Hélène de la Moureyre, the creative force behind bilum, began designing bags when she couldn't find the perfect bag for her computer or weekend getaways. Each of her bags is unique, reflecting their namesake, traditional string bags from Papua New Guinea, each individually decorated by their maker. In this case, the raw material is huge advertising banners -- removed from storefronts, exhibitions, airports or other locations. The banners, which are made from tarpaulin, are designed to resist bad weather and are therefore an ideal material to use to make sturdy waterproof bags. Each bag is part of a larger story -- an extract of text, of an illustration or of a photograph, with a unique aesthetic. The straps are made using repurposed or overrun seatbelts.

In it production process, all of which takes place within 40 kilometres of Paris, bilum works with companies that support disabled workers and/or are dedicated to training individuals to reintegrate into the workforce (Etablissements ou Services d'Aide par la Travail and Entreprise Adaptée).

Hélène has worked on special campaigns in France designing custom bags for companies such as Kiehl's and agnès b, which employ their repurposed advertising materials.