bag Chair
Sew multiple FRAKTA bags together and fill them with foam beads to create a unique, waterproof bean bag chair. It’s a fun and affordable way to add extra seating to your home or garden.
4. Dog Raincoat
Keep your furry friend dry with a DIY dog raincoat made from a FRAKTA bag. Cut the bag to fit your dog’s size, add some Velcro straps for easy fastening, and you’ve got a waterproof raincoat that’s both functional and fashionable
5. Tomato Planter Bag
Use the FRAKTA bag as a planter for tomatoes and other plants. Its durable material and large size make it an excellent container for growing plants. Just poke holes, add soil, plant your seeds, and watch them thrive.
These creative hacks showcase the versatility of the FRAKTA bag, proving that it’s more than just a shopping bag. Whether you’re looking for practical solutions or fun DIY projects, the FRAKTA has you covered.
Visit Hus of FRAKTA
Hus of FRAKTA is located at 216 Oxford Street and is open daily from 11am – 8pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm – 6pm on Sunday until March 2025. For more information, visit: IKEA.co.uk/husoffrakta.
Love the FRAKTA and want more ideas on ways to use it? Check out our page on IKEA FRAKTA hacks.
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