Elinor Otto: Celebrating 106 Years Young

Happy 106th Birthday to Elinor Otto, the woman who inspired R.Riveters Otto bag. A true inspiration to women everywhere.

Elinor grew up during the great depression- a time that taught her the value of hard work and perseverance she'd carry well in to her nineties. 

When the United Stated entered WWII, millions of men left their jobs and headed to the battlefield. Women across the nation answered the call to fill their roles they had left behind. in. 1942 she joined the Douglas Aircraft Company where she began riveting parts on airplanes destined for the front lines. Like countless other women known as "Rosie the Riveters". Elinor broke barriers, stepping into a world that had been reserved for men.

After the war, most women were laid off and returned to their life at home- but not Elinor. She loved her job and over the next seven decades, she continued to build aircraft for some of the nation's most iconic aerospace companies. She finally retired in 2014, at the age of 95. 

Elinor Otto's legacy continues at R.Riveter. One of our most popular handbags, the Otto features an adjustable crossbody strap and functional handles, creating a bag ready for work or play. Shop the Otto and carry more than a handbag, carry a legacy.