Apart from being the perfect finishing touch to a look, bags are meant to be dependable partners. They carry our essentials, and much like other wearable pieces, they are extensions of one’s personal expression.

Those are just some of the things Rebecca Ting keeps in mind when it comes to producing bags for beloved Singapore-based multidisciplinary design studio, Beyond the Vines (BTV). Together with Daniel Chew, she founded the brand in 2015, focusing on functional design, bold colors, and everyday usability.

Soon enough, BTV went global, opening its store here in the Philippines—its first outside Singapore. It brought with it the Dumpling Bag, its hallmark design released in 2019. It is loved by many for its distinctive silhouette, functional details, and lightweight, packable design. Over the years, as the brand expanded, so did the bag. Now it comes in a variety of sizes, materials, and colorways, becoming a closet staple for many Asian communities. In many ways, it encapsulates the brand’s philosophy: to make good design accessible to all.

“Filipinos are the warmest people. We come here to meet our partners and our friends. My best friend is Filipino. Every time we travel and people recognize us as part of BTV, they are always Filipinos,” Rebecca told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “We are very happy to be here. We opened our very first store outside Singapore six years ago, and that’s here in the Philippines. We are happy to do that.”

Last year, BTV celebrated its 10th anniversary. As its first home outside its home country, the brand brought the celebration to the Philippines with the unveiling of the Confetti Dumpling Bag and its refreshed store at Shangri-La Mall. During her visit to Manila, Rebecca couldn’t help but express her gratitude for Filipinos’ warm support and enthusiasm for the brand since it arrived in the country.

Sometimes in fashion, doing the simplest everyday pieces is the most daunting task. But for Rebecca, in order to do it, she keeps two things in mind: the consumer and the way they live.

“Personally, I am motivated by two things. First are the consumers. I ask myself: What do I think people need? What do I think will help them? What do I think they will enjoy? The other thing that is important to me is to be able to do things on our own terms—not driven by trends, but really walking to the beat of our own drums,” she mused. “When we do that, combining what people need, then we can create things that we haven’t seen before.”

This season, BTV is treating its customers everywhere by bringing back one of its beloved designs: the Studio Tote. Made from recycled suede and nylon, the Studio Tote features a streamlined silhouette that uses a mix of materials. It now comes in two colorways: pink-red and maroon-cobalt.

Apart from bags, the brand has expanded into apparel and, more recently, homeware, with cushion covers, glass cups, and candles. While those are different categories from bags, the same design philosophy is applied in their creation.

“The fundamental design philosophy is the same. We try to design and build pieces that people can use day to day,” Rebecca said. “At the same time, we are a bit more adventurous with the accessories line and the bags category. With those categories, we can go crazy. But for apparel, we try to be more streamlined.”

As BTV moves into its next chapter, Rebecca Ting remains guided by the same principles that shaped the brand from the start: thoughtful function, playful expression, and a deep understanding of the people who carry its pieces every day.